"Culture Day" Designs For Hope Eluru India Trip Day 6

Today was supposed to be an easy day-our "culture" day.  However when we got to the Bishop's House we discovered that we were going to get. Participate in the auspicious occasion of the door hanging on the new church construction  apparently the door hanging ceremony is a very special occasion in India. 

We were honored to be able to participate.  The yellow paste that Rosi is putting on the door is basically a tamaric paste.  It is yellow to signify the holiness of God.

Afterwards we journeyed to the Village of Manuguluru and visited the church's school there.  

Like before, the children sang us songs and we shared the gospel with them using the color wheel.  Unlike before, I behaved and did not get them in trouble... But when it came to the color white. -  as in white as snow - I did show them a picture of the snow you guys are having at home...they got a kick out of it (which reminds me...we are praying for all of you  - especially the ones who got stranded).

From here we made our way to Kolleru Lake where we toured the largest lake in India, which also serves as a Siberian Pelican refuge.  

I don't think I have ever seen so many pelicans in my life.    During the boat tour some Indian Catla fish began jumping. These were large fish about 18-24 inches in size and 5-8 pounds In weight. One tried jumping into the boat and splashed against side of the boat - also splashing Matt. I've never seen Matt move so quickly. 

We then proceeded to Machilipadnam - which means "fish town" because it is on the Bay of Bengal.  We had lunch there (chicken fried rice - again) and then went on to see the Bay of Bengal. 

Yes, that is me standing in the Bay of Bengal.  You can't go all the way around the world and see a whole new ocean and NOT get I it...come on Matt and Josh, get with the program!  They "touched" the water but would not get in,  by the way, that is indeed black sand.

We had not been there more than five minutes when people began coming up asking to take their picture with us.  Apparently we are celebrities in India - or maybe it was just our white skin.  Either way, we tried our best to convince Bishop John to start charging for the pictures. 

The Bay of Bengal is about 100km away from Eluru which means a 2 hour drive on a good day - except I am pretty sure we got lost on the way back because Venkat had to repeatedly stop and ask for directions. Then, as if that were not enough, we pulled into one town only to be stopped by a labor union demonstration. They stopped all traffic by lining up motorcycles and began burning tires in the street.  

It was a good old fashion protest like you see on CNN (but a bit smaller) and we had front row seats.  Small as it was, it was the first time I really felt as if we were in any kind of danger.  Fortunately the protest only lasted about one half hour and then after maneuvering through the traffic nightmare, we were on our way.

Tonight we eat at the Bishops House...

...tomorrow we start the long journey home. 

We are so ready.