Kolkata, India
International travel has its challenges and, over the years, I have faced most of those challenges more times than I care to remember. That’s one reason I smile when things go a little smoother than usual. Our flights from Houston to Kolkata were pleasant, our transition was seamless, and my good friend Don, a logistics genius, was at the airport to meet and escort us to the guesthouse where we will stay for the next week. But, the thing that brought the biggest smile to my face was the way in which our team embraced their entry into the chaos of Kolkata. This city of fifteen-plus million people is a cultural challenge to the senses of first time visitors. The sights, sounds, and smells will boldly assault and hold hostage each of your senses. You cannot escape or break free from their grip. Everywhere you look and every breath you take will fill you with Kolkata.
Kolkata is something of a second home to me. I actually like being here. My friends at the guesthouse where I stay know my room preference and always have “my room” ready for my stay. But, because I have visited Kolkata so many times and have become so accustomed to its sights, sounds, and smells, it’s easy for me to go about my business here without much thought to it all. However, one of the best things about leading teams to serve in places that are so familiar to me is seeing and appreciating everything anew through their eyes and excitement. For them, Kolkata in indeed “the city of joy.” I have five first-time travelers to Kolkata with me and they have absolutely embraced the experience. From the moment we landed, through every slow mile to the guesthouse, and on our walk to Mother Teresa’s Mother House this afternoon, they are more excited than school kids on a field trip to the Blue Bonnet Ice Cream factory. Not a single complaint from this group. As two of the young ladies said, “We have been waiting a lifetime to get here!”
Folks like Kristin, Vicki, Joy, Sarah, and Sam remind me of why I love mobilizing volunteers to serve among the nations. They have come to Kolkata with open hearts, prepared minds, and hands willing to serve. They understand that this trip is not about what’s comfortable or convenient for them, but about what it will take to do their part to love and care for those they have come here to serve. This is what going beyond is all about — allowing God to place you into a new context in order to help advance the interests of His kingdom. Over the next few days our team members will meet people they never thought they would meet in places they never imagined they would visit. And as a result, their lives and the lives of those they meet and serve will be enriched. Each of our team members have the aptitude to serve, but even more important, they have the right attitude to serve. They have come in humility, ready to consider others as more important than themselves (Phil. 2:3). They have come here as servants of Christ to embrace Kolkata.
Go Beyond 
Great to hear you all arrived with the minimum of fuss. Praise God for a wonderful team who have the ability and most of all the willingness to serve the folk of Kolkata. How exciting to see anew the wonders of Kolkata and the warm-hearted people of Kolkata who truly know the gift of hospitality.
We pray the Lord will direct your paths and give the team a love for the people of Kolkata that will endure long after the trip has ended.
Do give are regards to the team. We will be praying for you folks throughout as we will for Lizzie T. the daughter of our former Pastor who is in Kolkata for 3 months
By: paul beniston on March 13, 2011
at 8:12 PM
As always, thanks for supporting us with your prayers.
Blessings,
Omar~
By: Omar C. Garcia on March 13, 2011
at 8:48 PM
What an awesome experience! I think I know who the two are that said that quote. Thanks for leading them on this trip and allowing our Father to work through ya’lls hands!
By: jim dry on March 13, 2011
at 10:09 PM
So excited to hear my friends are embracing Kolkata. I loved being there and am looking forward to going back. My devo this morning was John 4:32 I have food to eat that you know nothing about. It spoke of how Jesus addressed the Samaritan woman’s needs and how it refreshed and satisfied Him. When we are obedient to reaching out and being obedient to what God has called us to, we are satisfied and refreshed. And I know that’s why these ladies are embracing the culture!! I am continually in prayer for each of you.
By: Janet Caldwell on March 14, 2011
at 10:21 AM
To Kristin and Vicki and the rest who have opened up their hearts and minds to this experience – I love you, i’m thinking about you, and I’m wishing that God blesses you all and speaks through you all so that the most can be gained from this trip and beyond. Love you! Tara
By: Tara Wenger on March 15, 2011
at 9:41 AM
Reading your blogs and praying for you all. Have prayed His word over you all and am praising His name for what the Holy Spirit is doing through each of you. Reading in Acts 20…I keep coming back to a verse I had to remember recently and continue to thank God that you are living it for His Glory… Acts 20: 24. ” However I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task that the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” Your work there is a living testament to His word and a faith put into action. I also think you are being obedient to many other verses that just spring from my heart and I cherish knowing what you are doing for our King and support you here with prayers, joy, and love. I know God’s justice will prevail. As for your picture , as always, Vicki, Kristin, Sarah…Psalm 134:5…the others I don’t know…you are all radiant with the love of Jesus in your face as well!!!!!!! Keep shining for Him and working for justice. I am thinking about when the Holy Spirit came and the tongues of fire settled on the disciples….may tongues of fire settle on the peoples’ lives you meet and touch and set them free from captivity and free in Jesus.
Praying for you,
Kelly
By: kelly Pichon on March 16, 2011
at 12:37 AM