CELEBRATING AND SERVING IN HYDERABAD

POST #18

SYMBOLS OF SACRIFICE AND PARTNERSHIP. Each of our core team members spoke about our project of raising funds and awareness for rebuilding Umri Christian Hospital at different locations yesterday morning. People here seem sincerely interested in and inspired by Bicycle India 2007. Unexpectedly, individuals and groups in India have offered thousands of rupees in support of the hospital--a real sacrifice and a symbol to all in North America of a partnership in the desire to see a bright future for UCH.


FROM DANCING TO FOOT WASHING. On Sunday afternoon we headed to a youth hostel for a welcome celebration by the Emmanuel Conference of the Free Methodist Church. This welcome was an uproarious one, with garlands, dancing, signs, and children throwing flower petals. Men danced the “tiger dance,” encircling each of our cycling team members and gyrating to tribal drums and instruments. We were then offered a foot washing--an ancient rite of both honor and humble service--by two bishops of the church. A large group meeting with singing and sharing lasted late into the evening. Seriously, this is way too much! We hadn’t ridden our bikes at all, but we were exhausted when we fell into bed Sunday night.

SERVICE DAY. Monday was a full day of service off the bikes. Our team went different directions across Hyderabad. John spent the day facilitating training with a group of emerging leaders on one side of the city. Joe met with a similar gathering in another part of the city. Bob worked for the team most of the day by tuning up the bikes, making arrangements for our lodging in Delhi, etc. It was the first time we’d been off the bikes for a second day in a row since we started. This much time in one place seems like forever. We’re anxious to get riding again.

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