One Week Later


By Ashley
















I cannot believe that it has been a week since I was last in India. It feels like just yesterday we were cramming into Saju's car trying not to go through the windshield when he "tapped" his breaks. It is all still so fresh in my mind, the faces, the places....everything. I haven't stopped thinking about the time I spent there and I don't imagine myself easily forgetting it. We actually heard from Saju today and he said that he visited with the Basketball Coach of the Clarence School, one of the schools we held a clinic at. He said the kids are asking about us and still talking about the camp. It's funny, because we are too. He also said that he composed a list of the children at the camp and found a great number of them are not Christians. It feels so good to know those 5 hours we worked with them over the week on a silly game made a lasting impact in their lives. I always ask God why I have continued to play basketball and just cannot give it up. Maybe now I see, because I also continually ask God to use me and the talents he has blessed me with.

Caedmon's Call went to India a few years ago and made a CD about their trip. It is funny to go back and listen to it now that I have actually experienced it. I have probably said this before but you truly cannot capture India to bring home. No video, picture or story can do it justice. It is something you must experience yourself. Just like hearing the songs on the CD, yes they are good. But they don't mean a whole lot to you until you have been there. One of their songs is called Mother India and still makes me tear up a little each time I hear it :) Here is a clip:

Father God, you have shed your tears for Mother India
They have fallen to water ancient seeds
That will grow into hands that touch the untouchable
How blessed are the poor, the sick, the weak

Father, forgive me, for I have not believed
Like Mother India, I have groaned and grieved
Father, forgive me, I forgot Your grace
Your Spirit falls on India and captured me in Your embrace

There's a land where our shackles turn to diamonds
Where we trade in our rags for a royal crown
In that place, our oppressors hold no power
And the doors of the King are thrown wide

So now I am back home, and I have to admit I am a little bored. I miss waking up before the sun shines and the hotel serves breakfast to teach a bunch of children how to play basketball. I miss them more than you know and I hope to see all of my new found friends again, but that proves difficult being on the other side of the world. It is so wonderful to know that if I don't get to see them again in India, I can still meet with them again one day. Thank you for keeping up with our trip and most of all praying for us while we were gone.
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Home Sweet Home


By Ashley




Well, we have finally made it home. The flight felt like 48 hours, but we made it. I never dreamed I would miss India so much, and that this trip would have such an impact on me. It was hard to leave, but it was nice taking a shower in my own house and being able to brush my teeth with tap water.


Our last day was fun and busy. We split into 3 churches for Sunday morning services, and I went along with Dad. We went to Pastor Dass's church, and I have to say he is one amazing and cute man. I am pretty sure every time I saw him he was smiling. The church was wonderful. There was one case of "bad luck" though. They take communion every week and it was my turn to get my cup and bread. I got a cup (I tried to pick a small one in case it tasted bad), and headed back to my seat. I looked down, and there was a fly in my juice. I didn't know what to do! So...of course, Dad saves the day. We snuck my cup in his cup and placed it on the tray where everyone else was leaving there's. People don't believe me when I say the Cohoon family has bad luck.

That night we attended "the Big Blow" where we all got to share and have a time of worship. Babu says there were 700 people there (or at least he served 700 plates). All I can say is there was a lot of people in there. I remember seeing one church drive up in a big truck where 20 or so people piled out of the back. It was a truly amazing service, and I was afraid I would cry when I got up to speak. After it was over and we talked to the people one last time, it was all I could do to hold the tears in. I truly miss India and the people, and I hope there are trips for me in the future. Basketball camps seem to be on high demand now...Did I mention, driving on the right side of the street without the "noise pollution" was spectacular. Although I tried to encourage my mom to squeeze between cars so we could get there a little quicker. Oh, only in India. Some final statistics for you:
Pizza Hut Count: 6
Getting "leid"/flowers: 5
Grabbing the seat in front of me when Saju slams on breaks: ....wait...I lost count after 2000

So now I am home, a little jetlagged. Look for one last post later this week sometime...when I wake up that is. I can actually have my bowl of Special K and Berries...oh how sweet it is to be home.

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1 more day...


By Ashley
Well, we have almost made it. We have one more full day and then we leave tomorrow night (more like Monday morning) at 3:00 AM, which is 5:30 PM Sunday at home. Today was fun, we did some shopping. Which is stressful for Dad and I because we both have trouble making up our minds and we go back and forth trying to decide. We needed Big Mama's shopping expertise. We then visited an AWANA club in a nicer area, and the kids acted more like the kids at home if you know what I mean. Well, we have been packing fools, and now its time to hit the bed. We have a church in the morning and then the "Big Blow" as they call it tomorrow night. It's kind of our official goodbye as I understand it. This might be the last post, our internet runs out tonight I think. Who knows though, "It's India". Just had to throw one more in there.
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Two more days...


By Ashley




Today was our last basketball camp. Of course, they had a little "farewell" for us. One of the campers wrote a speech, it was very nice. We got to meet the Principal as well, and come to find out he studied at Bible college in GA for a year. He was a very nice man. We were busy all day. We woke up at 5AM for bball camp in which we all got to share a testimony, or anything we would like. Then we grabbed a quick breakfast and headed out to a Pastor's meeting in an empty apartment. We then got lunch, and headed to the village in Bidadi. The village is the poorest of poor and probably the saddest place I have ever been. I know it is actually. Then Babu popped a house church on us after we thought we were going to get to bed early. It was nice though. The people are great, and I just love being around them. We also stopped by one of the Pastor's churches. His brother makes all leather animals, and they are incredible. We went by to look at some. It was a great, but tiring day. Sorry the post is short, but we are worn out and have to rest up for the big shopping day tomorrow!
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Pizza Hut Count: 5


By Ashley





It is 4:45 PM here and we just finished another Pizza Hut lunch. It has been a great day already (at least the first 12 hours). This morning started out interesting. Saju’s car broke down, as we were sitting in the lobby from 5-5:45 AM not knowing where he was, but we just thought “It’s India”. So Benjamin came and rode a taxi with us. At camp this morning we were actually able to share with the kids. Dad went over the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Wordless Book. We wanted to give them bracelets, but they are associated with the Church of the Brethren and Saju said they cannot wear “ornaments”. The P.E. Coach said it was ok, but Saju didn’t want to offend anyone else at the school. I was then able to talk to the Vice Principal, which apparently is a huge deal because they are such a prominent and prestigious school. It was very neat to talk to him and learn about their school and the Indian school system.

We then headed out to our other school (the loooong ride). They wanted us there early for their assembly. So “It’s India” right? We were a little late, but they had something up their sleeve for us. We drove up and they had a huge banner welcoming us with our picture and names on it. They sent it home with us too hahah. It was very nice. Then we were walking to the dirt court and all of the students in Grade 6-10 which is about 200 students in lines of 12 people. Then they started clapping for us real loud, and I almost cried! They were so cute, and they clapped together and just watched us walk across the dirt to where they were. They clapped several times for us and presented us with these shaws around our shoulders and also leis and thanked us over and over. They also presented us with a special “letter”. They were so well behaved. They never moved or talked or anything. They had each one of us share, I had no and clue I was going to have to, but I improvised well. It was very hot and one little boy got overheated and started moving forward out of his line into another boy. Immediately the teachers and Chaplain calmly went to him and walked him to the shade. The students still did not take their attention off of us. I have never seen anything like it! We then had camp, signed autographs, received an autographed basketball, and handed out wordless book bracelets. It was great, and I will never forget it.

Then we met with the Principal for a while, and headed back. I got to experience some of monsoon season when a huge downpour came. The ride was pretty scary for a while. I don’t think I can complain about Atlanta driving and traffic anymore. I actually miss it! We probably have a free night; apparently Indian’s call things off when it rains hard because of travel and all. It’s been a great trip, and there is only 3 full days left until we jump on the plane! Pretty wild.
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Only in India


By Ashley
So, it is 8:45 PM and we have been gone since 5:30 AM. We were supposed to have an early night back to get some much needed rest, but "it's India" as they say. I have been hearing the phrase "only in India" a lot today. We did our camps today, and the light rain kept it cool and also kept me from pulling the camera out. So I will have to post pics tomorrow. We went over to Saju's afterwards (and after our 4th Pizza Hut trip) and helped him out with some Awana packets. Then they fed us an Indian snack (which was actually ok) and we headed out to a Handicraft Festival. Saju had difficulty with directions and it took us almost 2 hours to get there! They don't ask for directions BEFORE they leave, but wait until they are driving and stop in the middle of the road, roll their window down, and ask whoever. We probably asked 20 people who just kept sending us in circles. That is another thing I have learned, it takes forever to get just about anywhere around here. The festival was pretty neat, but we didn't buy much. They tried to rip us off because we are white. We are worn out and the lack of sleep is really catching up. We have to leave at 5:00 AM tomorrow and Friday morning, so we have to try and get to bed early. Sorry for the lame post.
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Basketball, Cameras, and White People


By Ashley



So one big thing I have learned, being white in India attracts attention and the people. Not just for your money, but for your handshakes and prayers. Last night we went to a house church in the middle of a totally depressed area (like most areas, but even more depressed). We walked through the area towards the house that was two stories up a skinny, steep staircase. Babu just waved and called people out for a "meeting". As I was walking I noticed a group of about 7 girls walking around me. They were giggling at Jon because he is so tall. They followed us to the house until we went inside. Then a group of boys followed us to our car afterwards.

Cameras attract the Indian people as well. They love pictures. Mothers push their children together and point. Children pose and stay there until they can tell you have taken the picture. They love even more to look at the picture of themselves on your camera. Not that being white and having a camera attracts people enough, having a basketball is a huge thing. Children would watch, and everyone wants to hold your ball. The hotel staff wants to keep them, which we will probably let them. The first day of our clinic at Clarence High School (6-12 grades) we had a little over 50 and today we had 80 students. It was so much fun. Basketball has proven to be a great tool for reaching children and India. The second school just hired their first P.E. and Basketball Coach. They have never had a program before and have over 1,000 students. It is a private, Christian school (the lady is southern Baptist). The coach seems so excited and says that his goal is to bring young children up in sports to instill hard work and dedication in them. I am excited for him and the school. I really like this school and look forward to the next 2 days there. It is almost like a military school. The kids are always in lines, and they always form semi-circles around whoever is talking or demonstrating. Yet, they know NOTHING about basketball. It's really weird how disciplined they are. They have a small English vocabulary though and I have to use lots of syllables synonyms. I told them it was snack time. They just smiled and said "OK" (they say that a lot). So I pointed and said it again, still "OK", then I remembered Saju called it refreshments. So I used that word, and they all walked off!

We have a small break and plan on taking a nap. We have been gone since 5:30 AM and it is 3:30 PM here.
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First Bball Clinics


By Ashley














Here are a few pics from our morning bball clinics. It was amazing, everyone had a blast! More to come...



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Church and Youth Rally


By Ashley



These are pictures from our Sunday experience. It was such a great day and I really was able to see the filth of India firsthand. The people were amazing though. I love their worship services. So full of energy, and humbling. They sit on the floor the entire time and leave their shoes outside because "they are standing on Holy Ground". I actually knew this, but forgot and didn't wear socks. You can imagine my OCD germ-free freak-out episode. I washed my feet for like 20 minutes when I got back. The picture in the middle is of the church we stopped by on the way to Bidadi. This is a picture of their AWANA leaders and all of us. They were so proud, and actually had on their uniforms. The church we went to was near a village, meaning the poorest of areas. They have an orphanage at the church too that the pastor and his wife runs. They have 12 orphans and have a school named after their niece and another pastor's daughter Jasper who was killed in a horrible car wreck.

Sunday night we had a youth ralley in a church built for 200. There were at least 300 crammed in there and he said people were standing on the stairs outside, and sitting downstairs on the street outside the building just listening. It was such an exciting event. One of the guys with us is really tall, and when Babu introduced me he said, "they tell me Ashley good basketball player. I go to airport and look for tall woman. I see Jon, and think 'Maybe Ashley is a boy'". He is so funny, we can't wait until he takes us shopping!
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The Real India


By Ashley



Well the outdated computers at this hotel don't have USB ports, so I can't post the pics. Anyways, today was the first day we actually got to see the city in the daylight. Babu picked us up, and I was in my Indian attire. He looked at me and said, " You look too much like Indian, they may not let you go home". Riding through the city today was my first real India experience. There was so much to take in. I wanted to take so many pictures but our driver was too swervy and fast. The oppression and poverty is unbelievable. There were dogs and cows just lying and walking everywhere. I actually saw a mom, little girl, and little boy bathing in a puddle on the side of the street. That almost did me in right there. I can't believe my OCD self is still surviving.

We spent almost the entire day at an AWANA conference. It was basically a church service that lasted over 6 hours. First off, it was going to start at 9:30 but the guy in charge didn't make it until probably 10:15 haha. It went well though. I met a lot of great people, the worship was awesome. They sang the same songs we do but a little different (they were in English too). I talked a little about college and how it has been difficult at times. A young girl came up to me afterwards and wanted my phone # (of course, I didn't give it to her). She said she is going to college soon and wants me to remember to pray for her. I can't even imagine going to a college in a country where not eve 2% of the population believe like you do. I got to meet one of Saju's kids. She is 4 years old and the minute she saw me she wrapped her arms around my neck and just starting feeling my face. I want to kidnap here, and several other ones!

We also got Pizza Hut today...it was truly a gift from God! Best pizza ever...I took a break from the power bars. I just can't handle the sick feeling all the time. We also saw a group of orphans (from a real Christian orphanage) living in the Bible College where we held the conference. They were so polite and adorable. I heard them all screaming because there was a monkey in the tree! They wanted us to take pictures so they could look at it on our camera. I want to bring them all home!

On the way back tonight we drove through the street where we are going to do all our shopping. Shopping King Steve scoped it out for us and started making mental notes. We got back to the hotel about an hour ago, and we started pumping up basketballs....with a foot pump. Actually Dad just watched me do it and kept saying faster. I think we are going to hit the bed early tonight, we are worn out and have a huge day tomorrow. A youth rally of 500 in a building that holds 200. Should be fun.
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First Day completed!


By Ashley

Well, we just survived our first full day. We woke up to a phone call wondering who was calling so early, Dad had also commented on how early the horns started blowing. Well, it wasn't actually early, it was 12:30. So we got some good, quality, Indian fragrance sleep. I survived two meals (at least so far) and have found that the french fries in our hotel are excellent. I am a french fry connoisseur so I know. They really are delicious. We spent most of today just discussing with Pastor Babu and Missionary Saju our plans for the next 10 days. Seems exciting and packed. I should have no problem sleeping all the way home. Saju has a 19 year old helper who loves basketball, and is going to ride his bike to help us with the clinics everyday at the schools. He says "I love it but I not a professional like you". Ha! I am excited about finally getting to start tomorrow, and looking forward to interacting with the people. The few I have encountered at the hotel are a pleasure to talk to. They are so polite, and remember you the next time they see you. I also heard we will be having 50 kids at our basketball clinic Monday through Friday morning and conducting another one Monday through Wednesday afternoons. They said the kids are excited and eager to learn from a "professional" and that basketball is actually very popular over here. I will let you know how it feels to be star :)

More to come, and hopefully some pictures tomorrow. We didn't really do anything today and the wireless internet I was "borrowing" is down.
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We're here!


By Ashley
After many long hours, we have finally made it to Bangalore. We didn't get our hamburger in Paris during our five hour "hangover", or our Starbucks in Atlanta but that's ok. I have eaten a few powerbars and crackers. I have had about 3 hours of sleep in the past 30 hours or so, Dad snuck in a little more. We are very tired, and are going to get ready for our first day tomorrow. The time here is 9.5 hours ahead of Atlanta time, so it is 3:15 AM on Friday.

I can say that I have learned a few things already. Number One, Paris airport is not my favorite. We probably caught 4 different buses just to get around the place and the food was horrible. Number two, get to Altanta airport 3 hours early not 2. Number Three, honking is a way of communicating that doesn't have to be rude. I am sure there is a lot more that I wanted to say, but I can honesty say I am not very coherent right now.

We will keep you updated as much as possible. Now it's time for my first Indian shower, I prepared myself at home by taking showers with my mouth closed, so I should be ready :)
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WOW, we leave today!


By Ashley
Wow. I cannot believe we are already leaving for India. I am excited and nervous at the same time. Just a few months ago I was afraid I would not be able to make the trip, but God has given me the strength I need. I have never been to another country, and I am looking forward to what waits for me on the other side of the world. We stop in Paris for a 5 hour layover and hopefully one last, good meal (maybe a hamburger!). Then we head to Bangalore, India and should be there at about 3:30 PM tomorrow (our time). We get the whole day to catch up on sleep as much as we can, then our busy schedule starts at 6:00 AM the next morning. We are headed to the airport in a bit, Dad wants to get there early so he can get his last Starbucks. Stay tuned!
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