Gotta Love Giant Historical Playgrounds!

Hey all.. this is actually yesterdays post! I am sorry I am a day off, but I am working on it.

1/2/10

Today was another adventure! Unfortunately we missed one of the intended stops on the agenda, but it was mostly because of the traffic. It takes us at least an hour to go anywhere in the city because we drive a large bus and it’s hard to weave through the cars. I enjoyed it this morning though because I spent some time with my ipod and my worship songs. It is hard to get any quiet time in while I am here so this bus ride was special because I was in the very back and got to just reflect in God’s presence over India and my purpose for being here. The song “How He Loves Us” by David Crowder came on and it really made me think about the truth of that statement. He really wanted me to understand how he does love us, which means all of us including the people I was watching as I looked out the bus window to the street. The man working to sell his fruit as he walks from car to car, or the woman carrying bricks on her head towards the construction sites. He made it clear that I need to start showing them His love instead of just watching and making comments about them. Love and Action were my key quiet time words for the day. I thought that was interesting.

After a lecture about the Rajput and pre-Mughal kings in India in the morning we set off on our journey. We have to give presentations on a subject that we read, interestingly enough one of the guys named Timour was assigned the subject of the overthrow of Delhi by Timur the Turk in the 13^th century. I thought that was cute =). In tune with the subject of the pre-Mughal period (or the Sultanate Period), we went to see an adorable city on the outskirts of Delhi called Hauz Khas. It was a water tank (a large man-made lake) made by Alauddin, and restored by Firoz Shah Tughlaq. He added a Madarsa, an Islamic school, next to the water with dorms for the students also. It was interesting seeing the size of the rooms that they had. I will never complain about the size of my first year dorm room that’s for sure. When Timur invaded Delhi he set up camp at the Hauz Khas, and it was neglected ever since. The water would drain during the dry season until the last 20 years when the Indian government supplements the water year round. Even though it was foggy and dirty, the scenery of the lake and the ruins was beautiful. Before we explored the ruins, we went to have lunch in the town first.

We went to an “American café” where I got a brochette (bread with cheese and tomato sauce) thinking that I would enjoy one non spicy meal for a while. Man I was so wrong! There were spicy tomatoes, and it was the hottest thing that I have eaten since I have been here. We then ordered garlic bread thinking it could take away the spice…. Well the garlic bread was just as equally spicy! It taught me a lesson that you can take the food out of the spice, but you can’t take the spice out of the food here in India. It was very delicious, as if it makes up for the hotness. Oh well.

Later, we spent time climbing all through the Madarsa and exploring. I was amazed by the architecture! It was built so long ago with heavy stones and intricate art and detail that has survived hundreds of years! What an accomplishment! We climbed in and out, up and down windows, up dark corridors with camera light, down dramatic staircases, and through the peaceful pathway along the water. We were feeling so adventurous, that Taylor, Jr and I climbed out on the unique tree standing above the nasty murky water. The trees around the lake were so different than I have seen. They all lean and grow far out over the water as if they were reaching towards something. The Indian people watched us and acted as if we were crazy for all of the actions we partook in.

We then got to watch little boys playing cricket, which I have never seen someone play before. They were thrilled to have an audience. I loved to watch how differently children play in India as far as I have observed. They seem more organized and mature than children I am around in America. 6 year olds were playing cricket, which is a very patient game that can take up to days to finish. There were no adults anywhere to be seen, yet they were very well behaved. It was a very fun time when we rooted for the batters as they stepped up for the ball and flashed a smile for our cameras. Haha.

That night we just rested, and we tried to watch The Illusionist on the DVD player in the “living room,” but it wouldn’t play American movies. So Mariam and I just watched the Jungle Book on my computer. I definitely did not complain =) This was probably my favorite day so far. It was a giant historical playground with beauty beyond comparison to anything we see in the States. I was very impressed.

I love and miss you guys <3