Atlanta Ain't Got Nothing on This Heat


By Ashley

So today we finished up our final day of VBS camps.  It was by far the hottest day yet.  The church is located on the third floor of a building and it has air conditioning, but that doesn’t really do us any good when the power is out for most of the day.  It was like packing kids in a sauna singing action songs, making crafts, and playing games.  Yvette claims it was at least 120 degrees in the room, and I am fairly certain she is right.  When  we walked out the door it was a good 15 degrees cooler.  I had sweat pouring down my face and dripping underneath my chin.  I have no other way to describe it, but it was literally like holding VBS in a sauna or on the shores of Miami in July.  It was hot.  
Even with the high heat, the kids were in it for the long run.  They didn’t have to be there, but they stayed.  And not only did they stay, but they were determined to complete their crafts, learn their action songs, and participate in rec time.  These kids amaze me.  Not one of them ever complained.  In fact, one little kid got so hot he threw up on himself and a little boy beside him.  The kids politely got up, walked to the back of the room, pointed to a leader, got cleaned up, and came back in to join the fun.  Nobody made a big deal about it.  They never made a big deal about the power going in and out either.  It was amazing to see the kids, including the 6,7, and 8 year olds, jump up and frantically open the curtains and doors each time the power went out.  Then, each time it came back on, they jumped up and closed the curtains, windows, and doors and sat back down.  This is a part of their every day life for them.  
Yvette has tried to take on the role as “interpreter” for us.  Not only has she interpreted the Indian soap operas, she has also attempted to interpret the Indian children.  One teenage boy excitedly came up to her this afternoon asking her if she had ever heard of something.  After having the poor child repeat himself 18 times she said, “American Express?!”  The rest of the kids cracked up laughing mocking her saying “American Express” over and over again.  So I called the kid over and interpreted for the interpreter.  He was actually trying to say, “Samaritan’s Purse.”  Yvette tried to play it cool, and they fell for it, or at least made her feel better about it.  Speaking of Samaritan’s Purse, we began to wonder if they have received some of the shoeboxes during Christmas.  It is so eye opening to think that these are the kids we see on tv, and these are the kids that we adopt through organizations such as “Compassion International.”  
We also discovered, that Dad is not the only magician on this trip.  Yesterday we took a taxi cab around to a few different shops.  He was a very nice young man, and agreed to take us around for just 50 rupees.  Then we kept adding stores and he said, “Whatever you want sir.”  So, when we got out to go our last store the meter read about 47 rupees.  When we called our driver and got back in the taxi we noticed the meter was covered.  So we arrived at the hotel and Dad paid the driver, as he said, whatever he wanted to.  Then the driver yanked the cover off the meter and magically 215 rupees appeared on the meter.  Dad got tricked.  Taxi driver got jokes.  
The “gout” decided to pay Mom a visit in New Delhi.  Mom felt it coming on, but did not heed Dad’s advice on taking her gout medicine then.  So, by Thursday am Mom was dragging her foot around the streets of New Delhi.  Bobby, our resident handsome helper, is a certified paramedic.  He ran to the store and got Mom some medicine, some Indian icy hot (yuck), and an ace bandage.  He came back, massaged Mom’s foot, and wrapped it tight.  Then, at the end of the day, he took her by the hand and walked her out to the van.  We picked on Bobby for babying Mom and he said, “She is like my mother.”  We think Mom played it up a little Friday in order to get an extra foot massage from Bobby.  She still did a fantastic job leading our craft time.  
We just got word that our train tickets back from the Taj Mahal were not confirmed.  Therefore, we will not be visiting tomorrow.  When I think about it, it’s really not a big deal after all.  I mean, yes, the Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and I was looking forward to going.  But, I can’t imagine it being the “highlight” of my trip.  Really, we could spend an entire day in the heat to look at a bunch of fancy tombs, palaces, and marble shops, or we could spend our last day experiencing a genuine Indian church service soaking up one last opportunity to love and serve the wonderful people of India.  I can’t imagine a better way to spend my last 24 hours of this life changing trip.  
Category: 0 comments

A few pics from Friday


By Ashley
Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.  All were taken on Friday.  The best pics are taken from the window of the taxi.  One is of a huge monkey god by the side of the road.  We also have our buddy David in the middle of his group getting ready for snack time.  The random horse and carriage was nice. The guys LOVED us taking pics of them.  It was so funny!  They had a dog in the back.  Then we have a VERRRRRY adorable little boy from our VBS camp, and lastly we have a little girl watching us as we were walking from the church to our taxi.  She loved the Dum Dum Yvette gave her.






Category: 0 comments

Crafts, Magic, and Action Songs


By Ashley

So today was our second day of our second VBS camp.  The kids at this camp are incredible.  They are very well-behaved, and seem to enjoy whatever we do with them.  We began to wonder if the kids had to pay to attend camp because as each kid came in to register they dropped rupees in a jug.  So we asked the pastor, and he said that he encouraged the kids to bring 30 rupees (about 70 cents) to use for special programs for the church.  He is trying to teach the kids that not all things in life are free, and about helping the church.  He also invited many of the slum children to attend, as they sent someone to pick them up everyday and walk them to the church.  
I was amazed today after craft time when the leader brought a bucket up to put trash in. for the 6, 7, and 8 year-olds.  They immediately jumped up and ran in circles around their area frantically picking up trash.  Before I had time to grab the camera they had already cleaned everything up and were scrambling back to their seats in the circle.  I am amazed at how the church teaches these children manners and discipline.    
Today, Tracy shared the parable of the lost sheep for the second time.  She has done an excellent job with her storytelling.  Both times I have been the shepherd and both times Yvette has been the lost sheep....and both times I have not been able to find her.  Kinda ruins the story huh?  The first time she went up the stairs and claims she told me to go up the stairs to find her.  The poor kids looked just as confused as I did when I stood at the bottom of the stairs staring up waiting on her to come down.  Today, I went outside the door where she told me to find her and she was not there.  Finally she came around the corner with her camera.  She said she was “sightseeing.”  Hmm...the kids got a kick out of me dragging her in celebrating the lost sheep that was now found.
Not only do we have a Dancing Queen, but we also have a magician.  Dad has been doing little “illusions” for the kids.  This second group of kids absolutely love them!  They were cheering so loudly for Dad today, but much to their dismay he did not have any for them.  It was as if Amos was announcing the starting lineup.  Often we have no idea what they are saying up there, but we catch little bits and pieces that let us know what is going on.  I heard Amos say “Magic Tricks” in the middle of his Hindi introduction and the kids went nuts.  Of course Dad loved it.  I cannot wait to see their faces tomorrow when he brings his “magic tricks.”  
It is so amazing to me the things that excite these kids.  They love many of the things we take for granted, and think are outdated.  They love action songs, magic tricks, crafts, and Dum Dums.  I love watching the kids as they completely eat up the crafts!  They sit and stare at the crafts as if they are video games.  They pay such careful attention to their projects, and have to yell “Didi” and hold up their craft for you to see when they are finished.  It was also neat today to see Bobby, David, and other Pastor’s jump in and do a craft themselves.  We could tell they wanted one, and they were ecstatic when we offered! 
Come to find out, most of the children at our first camp had never completed a craft before.  One of the crafts for the littlest kids included coloring a decorated cross.  I loved watching the Pastor’s jump in and help the groups, especially the little kids.  Many of these kids are from the slums, some even from the villages, and they do not even know how to hold a crayon.  It was incredible watching these grown men down on the ground in 115 degree heat holding a child’s hand helping them to color a silly piece of paper.  I can’t imagine a more humbling image.  
I am in awe of the Pastor’s here.  They are more than just Pastor’s, they are servants.  Their love for children and youth is incredible.  I love seeing David and Bobby lead worship and other aspects of the day.  Both of these guys are Pastor’s for their church, and are incredible with children.  They are spending their week helping us minister to kids through VBS for no pay rather than carrying on with their daily lives.  I love watching the Pastor’s stand in the back during song time and participate in the action songs.  I loved watching them walk around in craft time pumping up the kids, encouraging them, and praising them for their hard work.  I have never met such caring, compassionate, and humble men.  We keep trying to talk them into coming home with us.  I can’t even describe how much I have learned just by watching the Indian people serve and love.  
Well, there is a lot to write about and I am afraid I have to cut this one short before you all fall asleep.  Looking forward to updating you on our shopping excursions and our last day of VBS.  Only two days left!  The last days are the toughest.  Not only are we tired and, as Yvette says,  “going postal” at times, but we are also getting closer to saying our goodbyes.  To quote the classic “Dumb and Dumber” movie, “I hate goodbyes.”  
Category: 0 comments

Guest Blog: Steve Cohoon


By Ashley
Today I began to realize all over again how truly blessed I am.  First of all I am saved by the blood of Christ and what greater blessing can there be?  Next, I have the most incredible family ever.  I have a wife that loves me and supports me as God has called me to this ministry in South Asia and the Middle East.  I have two of the most beautiful daughters in the world.  One of which is carrying our very first grandchild.  I am already praying for little Brecken that God will save him at an early age and use him mightily in His kingdom work…whatever He calls him to do.  I even have the best son-in-law ever and if he reads this blog I will never hear the end of it.

Our youngest daughter Ashley is with us on this trip.  Of course you know that if you are reading her blog!  Duh!  But anyway I am always excited to see her participate with the team in the worship and the teaching we are doing this week.  It gives a Dad and Mom a pretty good feeling to see God using their kids in such ways.  Brittany and Byron are also involved with young people at their church.  I am so thankful that the passion God has given Debra and I for ministry to kids and the time we have spent away from them over the years did not discourage them.

Since I have been the Area Director for Awana International in this part of the world, and really even before that, I knew we had a very special breed of individuals God placed in our organization.  Every time I come, without fail, I get to spend time on the field with at least one of our missionaries.  This time it is Amos Paudyal.  I have known a lot of folks in the ministry over my lifetime.  None have impacted me more than Amos.  I just love being around him.  His demeanor and positive outlook on everything is contagious.  That is why God has used him to mentor and disciple two other young men in the ministry.  Both of them, Bobby and David, have told us how much they admire Amos and how much of a mentor leader he is to them.

Watching all three of these men work together this week has only confirmed my suspicions that God has indeed put together the most excellent team in the world to work with Awana Youth Programs in India.  What is the most amazing part?  Two of them are volunteers.  Sweating in 115 degree F weather inside a 400 square foot church room with 170 children; jumping up and down singing praise songs and leading a modified version of recreation time.  Amos is modeling for these men that being an Awana missionary is so much more than training leaders and starting Awana Clubs.  Amos has so many Pastors and friends in the ministry that he counsels and encourages on a daily basis.  He is a busy man.  Always available and never too tasked to try and meet a need that comes before him.  And, on top of that he has a beautiful wife and two beautiful little girls who support him.  Indeed my heart is full this week.  

God has used this to provide ministry to children, many of whom for the first time have a simple VBS craft item put together by Debra and value it as if it were the latest CD or an I-Pod or something.  I have watched the “Dancing Queen” Yvette having so much fun teaching the older children to dance and enjoy life.  She also does a pretty good job of storytelling as well.  I have watched Tracy, the youngest in our group meet the challenge of the heat, humidity, and ever changing circumstances as the word of the day in India is “flexibility”.  Tracy does everything she is asked to do with a smile!  She does our storytime on Day 2 of VBS telling the story of “The Lost Sheep” to the children.

Yes, I am a pretty proud Dad when it comes to just watching my little Bunny, Ashley work with the kids and enjoy providing ministry to them.  What an incredible week!

Category: 0 comments

Elvis has left the building...


By Ashley





So today was the third and final day of our first VBS.  Which pretty much means everyone wants to get in their last handshake, picture, and “Didi.”  We had another great day!  One of the older girls brought her ink, or whatever it is called, and gave us all henna tattoos.  She did an excellent job!  Yvette, Tracy, Mom, and myself all got one.  When we were finished, we wanted to pay her for the ink and all her work.  David, our incredible helper, suggested just 20 rupees per person.  20 rupees is less than 50 cents.  We obviously gave her more than that.  I practically had to shove it in her hand because she would not take it.  She wanted to give it to us, but we knew that she could not afford to just run out and buy ink whenever she wanted to.  They are such giving people.  It’s unbelievable.  
Yvette was a hit again leading the girls in the Cupid Shuffle.  She had quite a crowd today, and we were actually able to play the music through a portable amp.  Amos joined in on the fun carrying the amp on his head while dancing with us.  
Several times during today’s VBS we were mobbed for pictures, autographs, and handshakes.  At one point I counted about twelve cell phone cameras pointed in our direction.  Everyone wanted a picture with us, and some wanted several.  Every kid wanted to shake your hand and tell you “Praise the Lord.”  Close to the end of the service, Amos told us we had to get out of there or we would be there all day.  So we started making our way out and we just couldn’t help but acknowledge those grabbing our arms as we walked out of the room.  The women in particular wanted to give kisses.  I probably got about twenty Indian kisses in a few minutes as I battled my way to the back door.  The kisses were precious!  I did get nervous, however, when a boy stood tall beside me.  I was relieved when he just whispered in my ear, “Photo.”  I wasn’t sure how I would explain that one.  I felt like we need to announce, "Elvis has left the building."
We were able to come back to the hotel, shower, and rest a while today.  Showers are amazing.  So amazing, that in order to decide who got to go first, Yvette suggested we play “Gorilla, Man, Gun.”  Great idea! But little did we know we would tie three times in a row never deciding on a winner.  We decided to let Yvette go first because she was about to wet the floor she was laughing so hard.  
We just got back from a “Cottage Meeting” at David’s house.  I will tell you a little more about David and our other helpers later, but basically the “Cottage Meeting” was like a small group.  David and his wife live beside the Italian Embassy in the actual housing for the workers.  His wife is one of the cooks for the Embassy and prepared an excellent meal for us.  We had a great time hanging out with about fifteen people from Amos’s church.  We were able to hang out a little with a sixteen year old girl named Aneesha.  Aneesha talked to us about school and her dream of becoming a professional choreographer.  She also told us that the darker your henna appears, the more your husband will love you.  If that’s the case, I better go back for a touch-up.  Mine was definitely the lightest.....hm.....
Today was a great day.  We enjoyed hanging out with the small group and being able to see just how these house meetings work in a country like India.  They held their own worship time each treating it as if they were in a church full of people on a Sunday morning.  Then, everyone is allowed to share what is going on in their lives and what God has revealed to them lately.  We were each able to share a little tonight about our trip, and also to encourage the people there including our incredible leaders Amos, David, and Bobby.
It’s hard to believe we are halfway through.  I am definitely feeling a little tired tonight, so sorry if the blog is not up to par.  I am looking forward to these next three days of VBS and pray that I will make the most out of my last days here in India.  God has already done some incredible things in the lives of many kids.  He has also revealed more to me than I ever imagined.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store as we start winding down our trip.  

Category: 0 comments

"Didi, Didi"


By Ashley

So let me start with a public service announcement.  I can only post blogs, I cannot preview or open my actual blog site.  So I apologize for any formatting or lack thereof. 

Today was another great day.  We were able to stay up all day without a nap!  We must be getting used to this Delhi heat.  But don’t be fooled, it’s still an inferno and quite possibly the hottest place I have ever been in my life.   
We held our second day of VBS at the same church as yesterday.  We were supposed to have a smaller number of kids, but of course, the number grew as the day went on.  Which isn’t a problem at all, except when it comes to the Craft Queen trying to find enough crafts for each kid.  Speaking of crafts, the Craft Queen didn’t seem to organize the craft as well today.  I had to go a little schoolteacher on a kid today.  He was screaming “Didi, Didi...” and some other stuff in a language I have not quite mastered.  He kept on jumping in my face impatiently screaming “Didi, Didi” and trying to grab string out of my hand.  Of course, I was not going to give him his craft first.  I politely looked at him and said, “Look kid, I have no clue what you are saying.  All I know is you need to sit down.”   Somebody understood English well, because they yelled at him and he sat.  Come to find out “Didi” means “Older Sister.” Hmmm...I have never been referred to as “old” or even “older.”  Can’t be the gray hair because I died that before I left.  Oh well.  I guess “Didi” will have to do.
Yvette was able to use her gifts for the glory of God...that gift being dancing.  She decided to grab the older girls during rec time and teach them the Cupid Shuffle.  Her and Tracy had quite a following as other girls and eventually boys snuck in to give it a try.  The adult ladies were dying to try, but were too shy to jump out there.  Maybe tomorrow we can get them going. 
Dad spent the day at a Youth Conference just a short walk down the road.  Now, youth conference here does not necessarily mean middle and high schoolers.  Some of these “youth” that showed were well over 20 years older than I am.  Needless to say, it was a great day.  Come to find out, some of the attendees got up at 4 am to head to catch a train just so they could make it to the conference.  After our VBS we joined Dad at the other church for lunch, which was excellent.  By far the best meal yet.  After lunch we each got the chance to share in some way or another.  
One of the obvious highlights of my day and perhaps my entire trip was near the end of the Youth Conference.  The group was signing a song in Hindi.  I am not sure if you have ever heard people from India sing in their own language, but it is absolutely some  of the most beautiful music you will ever hear.  This one song in particular had to last at least ten minutes.  To help paint the picture for you, imagine yourself at a Georgia football game anxiously waiting for the kick off throwing your arms up in the air with thousands of other fans screaming “OOooooooooooo.....sic ‘em!”  That’s exactly the way the Indian youth sang this song.  They started out softly and gradually got louder and louder until they were clapping so hard and singing so loudly that I couldn’t help but wonder what they were singing about.  Come to find out, they were singing, “I want to go to Heaven where Jesus is.”  
At the end of the service, Amos, our missionary to New Delhi, led the group in a prayer.  Then about twenty or so men and women walked to the front.  We were not quite sure why they went to the front, then Amos walked over and said, “They want you to pray for them.”  The Indian people love for American Christians to come and pray for them.  When they think America they think wealth, prosperity, and happiness.  Sometimes I feel they want what we have, and by us praying for them they might somehow gain access to that.  However, they have it all wrong.  We don’t have something that they need, but they have something that we need.  They have a yearning desire for God and God alone.  These Indian people will more than likely will never escape the conditions they live in, and never know the “wealth” that many Americans know.  However, many Americans will never experience the wealth that they have.  It’s a shame that our wealth and “joy” is so deep rooted in possessions and status.  If only we knew that the only true joy in life comes from seeking God and God alone.  The Indians went up front wanting for us to place our arms around them and bless them, but really, they blessed us.  

Category: 1 comments

Our "First" Day


By Ashley

Well today was a day of many “firsts”.  It was our first official full day in India.  Our first day of VBS.  Our first official church-cooked Indian meal.  Our first experience with a “squat-a-potty”.  Concluding with our first time being lost in New Delhi.  Getting lost in India isn’t too bad, you can always wave over a rickshaw, mention your hotel name, and load up.  There are a few ways to describe traffic in India.  First, if you are in a car, it is much like the Volkswagen commercial where the lady yells, “Shoot the gappppp!”  Second, if you are walking own the street, imagine yourself as the frog in “Frogger” trying to get from one side to the other.  Face it, sometimes you are better off just closing your eyes and going for it.  
We have figured out that Yvette may not be the best option for the Bible Story part of our day.  Last night as we were having “Storytime with Yvette,” she decided to tell the story of Joseph.  Now, one of her follow-up questions was, “Boys and girls, do you have dreams?”  She then followed up saying, “Well, there was a man named Martin Luther King Jr., he once had a dream.  But then he got shot.  Joseph also had dreams, and look what happened to him.  Boys and girls, the moral of the story is ‘Don’t have dreams.’”  Hm, don’t think that would go over too well with our Indian friends.
Our first day of VBS consisted of what was supposed to be 100 kids, but ended up with nearly 150.  Our craft queen, aka Big Mama, frantically modified her crafting schedule in order to make sure each kid had something to take home.  What amazes me about these kids is that all 150 of them squeezed into a room with no ac, that we would not even imagine trying to fit 40 kids in.  Pretty much imagine a VBS in the U.S. where you only have one room and somehow have to manage crafts, games, snacks, and more.  By the way, I am pretty sure our kids would never sit still for four hours in a room with no chairs, air, or room to move.  Needless to say, they had a blast.  We had a hard time communicating as not many of the children knew English.  But we had a good time anyway.  Often they can understand what we are saying, they just do not know how to respond.  
Tracy, our resident celebrity, was quite the hit with her blonde hair.  All the boys were staring and trying to scoot closer to her.  Many girls wanted their picture taken and chose Yvette to take it for them.  Wonder why?  She also signed quite a few autographs, as blond hair is NEVER seen in these parts.  I am trying to get her to wear it down a little while tomorrow so all the girls will attack her to play with it.  
Tomorrow will be much like today.  We will get up early, head out to our morning of VBS, then head over to a youth rally to hang out with the youth for a while.  We are still a little jet-lagged, so we are hoping tomorrow will be much better.  The heat is hard to adjust to.  Imagine 105 degree temperatures piled on with humidity that tops that of Atlanta.  There’s no reason to even attempt fixing your hair, because it’s all gonna curl up and do it’s own thang anyway.
Hoping to be able to share a neat testimony from one of the pastor’s with you tomorrow.  Maybe we can get a video blog going, as long as our “internet plan” is still working.  Also pictures are in order!  I cannot get the card reader to work tonight, but hopefully will be able to get that up and running soon.
Category: 0 comments

Oh India, how I have missed you


By Ashley

It did not take long for me to realize that we had finally arrived in Incredible !india.  Stepping out of the plane there was an immediate change in the aroma.  Not only did the smells assure me that we had arrived, but the failure to maintain lanes, the sight of men “relieving” themselves on the side of the road, and the sound of horns blowing just to say, “Hey, I’m right behind you!” helped to let us know that we truly are here.   
Our flights were great, London airport was great, and our hotel is pretty good too!  Internet is fairly expensive at the hotel, which we are not very excited about, but little did the “very hospitable” night manager know...he saved the password on my laptop when I paid for one hour of internet service.  Hoping he does not find out my “master internet plan.”  Let’s just hope I am beating him at his own game.
Today we got to the hotel, showered, and headed to a church service.  We were feeling pretty good until the preaching started, then the jet lag hit us hard.  In fact, I am pretty sure I heard a little “snort” come from Yvette while her eyes were closed.  It was not the speaker at all, he was actually great!  We were just a little tired.  After church we were able to eat with William Uncle’s family at Pizza Hut and had a good time meeting his kids.  
This is my third trip to India, but only my first to New Delhi.  One thing I noticed is that it is unbelievably hot and humid here.  I will be relying on my water, Gatorade packets, and trail mix to keep me going during our day.   I also couldn’t help but notice the high amount of beggars.  We got out at Pizza Hut, and one immediately grabbed Dad by the arm.  It was a little girl trying to sell pencils for Rupees.  Dad must be a big teddy bear or have “sucker” written on his head because they flock to him.  I looked down the sidewalk a little ways and saw Mom with a girl hanging onto her arm trying to get money as well.  We are told not to give the kids money and if you have seen Slumdog Millionaire you will know why.  Often these kids work for a “master” that uses the kids to get money.  It is so hard because these kids are so pitiful and are the most beautiful kids, but at the same time if we give money we could potentially be stalked and mugged for more. 
After a much needed nap, we ventured out to assess the shopping situation.  Let me tell you, I am stoked.  I forgot just how much I love shopping in India!  Brittany (my ever so fashionable sister) will surely call me a hippie when I get back with the goodies I hope to buy!
Well that’s it for now.  We are getting stuff ready to start our first day of VBS tomorrow.  Looking forward to working with the kids and taking on my role as song leader.  
Hope to keep the updates coming (of course pending our internet plan).
Category: 0 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)