Well it is Sunday afternoon (early morning in CA) and I am back in Singapore... In a way it seems like it's been a long time, but then at the same time like we were just here! Thankfully our layover was not NEARLY as long this time (only 9 hrs as apposed to 19 hrs) We slept a few hours, then took a bus tour of Singapore. That was cool, I learned a lot of history about this place.
I have not been able to update this blog on the events of the trip as often as I had hoped, but it was not all that different from week to week. We taught classes during the day, graded in the afternoon, ate, then slept! On friday the students had a farewell show for us. They did special songs and skits which were very nice. The team got up and sang a song called "Until we meet again"...which in turn caused me to "lose it" in front of the school. I didn't realize how much I would miss everyone. Their sincere love for people and immediate acceptance astounded me. Americans are so often "stand-offish" The students made us feel welcomed immediately. I hope to post pictures as soon as I get home of the students and the places we have been.
Until then- I will sign off. Thanks for listening! God bless!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A week and a half in Bangalore
Namaste! (that's hello)
I have been in Bangalore for about a week and a half and am learning to adjust to life here. Classes are going well, despite the language barrier. The students here do not interact with the teacher like in the U.S. and would much rather do things in a group than be recognized individually. This makes it difficult at times, but God is good and I am learning how to get along.
I think I may be learning more about my subjects than my students. I teach "How to live a godly single life" and "How to lead a Bible study" to two different groups of girls. It requires a lot of studying and preparation on my part, but I am getting a lot out of it. I hope they are too!
Saturday, Timothy's brother Edwin was married to Priya. She is a new believer, and her family is still Hindu and therefore do not support her. We had been praying for the wedding that it would present the gospel message clearly and that there would not be a lot of tension. One of the members on the team, Hal Ring, gave a great message. The Gospel was clear and we are praying that it will change the hearts of those who were at the wedding. Already, one of Priya's uncles asked him about the TRUE God we worship. God is at work here. It is amazing to see the blatant worship of idols all around us. When we went to the zoo last weekend, there were idols set up in the zoo to the termite and elephant gods. Please keep praying for our team's ministry here and for the lost souls in need of the Living God.
I hope to email at least once more before we leave this place (Lord willing). Thanks to everyone who has supported me financially and through continued prayers. Please continue to pray for the health of our team as some (including myself) have had a difficult time adjusting to the spicy food. Please also pray that we would have an effective ministry to the students here.
Until we meet again-
God bless!
I have been in Bangalore for about a week and a half and am learning to adjust to life here. Classes are going well, despite the language barrier. The students here do not interact with the teacher like in the U.S. and would much rather do things in a group than be recognized individually. This makes it difficult at times, but God is good and I am learning how to get along.
I think I may be learning more about my subjects than my students. I teach "How to live a godly single life" and "How to lead a Bible study" to two different groups of girls. It requires a lot of studying and preparation on my part, but I am getting a lot out of it. I hope they are too!
Saturday, Timothy's brother Edwin was married to Priya. She is a new believer, and her family is still Hindu and therefore do not support her. We had been praying for the wedding that it would present the gospel message clearly and that there would not be a lot of tension. One of the members on the team, Hal Ring, gave a great message. The Gospel was clear and we are praying that it will change the hearts of those who were at the wedding. Already, one of Priya's uncles asked him about the TRUE God we worship. God is at work here. It is amazing to see the blatant worship of idols all around us. When we went to the zoo last weekend, there were idols set up in the zoo to the termite and elephant gods. Please keep praying for our team's ministry here and for the lost souls in need of the Living God.
I hope to email at least once more before we leave this place (Lord willing). Thanks to everyone who has supported me financially and through continued prayers. Please continue to pray for the health of our team as some (including myself) have had a difficult time adjusting to the spicy food. Please also pray that we would have an effective ministry to the students here.
Until we meet again-
God bless!
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Clearly you've never been to Singapore!
Hello family, friends, and all who may have stumbled across my blog!
I am here in Singapore...still. We arrived Sunday morning at 1 am. Due to slight complications we were unable to secure the hotel rooms as we had hoped which meant sleeping in chairs in the lounge of this airport. Actually, as the guys slept us girls kept watch over the luggage and played cards. (A woman's work is never done huh?) We were able to secure rooms at about 9am this morning and had the most WONDERFUL 4 hours of sleep ever, followed by the most BLESSED feeling of a shower! I feel like a whole new person. Once we awoke, we jumped right into the culture with Burger King whoppers for breakfast. (and of course coffee) We should be leaving Singapore in a few hours to travel to Bangalore India where we will be staying for 3 weeks. I look forward to what God will do while we are there and already feel humbled to be a part of this. Please continue to pray for our team... for safety as we travel, continued good health (so far only a few members have experienced a little stomach upset) and preperation as we go to another culture. I'm sure the shock will be great no matter how much we have prepared but I look forward to it and embrace the awkwardness with open arms! I hope to update this blog as often as I can during our travels. More information should also be forth-coming on the church website: www.gracebaptist.org
Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.
Blessings!
Ellen :)
I am here in Singapore...still. We arrived Sunday morning at 1 am. Due to slight complications we were unable to secure the hotel rooms as we had hoped which meant sleeping in chairs in the lounge of this airport. Actually, as the guys slept us girls kept watch over the luggage and played cards. (A woman's work is never done huh?) We were able to secure rooms at about 9am this morning and had the most WONDERFUL 4 hours of sleep ever, followed by the most BLESSED feeling of a shower! I feel like a whole new person. Once we awoke, we jumped right into the culture with Burger King whoppers for breakfast. (and of course coffee) We should be leaving Singapore in a few hours to travel to Bangalore India where we will be staying for 3 weeks. I look forward to what God will do while we are there and already feel humbled to be a part of this. Please continue to pray for our team... for safety as we travel, continued good health (so far only a few members have experienced a little stomach upset) and preperation as we go to another culture. I'm sure the shock will be great no matter how much we have prepared but I look forward to it and embrace the awkwardness with open arms! I hope to update this blog as often as I can during our travels. More information should also be forth-coming on the church website: www.gracebaptist.org
Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers.
Blessings!
Ellen :)
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Contemplating departure
As I prepare myself to go to the other side of the world in a few days, I can't help but feel a mixture of emotions. I am excited to be going there and working with the college students. I'm excited to see the students' and how they live out their faith in the midst of persecution. I am also nervous at the thought of having to teach college students about the Bible. I'm scared of the differences that the culture will bring and of offending those with whom I work. I am grateful that I have this opportunity and humbled that I was chosen to go. I am hopefull that God will work through the team as we are there.
I didn't realize how much preparation there would be for this trip going into it. Not only is there work to be prepared in order to teach classes and give homework, but mental preparation for a new culture. The worst thing anyone could do in going to another country is expect them to give you all the American comforts you have at home. The saying "when in Rome do as the Romans do." applies to other countries as well. Do your best to take on their cultural ideas. Observe how they interact, what is expected, how they dress, etc. You are THEIR guest, jump into the culture. You never know, you may like what you find :)
I didn't realize how much preparation there would be for this trip going into it. Not only is there work to be prepared in order to teach classes and give homework, but mental preparation for a new culture. The worst thing anyone could do in going to another country is expect them to give you all the American comforts you have at home. The saying "when in Rome do as the Romans do." applies to other countries as well. Do your best to take on their cultural ideas. Observe how they interact, what is expected, how they dress, etc. You are THEIR guest, jump into the culture. You never know, you may like what you find :)
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