We have arrived in Durgapur! 

The trip from Kolkata was 3 hours and wild. It reminded me of driving in Wales, but on steroids. Lanes are stripped but the actual practice of driving in them is loosely defined. It's more driving by horns, kind of New York City style. The smog is as thick as I have ever seen anywhere--I have a new appreciation for the clear air of our mountains that I have just never had before. Throngs of people living in unbelievable conditions line the highway. I wonder how they survive day to day. One tentlike structure was set up in the median between the lanes of traffic. After 32 hours of flying it was all a little surreal.

Today has been about settling in and letting our bodies adjust to the new time and surroundings. Bishop Dutta and his people greeted us with overwhelming hospitality and a breakfast that was wonderful. As we toured the Diocesan compound, the children peeked out at us. I think they are as excited to see us as we are them. Bishop Dutta has primed them well for basketball instruction that two of us will gladly give.  There are plaques everywhere marking things that parishes in our Diocese and our Diocese collectively have helped to make happen here--the Good Shepherd Clinic, the Hostel for the children who live here, the basketball/play yard.  I found myself deeply moved to see our connection so visibly marked. Sometimes, maybe we feel our gifts are so small, but I am aware that these offerings made to our friends mean so very much here--outward and visible signs of the grace we both receive from this friendship that spans the globe.   

 

Our day closed with a quick trip into the city centre to get a few things and a second stop for some appropriate attire for the more formal events associated with the festivities surrounding their Annual Thanksgiving Service this Sunday.  I am not sure who had more fun...the 5 or 6 women getting outfitted or the three men who were helping us.  A good time was had by all.  Several pictures taken and the promise to send them on to the people who helped us.

 

Standing outside one of those stores, a woman walked up to a couple of us with her young son, maybe 6 or 7 years old.  She said, "My son wants to know why you are so white."  Priceless. We had a wonderful conversation with both mother and son.  What a great moment for all of us.

 

Tomorrow our activities begin in earnest.  

 

Please hold us in your prayers, as we certainly hold all of you in ours.

 

In the peace of Christ,

Cyndi Banks 

Members of the Diocese Get Ready for Trip to India

On Monday, January 28, seven of members of the Diocese will be making the journey to visit our brothers and sisters at the compound of our companion diocese, The Diocese of Durgapur, Church of North India.

Traveling from St. Luke's in Boone will be their Rector, The Rev. Cyndi Banks; Drs. Jim and Susanne Shine; and Mrs. Libby Murphy.  St. Luke's provided funding for the construction of the much-used basketball court at the children's hostel in Durgapur. The Rev. Banks will be fulfilling a commitment she made to Bishop Dutta (during his visit several years ago) to visit Durgapur and teach the children how to play basketball. 

Making the journey for the second time will be The Rev. Dr. Norma Hanson, trip Chaplain, and Ms. Betty Jo Kinzler. 

This will be the fourth trip for Ms. Shawnee Irwin from St. Philip's in Brevard.  Ms. Irwin serves as the Chair of the Companion Diocese Committee and Country Coordinator for India with The Order of the Daughters of the King. 

We welcome your prayers as we visit our friends and the many children who benefit from the kind generosity of those who sponsor them.  Please visit our blog and follow along with us on our journey.

The delegation from North Carolina will be making regular updates on the blog site during their visit. Please be sure to check in to see how their visit is going and to provide support.