NUS Navigators India 2008

Posted on September 15, 2008 | Filed Under Evangelism, News, People, Training 

Bengaluru, 10-16 June 2008

India was a time for me to focus on other people, to step out of my comfort zone, and be humble. The ten days were a great learning experience and I hope to apply them from now on. — Suyintha Supramaniam, mission tripper

Our team of eight left Singapore early in the morning and reached Bangalore in the afternoon. The wind was strong and I felt like I could be swept up in the whirlwind of India.

We spent the first three days at Breakthrough – a training facility with a high ropes course. It was fun jumping on a trampoline and swinging from a tire; having devotion on the huge rock with the tree wedged in the middle.

We did a programme for 20 slum children ages three years and above. Many of them had lost their family members. My heart went out to them.

They were dressed up that day; only one boy came wearing sandals, the rest were barefooted – it was something special for them. I felt like they didn’t need our pity, they just wanted someone to play with them and love them.

As I stood against the wall and watched them play, a girl waved at me to come and join them. One particular girl was so adorable. The image of her is still planted in my mind. She came decked in Indian garb – a sari and the whole works. The three-year-old wore eyeliner and bangles. Imagine that!

Our time at Youth With A Mission was packed with activities. We visited village houses and a school. The first house we went to was just a tiny, dark rectangular room with a single bed. All of us crammed in and sat on the floor. Eleven people live there. A room and a kitchen were all they had to house them.

I tried to put myself in their shoes, I cannot imagine living in such conditions. There are times I complain about my room being too small and here is a family of 11! I am truly blessed to have what I have. I think it is looking past my selfishness and being grateful for the things God has provided for me.

The following morning we got up at five. I’m pretty sure the bees were still sleeping. We drove around the different gates of Bangalore, praying as we went.

That same day we went to the Stonecutters’ Village. We taught the children songs while the guys were used as a tower for many small “King Kongs” to climb on and have a rowdy time.

Wing Man was in her element as she interacted with the young girls, even allowing them to play with her hair and plant wet, sloppy kisses on her cheeks. She actually broke the ice by shaking and kissing their hands. These children live in a slum and do not exactly have the cleanest, most hygienic hands. Seeing Wing Man kiss each girl, I thought, ‘Do I really have to do this?’ Just then a girl shoved her hand closer to my face expecting a kiss. I complied.

Yelligiri Hills was a relaxing time. This being my very first time trekking up to that peak, it was really special. Seeing the great expanse of blue sky and breathing in fresh hill air. I have to admit it was scary climbing up that one boulder to get to the peak. The wind was so strong I didn’t dare to stand up for long for fear that the wind might make me lose my balance.

India was a time for me to focus on other people, to step out of my comfort zone, and be humble. The ten days were a great learning experience and I hope to apply them from now on.

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