So I know it may be a little premature, but I think I'm going to love it here. I've had such a great time already it's hard to see how I could possibly be unhappy here for the next couple months. Everyone is incredibly friendly and reminds me daily how happy they are to have me here. The faculty are great and are very interested in life in the United States as well as seminary life. I've even had to print out the cirriculum for PTS so they could take a look at the requirements. The students are also very happy to have me here which makes it all the more fun. I had one student tell me that he used to wish he could meet a real English person so he could have a conversation with him/her so he is now over joyed to meet me. His feelings are mutual as I do my best to remind people that I am here to learn as well and am grateful they have accepted me here.
One of my favorite conversation partners thus far has been Rev. Dr. Thanzauva, the husband of the principal. His is a prominent leader in the Baptist church in Mizoram and influential in other places in India as well. His PhD dissertation focused on Liberation Theology and he is constantly at work to develop new programs to help the poor. Needless to say, our intellectual interests are quite similar. We've spent a great deal of time talking about the church in Mizoram and various subjects of the church. He is leaving tomorrow for Delhi which is sad, but I've greatly enjoyed what conversations I've had with him as they've helped me learn a lot about Mizos and Christians in general.
I've also had good conversations with my supervisor Rev. Zolawma and Principal Hnuni as well. In addition, I'm enjoying the atmosphere around campus as well. The students and faculty make jokes about one another in chapel and there is an air of joy around here. For example, the retreat we had here over the weekend was incredibly draining for everyone. Mainly because we had at least three hour and a half sessions everyday in addition to other events. So by the time Sunday night came, everyone was exhausted. At the final service, the students made a song to sing to the principal to beg her to give everyone holiday for a day on the first week of class to rest. The song began "our principal who art in stardom, your queedom come...please give us Tuesday as holiday. Or at least Monday." It was hilarious. Faculty also opening joke about other members falling asleep during chapel, they did a group song, and other funny things. It's quite a contrast from Princeton where most people are far too stiff. If President Torrance made some good jokes at chapel I think I might actually go haha.
Rev. Zolawma has basically granted me complete freedom in ministry/teaching/life this summer which is exciting. What that translates to is that I gave him a list of the ministries I wanted to visit (AIDS clinic, drug rehab center, leprosy mission) and he added some places he thought I'd like to visit as well. It's great that everyone here is so open to helping me. One of the faculty told me today, "let us know if there are any requirements you need for Princeton. We will make sure they get fulfilled." Their willingness makes me want to have the best English class ever to give back. First class is Thursday, let's hope I can live up to the hype.
Tonight over dinner the faculty and I had a long discussion on Texas. Apparently, cowboy movies are really popular in Mizoram. Even books about cowboys have been translated into Mizo so that people can read them. They loved hearing some stories about Texas Rangers and how Texans think they are so much better than everyone else. I continue to find it funny that no matter where I go in the world people love to talk to me about Texas. The United States is great and all, but Texas is what gets them excited. Got to love it.
Well, that's about all I have for now. Been writing again which is cool and have been reading. I'll post again probably friday after my first two classes so you can hear about them. Hope all is well back home!
pax et bonum.
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Harv- haha yea, the landscape at times can be like a Star Wars film. I might call Aizawl cloud city the way the entire town becomes engulfed in clouds some time. I've always wanted to walk in a cloud, now I have. Lets just hope it's not a trap.
Sara- Estoy celoso de tu sol! Llueve aqui todos los dias. Disfrute del sol para mi!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Mizo Weddings
You remember that time that Mizo couple got their wedding pictures back and in one of the photos there was this random tall American in it? Yea, that was a good time.
So Friday I attended a wedding here in Mizoram with the principal's husband and their daughter. It was a pretty cool experience. A large portion of the wedding was much like a wedding stateside. However, often there are no bridesmaids or groomsman. There is only the equivalent of the best man and the maid of honor. But these two people play a pretty big role as they are present at every portion of the ceremony. They stand next to the bride and groom during the ceremony (even the saying of vows) and even give each other a piece of the wedding cake.
The ceremony was held in a fairly large church here in Aizawl. I would say roughly a hundred or so people attended the wedding (I found out later I'll be working in that church quite a bit which is cool). Afterward, there was a ceremony in which people made speeches, did a couple solos, and cut the cake. A private dinner reception followed that we were invited to but declined. All and all, it was a pretty cool ceremony to witness.
Fun story of the day: The principal's daughter recently got married here in Mizoram to a Canadian. He left Aizawl the day I arrived. When attending the wedding, many people who hadn't been able to attend the ceremony thought I was him. I kept getting congradulated on getting married by these people but since I don't speak Mizo I just smiled and shook hands. The daughter, Judith, tried to correct people but there's a great many people who think I'm her husband. Or they got really confused and asked her, "Wasn't he smaller last week?"
This weekend has been a big retreat before classes start Monday morning. Basically, God is mocking me for not going to chapel all year at PTS. There is chapel everyday here at 7am, which I am to attend. I don't mind as it helps show solidarity with the students and I figure after this summer I won't need to go to chapel at PTS anymore because I've met the quota haha. The services are interesting mixing in Mizo spirituality and the evangelical baptist Christianity practiced here. Most of the songs are fairly common stateside so I recognize them quickly. One of the interesting parts of chapel is corporate prayer. At this time, we all pray aloud at the same time with whatever individual prayers we have. At first, I was really confused but I've gotten use to it. Everyone continues to pray until eventually only one person is praying aloud and they close the prayer. All and all, I enjoy the services and they provide glimpses into the culture here.
I'm working on my weekly schedule and summer goals tomorrow and monday. I've been lucky enough to have some great convos with the principal's husband who's given me some great info and insight. He's been a great conversation partner as he is interested in liberation theology, community development, and poverty work as well. Through the info he's given me, I'm going to schedule some trips to visit a leprosy ministry, AIDS clinic, drug abuse center, and some of the people living in rural Mizoram. Quite exciting stuff. I'll keep yal posted on how that all develops. Course, I also have to teach English. I'm actually getting excited about it as I've seen how important it is for these students to learn English in order to be effective here and abroad. Although I have a lot of personal problems with it as well, those are bigger socio-political issues we don't need to dive into here.
Okay, that's enough for now. It's starting to rain so no telling how long this power will stay on. Well, hopefully everything is alright stateside. pax et bonum.
So Friday I attended a wedding here in Mizoram with the principal's husband and their daughter. It was a pretty cool experience. A large portion of the wedding was much like a wedding stateside. However, often there are no bridesmaids or groomsman. There is only the equivalent of the best man and the maid of honor. But these two people play a pretty big role as they are present at every portion of the ceremony. They stand next to the bride and groom during the ceremony (even the saying of vows) and even give each other a piece of the wedding cake.
The ceremony was held in a fairly large church here in Aizawl. I would say roughly a hundred or so people attended the wedding (I found out later I'll be working in that church quite a bit which is cool). Afterward, there was a ceremony in which people made speeches, did a couple solos, and cut the cake. A private dinner reception followed that we were invited to but declined. All and all, it was a pretty cool ceremony to witness.
Fun story of the day: The principal's daughter recently got married here in Mizoram to a Canadian. He left Aizawl the day I arrived. When attending the wedding, many people who hadn't been able to attend the ceremony thought I was him. I kept getting congradulated on getting married by these people but since I don't speak Mizo I just smiled and shook hands. The daughter, Judith, tried to correct people but there's a great many people who think I'm her husband. Or they got really confused and asked her, "Wasn't he smaller last week?"
This weekend has been a big retreat before classes start Monday morning. Basically, God is mocking me for not going to chapel all year at PTS. There is chapel everyday here at 7am, which I am to attend. I don't mind as it helps show solidarity with the students and I figure after this summer I won't need to go to chapel at PTS anymore because I've met the quota haha. The services are interesting mixing in Mizo spirituality and the evangelical baptist Christianity practiced here. Most of the songs are fairly common stateside so I recognize them quickly. One of the interesting parts of chapel is corporate prayer. At this time, we all pray aloud at the same time with whatever individual prayers we have. At first, I was really confused but I've gotten use to it. Everyone continues to pray until eventually only one person is praying aloud and they close the prayer. All and all, I enjoy the services and they provide glimpses into the culture here.
I'm working on my weekly schedule and summer goals tomorrow and monday. I've been lucky enough to have some great convos with the principal's husband who's given me some great info and insight. He's been a great conversation partner as he is interested in liberation theology, community development, and poverty work as well. Through the info he's given me, I'm going to schedule some trips to visit a leprosy ministry, AIDS clinic, drug abuse center, and some of the people living in rural Mizoram. Quite exciting stuff. I'll keep yal posted on how that all develops. Course, I also have to teach English. I'm actually getting excited about it as I've seen how important it is for these students to learn English in order to be effective here and abroad. Although I have a lot of personal problems with it as well, those are bigger socio-political issues we don't need to dive into here.
Okay, that's enough for now. It's starting to rain so no telling how long this power will stay on. Well, hopefully everything is alright stateside. pax et bonum.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Live from Mizoram
Greetings from Aizawl, Mizoram, India!
I arrived here on the 3rd simply relieved to be done with airports for a while. So, here's a little info about my life right now:
Mizoram is located in the far NE region of India. Geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of India, Mizoram is a predominantly Christian state. As a matter of fact, the population is roughly 86% Christian. The main denominations are Presbyterians (in the North) and Baptists (in the South), who are more influential than the government here. The Church in Mizoram is responsible for building hospitals, universities, and other public works. Nevertheless, the Indian government extends control in the financial district which is primarily controled by non-Mizos here.
The term "Mizo" and "Mizoram" are derived from words meaning "hill" and "people." Quite literally, the "Mizos" are "hill people" living in the "land of the hill people." The land here is incredibly beautiful, lush mountains filled with beautiful greenery. Indeed, riding on the roads here is akin to the mountain passes of Colorado. Roads only slightly large enough for two cars (some times not that wide) make their way snaking up and down the mountains. Aizawl is a city which sits on the side of a tall mountain, expanding down the side with white buildings making them appear to be fog. Indeed, some times it's hard to see the city from the campus as thick clouds roll over the mountains daily. I have arrived during rainy seasons, which last until August, making flash rain storms an everyday occurrance.
Classes begin next week so until then my time is spent settling into my new surroundings. The campus rests about a thirty minute drive from the city in a peaceful hill top. The accommodations are reasonably clean and nice so I am happy to be here. But there are also fun parts that I'm adapting to. First would be the fact that I don't really have a shower. I have a fosset which gives only cold water, a bucket, and a small hand pitcher. There no real drain in the ground of my bathroom either so you basically have to wash with just a bucket (if you have any tips of how to do this properly I'm open to suggestions). There are, however, a number of water filters around providing clean drinking water which is great. In addition, the principal has been inviting me over for meals which makes eating clean and easy. I might, however, try to venture to the student's mess once and a while. But the principal wants me eating at her place so we'll see where I end up. Don't argue with the person feeding you, that's a general rule of thumb.
Thus far I've had some good conversations both on my flights here and in Mizoram. I'm doing my best to make friends although most people here look at me as a visiting professor of some sorts or are intimidated by my english. I think it will be easier once classes start up though. Yesterday I went into Aizawl to run errands and check in with the government. The city is home to about 500,000 people, roughly half the population of the entire state. I was asked this morning if I'd like to attend a Mizo wedding and of course accepted. "Yes," "Sure," and "That'd be great" are operating words for me around here.
Well, I have an interview with the faculty and students in about thirty minutes so I should wrap this up. It's no big deal, mainly to ask me questions about my background, the USA, etc. so that people can get to know me better. So many things here are different than back in the states, but more on that later. For this blog post I just wanted to give everyone details about where I am, that I'm alive, and that you can check here each week for updates on the happenings of my life in Mizoram. I hope you're all doing well and I'd love to hear your comments each week. Hope life is good back in the states!
I arrived here on the 3rd simply relieved to be done with airports for a while. So, here's a little info about my life right now:
Mizoram is located in the far NE region of India. Geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of India, Mizoram is a predominantly Christian state. As a matter of fact, the population is roughly 86% Christian. The main denominations are Presbyterians (in the North) and Baptists (in the South), who are more influential than the government here. The Church in Mizoram is responsible for building hospitals, universities, and other public works. Nevertheless, the Indian government extends control in the financial district which is primarily controled by non-Mizos here.
The term "Mizo" and "Mizoram" are derived from words meaning "hill" and "people." Quite literally, the "Mizos" are "hill people" living in the "land of the hill people." The land here is incredibly beautiful, lush mountains filled with beautiful greenery. Indeed, riding on the roads here is akin to the mountain passes of Colorado. Roads only slightly large enough for two cars (some times not that wide) make their way snaking up and down the mountains. Aizawl is a city which sits on the side of a tall mountain, expanding down the side with white buildings making them appear to be fog. Indeed, some times it's hard to see the city from the campus as thick clouds roll over the mountains daily. I have arrived during rainy seasons, which last until August, making flash rain storms an everyday occurrance.
Classes begin next week so until then my time is spent settling into my new surroundings. The campus rests about a thirty minute drive from the city in a peaceful hill top. The accommodations are reasonably clean and nice so I am happy to be here. But there are also fun parts that I'm adapting to. First would be the fact that I don't really have a shower. I have a fosset which gives only cold water, a bucket, and a small hand pitcher. There no real drain in the ground of my bathroom either so you basically have to wash with just a bucket (if you have any tips of how to do this properly I'm open to suggestions). There are, however, a number of water filters around providing clean drinking water which is great. In addition, the principal has been inviting me over for meals which makes eating clean and easy. I might, however, try to venture to the student's mess once and a while. But the principal wants me eating at her place so we'll see where I end up. Don't argue with the person feeding you, that's a general rule of thumb.
Thus far I've had some good conversations both on my flights here and in Mizoram. I'm doing my best to make friends although most people here look at me as a visiting professor of some sorts or are intimidated by my english. I think it will be easier once classes start up though. Yesterday I went into Aizawl to run errands and check in with the government. The city is home to about 500,000 people, roughly half the population of the entire state. I was asked this morning if I'd like to attend a Mizo wedding and of course accepted. "Yes," "Sure," and "That'd be great" are operating words for me around here.
Well, I have an interview with the faculty and students in about thirty minutes so I should wrap this up. It's no big deal, mainly to ask me questions about my background, the USA, etc. so that people can get to know me better. So many things here are different than back in the states, but more on that later. For this blog post I just wanted to give everyone details about where I am, that I'm alive, and that you can check here each week for updates on the happenings of my life in Mizoram. I hope you're all doing well and I'd love to hear your comments each week. Hope life is good back in the states!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Don't be ashamed to be religious
I was thinking earlier today about how the liberal intelligentsia has made being religious the object of scorn or laughter. Of course, the rise of evangelical fundamentalism in the 1980s surely did not help. However, I would like to remind people who say that "religion is the root of all evil in the world" how much people of faith have done. Take Christianity in America and the UK in the twentieth century for example: the Civil Rights movement, abolitionism, woman's suffrage, and the worker's rights movement are all social justice movements which originated and were championed by Christian leaders. Historically, the development and propagation of hospitals and universities are also Christian developments. Sure, I would prefer not to lump myself together with the Crusades and Pat Robertson. But I'm not going to be ashamed of being a member of a movement which has been the champion of social justice throughout history. I guess at the end of the day you never find true religious people on TV or in magazines. You find them with the poor and the oppressed. Anything else is merely a cheap fake of the original.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Quotes
“in preaching, we are not merely emoting—we are endeavoring to kindle people’s imaginations, to persuade them to think with us, feel with us, react with us, to some probing of human experience by the Word of God” -Charles Bartow, The Preaching Moment, pg. 93
"According to Bonhoeffer, she [the Church] had always reacted by trying to secure a religious sphere over against the world, and from within the shelter of this sphere, she had attempted to prove that she was indispensable. But the Church, by her very anxiety to preserve a special, unassailable place for herself, had become a watchdog of religion, an institution catering for the marginal problems of man, privileged, yes, but shut away from the world. As such a keeper of religion she was finished. She asserts her necessity but cannot realize it, therefore she lingers on in apologetics and self-defense." -Eberhard Bethge, Bonhoeffer: Exile and Martyr, 145.
"According to Bonhoeffer, she [the Church] had always reacted by trying to secure a religious sphere over against the world, and from within the shelter of this sphere, she had attempted to prove that she was indispensable. But the Church, by her very anxiety to preserve a special, unassailable place for herself, had become a watchdog of religion, an institution catering for the marginal problems of man, privileged, yes, but shut away from the world. As such a keeper of religion she was finished. She asserts her necessity but cannot realize it, therefore she lingers on in apologetics and self-defense." -Eberhard Bethge, Bonhoeffer: Exile and Martyr, 145.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Brief Thoughts on Romans 5
-Law cannot overcome sin and death. Artificial order does not bring true and lasting peace. Only the Spirit can accomplish the task.
-Prior to creation, there was chaos to which God brought order and peace. After sin, there is a return to chaos in the universe. Christ as the new creation brings a new opening and possibility for peace. The eschatological perspective of history now means that at the closing of history there will be a return to the peace first breathed by God.
-Prior to creation, there was chaos to which God brought order and peace. After sin, there is a return to chaos in the universe. Christ as the new creation brings a new opening and possibility for peace. The eschatological perspective of history now means that at the closing of history there will be a return to the peace first breathed by God.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Trails
When I came to college I realized I was indebited to St. Thomas. When I felt the church should work to help the poor, MLK and Gutierrez guided the way. When I wanted to fashion a church to fight injustice, Rauschenbusch and Day provided examples. When I found God's mystery to be too much for me, Barth and Kierkegaard welcomed me.
I feel like a man walking through the woods following old trails. As I walk I hope to find the places where great theologians have tread. Not because I am great, but because others forged the way for me.
Our theologies are merely the stories of our own wanderings after God.
I feel like a man walking through the woods following old trails. As I walk I hope to find the places where great theologians have tread. Not because I am great, but because others forged the way for me.
Our theologies are merely the stories of our own wanderings after God.
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