Can't Keep Up

I am back in the wi fi world here at the Church of North India (CNI) Bhavan where we are staying. Connectivity has been problematic. The blog posts but e mail does not get sent. checking in on the blog is the best way to follow the trip. I wish more people would sign on as followers; Margaret has three to my two.

Etah...On Sunday,10/17, we drove to Etah from Agra, leaving at 6:00 AM to be sure of a timely arrival for the 9:00 AM service. Pastor UR Jacob has retired and lives with his son, Pastor Anish Jacob. The little room we met in before the service last time is now occupied by a bearer and his family and there was no effort to plan our participation in the service. Girls sang enthusuastically and performed a sacred dance with lit candles. each holding twio lit candles, turning about in limited space, placing candles on the floor and dancing and then kneeling next to the xandles wearing pretty white polyester dresses. I was in the fron row, figuring the most efficient way to perform a drop, roll and smother. Jimmy was asked to preach, of course, which he did well as always. The two hour service concluded and clergy left the sanctuary. A pause and the three returned and I was asked to get the congregation. So I shared my little remarks and presented framed photographs of Bert and Ella. No one seemed interested or happy about it. Margaret spoke, always warm and compelling.

There were a few people from six years ago, a woman named Grace and Mr. Lall, Principle of the Boys' Agricultural Inter College. Dr. Mrs. Sheela Prasad was there, having come from Agra where her husband is recuperating from heart surgery. She provided translation for us as the service is in Hindi. Afterwards, Asha introduced herself. She had been planning to ask for a picture of Rev. McGaw to hang in her Ashram. She runs a little elementary school for children in the Awagarh area, following in the footsteps of her father who incorporated all the teaching of Mr. McGaw into his life and work. She invited us to visit the school, but it did not appear possible, as we planned to leave from Agra for Delhi the next day.  (12/13/10 I have since sent her the pictures.)

At last I got to see the house where my mother grew up, just the outside.  It was certainly familiar from the pictures I have seen over the years.  There were many apologies for the condition of the house, but still, it is lovely.

To Be Continued