“Experience of a Lifetime” Part I: Our Arrival and Christmas Eve
Part one appeared in the February 2004 issue of The Beacon.

From the time we left Orlando, flew to Atlanta, on to Manchester, England, then to Dubai, United Arab Emirates and into Hyderabad, India we enjoyed smooth flying.  From plane to plane we made our connections without a hitch.  Every stop along the way was an enjoyable experience with people willing and ready to help get us through airport check in and security.

Once we arrived in Hyderabad, we were ready to be on the ground for awhile.  Friends met us at the airport and placed sandalwood garlands around our neck, welcoming us to India. We went to the Viceroy Hotel, where we had the opportunity to freshen up after our long flight. Then we went out for our first experience of shopping and haggling in India.  Near Hyderabad’s Technology Center many artists and merchants were participating in an arts and crafts fair. The Mission Team quickly learned that the asking price was not necessarily the selling price, a lesson that was helpful for the rest of the time in India.

Later that evening, about 7:00, we rode our bus to the train station to catch the train that would take us to Kakinada.  We watched as our baggage handlers carried the bags stacked on their heads two or three high and one on each arm. It made my head ache just to see them so burdened. It seemed like we walked a mile to get to the train.  Up stairs, across the overpass, and then down to the platform, but the handlers never stopped.  Once on board we relaxed a bit for the eleven hour overnight trip.  We were in sleeper cars so we were all able to lie down and get some sleep. I woke several times during the night as the train would slow down or come very gently to a stop. I would look out the window to see what I could.  I always saw people, some getting off the train while others were boarding. But always it was quiet and many of these depots had only a single building and little light.

As dawn came, we saw for the first time at the Indian countryside. At full light, we could see the men, women and children walking to work.  Many would spend the day working in the rice paddies. As the train passed the small villages, we would see cement block houses and huts sitting side by side.

About 7:00 a.m. we arrived at the Kakinada train station.  Dr. Rhoda and some of the boys from Hope Village met us on the platform.  The boys took charge of our bags and moved them from the train platform to the waiting cars. Then we were off to the Christian Cancer Center to be greeted by the doctors, nurses and staff. There we each received another beautiful and fragrant garland. They sang for us, prayed with us, and we exchanged words of greetings and thanks.

After some refreshments, we were taken to the Halcyon Hotel, just a couple blocks from the CCC. It was a very lovely place.  Sarah had done well in finding it for us. We had clean room with showers and comfortable king size beds.

In the afternoon, we drove about 15 miles to Peddapuram and the Hope Village Boy’s Home.  On our arrival we were each given another garland made of tinsel and wires. They did a short welcoming presentation for us.  We then went to the school for praise and prayer time led by one of the middle school boys.  They introduced themselves to us and we to them.  Following the worship time, Janice presented the St. Timothy Sunday School Christmas cards and the pen pal letters. She read each card to the boys and asked for volunteers to write letters back to St. Timothy’s Sunday School students.

After presentations were completed, we went outside to plant the fruit trees.  A recent storm had knocked out the irrigation system, so only a few of the trees could be planted during our stay.

In the evening of our first day in Kakinada, John drove us to his house for dinner.  That night a local Lutheran congregation came caroling.  They were in the company of a dancing Santa who thoroughly entertained us with his antics.  We had a wonderful time.

We were served our morning breakfasts in the hotel restaurant. The waiters worked very hard at giving us the best service.  Even now, I have a longing for their scrabbled eggs and jelly on toast. They were so good.

On Christmas Eve Day, the Mission Team led a retreat on “Servanthood” for the hospital staff.  Jim, Sandra and I presented talks on faith and servanthood. Michelle played her flute during meditation time.  Kelley sang a solo. Everyone served and joined in the singing.  Pastor Johnson closed the retreat with a Communion Service. As the participants left the communion rail Rick and I gave each participant a cross. Many of them had tears in their eyes.  What an experience!

Following the retreat, everyone involved went for a feast on the roof of the Cancer Center. The Mission Team continued the theme of servanthood by asking the CCC staff and the Hope Village staff to be seated while we served them their plates of food. Following lunch, it was time to play games.  Everyone enjoyed the fellowship.  We took many pictures.  The Hope Village boy’s and the CCC staff loved to have us take their picture. In the early evening we took the bus to the Bay of Bengal beach. We found the water to be very cold.  This was a very memorable Christmas Eve.

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