New Blog

I’m off on a new adventure soon, so if you’re still interested in my life, start reading my new blog;

www.rebeccaonamission.wordpress.com

 

Freely Talk

A talk I did at St Ninians Community Church Stirling. (And Cupar Baptist a few weeks earlier). It’s me from 2 mins in til 12 mins.

Final blog for my second time in Kolkata, but will it be my last time?

Yesterday was my last day at school and was just lovely. Have I told you how amazing these kids are? I haven’t said it enough. On my last day working with these kids, from poorer backgrounds than you can imagine, they gave me presents! I didn’t get tearful saying goodbye but as I was packing yesterday afternoon and looking at all the little things they had given me, I couldn’t help but get emotional. Two girls had clubbed together and bought me a little chocolate bar. CADBURY, they were proud to announce. I swear chocolate has never tasted as good  before. I have kept the wrapper as a reminder of their amazing generosity. I also got 2 pens and a sticker that was a very precious possession. These small things will always serve as a reminder to be more giving. It seems that the more you have, the harder it is to be generous. We have a lot to learn.

This morning I am grabbing my last opportunity to wear a sari, and am off to a “party” at one of the bigger schools, I think it’s their anniversary or something, not too sure!

I am looking forward to being home, but am apprehensive about my first time flying on my own. I leave in the early hours of Sunday morning Kolkata time, and get to Manchester about lunchtime UK time.

I am obviously going to miss the children loads, but I know I have got a lot to be getting on with in Scotland. In just over a week I will starting the new year at uni! And then the week after that I will start my first proper placement. I will also be getting involved with the BMS speaker team.

I have a lot to reflect on when I get home too. I feel like I have learnt so much during these two months. Whether I will be back again next year as everyone here as insisted remains to be seen. I would love to, but there may be something else in store for me. So the future of Becca’s Bengali Blog is as yet undecided!

Thank you for reading, whether you have from the very beginning in 2010 or whether you just joined this time, it is by your prayers and support that I am able to do this!

See you soon, on home soil!

Rebecca xx

A summary of 2 weeks!

I had a nice week and a bit living in the flat with Barbara and Karen. I got involved with Subir Roy’s church (he’s a pastor as well as running all the GNCEM school projects). We went to their Wednesday night bible study (Barbara spoke) took part in some great praying, and donned my sari for the 3 hour service on Sunday.

During the week I visited another mobile school, celebrated independence day with the children at hostels, helped give the Hatibagan kids some new clothes from England, and held a birthday party for them. I really loved doing these nice things for the children, because they really deserve it! They deserve to have a nice new outfit, and to have some cake and celebrate.

I also went out for breakfast and had beans on toast- with chillies of course!

At the weekend it was holiday time for Eid, so we had a long weekend. Monday was Barbara and Karen’s last day, so we went out to see the Bollywood movie of the moment- Ek Tha Tiger, which I loved. It was like a Bourne film, except with some catchy tunes and dance routines!

Then on Tues (21^st) I went to stay at the girls’ hostel. I had been looking forward to it but unfortunately I think I got a bit of a tummy bug and all the curried eggs and rice that were being forced on me made me feel even queasier. And to think, I nearly made it to the end without getting sick! I still managed to spend some quality time with the girls.

I said my goodbyes on Friday to the girls and to the boys when I popped in to visit them on the way back. I didn’t get too sad- that will come later I think, when I’m back in Scotland and feel very far away from them all! They know how much I love them, and I will continue to pray for them all, so that’s all I can do now.

I arrived back at the flat, and God had provided (through Barbara) what I needed; a chicken and veg cup a soup and some British biscuits were exactly what my queasy tummy was crying out for.

Didn’t fancy the custard creams though, so gave them out at the babycare centre where they were very much enjoyed. The helpers liked trying out this exotic foreign delicacy, and the toddlers licked the filling out and got messy custard cream faces!

I stayed in an air conditioned (hallelujah) room above babycare this weekend and have now returned to BMS for my final week, which will be spent at Hatibagan in the mornings, and shopping for all the Indian goods I am importing for you guys!

So that’s been my 2 Wi-Fi free weeks summed up for you. Hope your last two weeks involved less throwing up than mine!

See you soon,

Rebecca xx

It’s August..

Hey Guys,

I’m still having a good time here in Kolkata. My now good friends from Beulah Baptist Church in Sussex have gone home, so it’s on to getting to know other people!

An English lady called Barbara who is something of a Kolkata veteran has arrived with a girl from her church and is living in the flat in Daspara. So now that the loneliness aspect of the flat has been removed, I’m going to give it another go, I’ll move on Monday. If nothing else, it helps the school bus driver out so he’ll have one less place to pick up/drop off.  From there I will see about staying in the girls hostel for a few days, perhaps after Barbara and Karen have left.

I joined these ladies and another English team on a trip to the GNCEM hostels yesterday (Thursday). It was a bit last minute for me, I just found out the  day before that it was to be a school holiday, so I tagged along with the hostels trip.

A day visiting the girls and boys homes involved being received as special guests (though having visited so many times, I think my special guest status is dwindling, but the boys still shower me with loads of flowers –I’ll always have a soft spot for those lovely little boys!), doing action songs, watching their dances, running around playing games with the boys, painting A LOT of nails with the girls and lots more fun!

At the end of a day like this, I always feel so full. Not just of food, though the hospitality is great, but full in my heart too. These homes and schools are places of joy, in a city that’s sometimes called the city of joy. And this joy that comes from God, is something that I am gaining a deeper understanding of during this time, and I look forward to sharing with you what God has been showing me and teaching me when I get back in 3 weeks time!

There’s been quite a large influx of teams at school the past few weeks, but I think that’s dying down now. It’s meant I haven’t had to lead songs or story time in a while, so that’s been nice! The kids also love having new people to play with, but Becca auntie is still the favourite, I’m pleased to say J

There was even a Korean TV cameraman this morning- there’s going to be a programme about the work of GNCEM, so I might feature- how exciting! Does “I’m famous in Korea” have a ring to it? Maybe not…I’m just glad my lesson wasn’t a disaster while he was filming!

Keep praying , I need it, especially when it comes time to fly back- I’ll be back at uni before I know it..eek!

How’s it going?

I have left a bit of gap since my last blog, considering I did one two days in a row last week, but here we go. Wasn’t sure how to start, so I will just answer the question I’m sure you’d all be asking, which is How are you getting on in India Rebecca?

The honest answer is great. I have been taking on the role of tour guide for a team of English girls from Beulah Baptist Church, which has been really nice, they have really been open and let me join their team, in return for all my Kolkata knowledge and advice. School everyday is just wonderful (though today the team brought stickers, which created a fair bit of chaos, so minor stress there).

I have had to move out of Anu’s flat because she’s back(Yay) and wants her bed back, but that’s fine. I enjoyed having a house to stay in for a little while with Anu’s niece Bonita, who  has become a good friend. It’s great to have an indian friend to hang out with. So I am back in a dorm again, with some quiet german/Italian people. I have been meeting lots of interesting people from all over the world at dinner times, had some strange/interesting conversations.

Overall I would say that while my first time in India was much longer and filled with challenges, this second time around is really a time of blessing. I love getting to spend more time with my favourite children who now in the morning don’t only say Auntie! they say Becca! And Becca Auntie! I have been building much stronger relationships with the teachers too- one of the ladies said to me yesterday “You are coming tomorrow, yes? Good, you are my favourite”. So that’s lovely, I really feel I have a place to belong here.

I visited the GNCEM hostels again with the team on Friday, I really like visiting the children I used to teach who seem to be getting on great. A little boy called John, who was always the best at action songs when he was at Hatibagan, is in his element at the boys hostel, he now gets to stand at the front with a microphone and lead the songs! Definite worship leader potential there.

I find the prayer times at the boys and girls hostels so moving. The children all pray out loud at once, in such an unrestrained and heartfelt way, I really feel the presence of God in those times. It somehow makes me understand that the love He has given me for these children is just a fraction of the love that He has for all His children. It always makes me quite emotional to pray close up for these children who I prayed for from so far away.

The girls at the hostel were very keen for me to come and stay, and I would really like to, so I might be going this week or next for a few days.

So, it’s going really well, thanks for asking!

Love Rebecca xx

Tuesday 24th July- a Good Feeling

Read Monday’s first: I know I’ve never done blogs two days in a row before- but make sure you read them in the right order!

I made the decision to come back to bms guesthouse for now, based on the fact I had a good weekend here, and that my passion is for Hatibagan school, and not for the other (less fun) schools. I have travelled a long way to be with these kids, I don’t want to miss a single day with them. For the first time in my life I’m going to say..I wish there was school on Saturday! I have had such a good feeling the past few days, just a few little things that mean a lot to me. I was complimented on my Bengali yesterday…which I am quite chuffed with, I feel like I learn new things everyday, and adults understand me now too, not just kids! Also today at school one of the teachers told me I looked just like an indian lady- which is of course what I strive for- I’m sticking to my salwar kameez, even when I am with Indians who wear jeans!

And the past few days lessons have gone really well, I am bordering on being a good teacher, I reckon. Guess that’s what happens when you do things in God’s strength, not your own.

I have had an idea I would like to share with you: I was just thinking how I’ve put up loads of pictures on facebook of the children- partly so that any action team people can see how the kids they know are getting on- but for those of you who have never been it may seem like my photos are all the same. I want you to look through them and see if any little one stands out to you at all – they’re all beautiful, but you’re allowed to pick a favourite. I know I have my favourites! I believe God sometimes puts a particular face in our mind or on our heart, and that we should take this as an urge to pray. So if you would like to pray for the children; comment on a photo and I will tell you their name and all about them so you can pray for them please! (If you don’t have facebook but would still like a child to focus your prayer on, let me know and I can pick one for you)

Thank you so much to those of you who have been praying for me, it’s now that I am writing all this down that I realise that many prayers have been answered!

This evening I am off to the airport to meet a team of girls arriving from England- I like to think I’m playing Anu’s role as hostess, but I don’t think I will do it as well as her!

Verse for the week I think: Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praise shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, as sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. ( Philippians 4:6)

Monday 23rd July

A Nice Weekend

When I arrived back at the BMS guesthouse on Friday night, Anu very kindly welcomed me to stay at her flat, despite her being under a lot of stress herself. She would like me to stay there whenever I am at the guesthouse, former action teamer privileges I think! Unfortunately she had to leave on Saturday night to go and deal with some family issues, (don’t want to give details, but she does need prayer!) not sure when she will be back. But her niece lives here too, and she is about the same age as me, so that’s nice company. The best thing about this weekend is that I had 3 whole days without being sweaty! A combination of staying inside, plenty rain, and not being on a hot bus full of children.

On Sunday I went with a new American friend, Tarrin, to the assemblies of God church, and then afterwards, (as a result of her American-ness I think), we went to MacDonald’s to satisfy her craving for fries (sorry, chips! Don’t know what’s happening to me…I’ve started saying apartment too). It was very nice to be able to socialise in this way and meet some new people and share Kolkata knowledge. Tarrin is going to be joining me at Hatibagan for at least a few days, to see if she would like to be involved.

So I start the week feeling refreshed, but a bit worried about having to sort things out. I am back at the flat out in Daspara, mainly out of obligation, because I did say I was only going back to BMS for the weekend. It’s a really nice flat, and it’s very kind of Subir and Enok to let me stay here, but I don’t want to be here all on my own! I was hoping to be able to see them today and have a proper chat, but it looks like it may have to be over the phone, which is a bit more difficult. I don’t want to offend, but I just feel much better to be at BMS until there are some other people to join me at the flat. I think there are some ladies coming in August, so we’ll see. Hopefully they will understand.

Hatibagan

I bought some new books to use in school: today we were learning sports, which went really well I think, since there were all the actions to do. I will do some more lessons with actions because it keeps their attention and may help them learn the words better than just saying them and writing them. Not sure what Tarrin thought of her first day though- will have to find out later!

Thursday 19th July

The move out to the flat in Daspara, although it sounded great and talking about it made me feel like I was going to be really useful, the reality is not turning out like that!

I could perhaps cope without internet access if I had some company in the flat, but even though I have been coping fine with going out on my own, shopping on my own etc, living on my own is a bit too lonely for me. And whereas Hatibagan school is something I am very passionate about, and have been managing solo, this further step out of my comfort zone is proving too challenging and has left me feeling a bit lost.

The past few days have involved a lot of waiting around. I am unsure of my purpose at Daspara School; it’s a very well organised school full of qualified and capable teachers, so it seems unnecessary for me to be there apart from as a visitor. And all the desks make me miss the chaos and movement of Hatibagan! To be apart from the children there for even two days seems too long, and makes me really miss them! I came to see them, and to spend more time with them, but I have tried to keep myself open to new opportunities to serve. I am in more need of prayer than ever. It has all of a sudden become very difficult for me to be on my own here. I am uploading this from the BMS guesthouse, where I have returned for the weekend, to reassess where I want to be and what my purpose here is. My heart tells me to just stick with going to Hatibagan every day, but since that is just in the mornings, I don’t want to be left with all these free afternoons!

I need some clarity. And some company! Plenty of that at the guesthouse though.

Please keep me in your prayers,

Love from Rebecca xxx

2 weeks in..Time for Change

So its been almost 2 weeks since we arrived, which means it’s nearly time for my family to go home, their holiday is over! Since I have been spending my time with them these past two weeks, Its been a bit of a holiday period for me too. We have been eating alot of good food..specifically alot of momos, been shopping, and seen the “sights” that kolkata has to offer. Owen and I have been going along to school every day, and loving it, and the parents have visited a few times too. On Friday, since it was their last day they gave each of the children the gift of their very own colouring book, so that led to the chaos which ensues every time the crayons are brought out! Thanks Mum and Dad!

Last Thursday was our visit to the GNCEM hostels, which I was really looking forward to. We went along with a BMS team of bible college students. It was nice to tag along with them, because they were getting the full tour of GNCEM projects, so we got to see all the different schools, and for me I could see how much progress there has been over the past year..whole new buildings have popped up. I had been looking forward to visiting the hostels because I knew some of the children I taught at Hatibagan school are now living there. I had some photos printed for them of my team with the kids when we visited the hostels last year, which caused a lot of excitment! They may not have ever had a picture of themselves before, so I am sure those photos will take pride of place. One of the photos I had been using as my facebook profile picture for months so I figured it would only be fair to let the other people in the photo have a copy!

My family leave in the early hours of Sunday morning, so that’s when my solo adventure begins! But staying in the BMS Guesthouse in central Kolkata is getting a bit too much like a comfort zone, so it’s time to move! Subir and Eunok Roy, who are the amazing people who run GNCEM, are taking me under their wings and have invited me to stay in an apartment they own, about an hour away from central Kolkata. It is much nearer one of their big schools where they would like me to teach nursery, and just down the road from the lovely babycare centre they run. Staying there will allow me to get much more involved in working for them and getting more immersed in indian life was one of my main aims for my return here. It will mean a move away from the WiFi at BMS though, but no one’s really out of their comfort zone if they still have WiFi, are they?

So at some point this week I will making the move out there. It’s not just Subir and Eunok I have to look after me though, Anu here at the guesthouse has promised that her door is always open to me, and that I can stay with her whenever I need too. So in commiting to be out here for 6 weeks on my own, I have actually found I’m not on my own at all!

Pray for me, please! And thank God for what he has already provided for me.

Rebecca xxx