On January 6th, I had the privilege and honor to accompany Bishop Stacie Fidlar and other synod delegates to India. The two weeks were filled with sight-seeing, history, conference discussions, and connecting with our Arcot congregational members. The mission of our trip was to re-affirm our commitment of walking in accompaniment with one another. My role of a lay leader was to be representative of the Women of the ELCA and Global Mission Committee.
India is like no other place I have visited. Traffic consisted of cars, buses, taxi’s, bicycles, motorcycles, and oxen and tractor-drawn carts, as well as pedestrians and cows, who are revered and allowed to go wherever they choose. Though driving was at high rates of speed, weaving in and out, we never saw a traffic accident. There was delicious food like butter chicken, tea and coffee, chicken marsala, samosas, and more chicken, yet there was great poverty. We observed people who were hungry and without access to clean water! We saw beautiful structures with Hindu, Muslim, and French influences like the Taj Mahal, the Water Palace, the Observatory, and the Amber Palace. Yet we also saw trash everywhere; people were living on sidewalks with makeshift structures; and many people were begging in the streets. It was an assault on the senses, yet also beautiful and mesmerizing.
I was overwhelmed by the hospitality of our Arcot Lutheran partners. They showered us with gifts, with food, tea, and coffee, and garlands of flowers. Every district we visited, the pastors shared with us their joys and their sorrows. Stories included ways they were helping the “least of these” such as widows, people with disabilities, school children, and others that were persecuted for who they were.
I will not soon forget my time in India and the love and pride that was shown to me and the other delegates. I have returned to the US with new friendships, a sense of connection with our companions of the Arcot Lutheran Church, and inspiration to share what I have seen and heard.
To read more reflections, click a link below.
Bishop Stacie Fidlar's Reflections from India
Vice President Minnette Willard's Reflections from India
