India so far has been interesting. Learning to be in a new culture and learning the language. When we first arrived there was so much excitement in my heart to be here that all I could do is smile, but then I was told that if you smile at men that means you are interested. Well I guess I was interested in many men... hahaha... Sad but true. It's the little things that we grow up doing and mean no harm but are looked at differently in India.
Here is a list of the culture differences that I keep learning:
* do not hug men in public (guys on our team)
*don't hold hands while praying
*must eat with ONLY right hand...
* when they say 30min it means 2hrs
*everything is slower
*must wear head covering during church and prayer
Well those are the ones I have so far. I am sure there will be many more to come.
So it will be hitting the month mark tomorrow since we arrived in India and it has gone by so fast. I feel like I just left yesterday. This month has been getting adjusted to being here and learning more about the culture and how things run here. It really has been an adventure and a different pace of life here. Now we have to start learning the language which seems very difficult to pronounce things. I have picked up on some things here and there. But my hearts desire is to be fluent so that I can speak to the people here and build more relationships.
Lately we have been working with a pastor that is in the next town from us. We have done testimonies at his church, lead worship, and we do Sunday kids school. I have been in charge of putting children's ministry together and it has been such a blessing to be with the little ones that bring so much joy to my heart. Especially when the call me "aunty" that is what children call their elders. For men it would be "uncle." I am in LOVE with the beautiful children here. We also got an opportunity to go to an orphanage for the past 2 days that is 4hrs from where we live. It was such an exciting two days with the kids as we, played games, bible stories, sang songs, and loved on them. As we left the kids were hugging us so tight crying asking us not to go. I knew in that moment that they experienced the love of Jesus. That was the reason why we were there so that they may experience His love through us. It brought tears to my eyes that God could use us that way.
What is next? Well we will be starting a English service with the church we are working with. I am also building relationships with some of the young girls in church that God put on my heart to diciple. I have invited one of them to our house to spend time with her. The only thing is that she lives far from where we live, so I am praying that God will provide for us to meet every week to build that relationship. Please keep that in your prayers. One option I have is to get a scooter to get around the town which will cost me $1000 in order to start discipleship with theses girls.
If you would like to partner with me in that please go to: https://www.mogiv.com/rockmissions/ruthmendoza/
I am in love with the people of India and I could not ask to be anywhere else but here serving them. Thank you to those that make this happen every month.
Thank you for your support and love. I miss you so much!
Here is a list of the culture differences that I keep learning:
* do not hug men in public (guys on our team)
*don't hold hands while praying
*must eat with ONLY right hand...
* when they say 30min it means 2hrs
*everything is slower
*must wear head covering during church and prayer
Well those are the ones I have so far. I am sure there will be many more to come.
So it will be hitting the month mark tomorrow since we arrived in India and it has gone by so fast. I feel like I just left yesterday. This month has been getting adjusted to being here and learning more about the culture and how things run here. It really has been an adventure and a different pace of life here. Now we have to start learning the language which seems very difficult to pronounce things. I have picked up on some things here and there. But my hearts desire is to be fluent so that I can speak to the people here and build more relationships.
Lately we have been working with a pastor that is in the next town from us. We have done testimonies at his church, lead worship, and we do Sunday kids school. I have been in charge of putting children's ministry together and it has been such a blessing to be with the little ones that bring so much joy to my heart. Especially when the call me "aunty" that is what children call their elders. For men it would be "uncle." I am in LOVE with the beautiful children here. We also got an opportunity to go to an orphanage for the past 2 days that is 4hrs from where we live. It was such an exciting two days with the kids as we, played games, bible stories, sang songs, and loved on them. As we left the kids were hugging us so tight crying asking us not to go. I knew in that moment that they experienced the love of Jesus. That was the reason why we were there so that they may experience His love through us. It brought tears to my eyes that God could use us that way.
What is next? Well we will be starting a English service with the church we are working with. I am also building relationships with some of the young girls in church that God put on my heart to diciple. I have invited one of them to our house to spend time with her. The only thing is that she lives far from where we live, so I am praying that God will provide for us to meet every week to build that relationship. Please keep that in your prayers. One option I have is to get a scooter to get around the town which will cost me $1000 in order to start discipleship with theses girls.
If you would like to partner with me in that please go to: https://www.mogiv.com/rockmissions/ruthmendoza/
I am in love with the people of India and I could not ask to be anywhere else but here serving them. Thank you to those that make this happen every month.
Thank you for your support and love. I miss you so much!
