These last few days have been extraordinary in a myriad of
senses. Our small group of time travelers has been adjusting to a place which
is half a world away from home and feels and looks so different. I can honestly
say that I am delighted to be here. The people of Durgapur are beautiful and
sweet. We have received a tremendous welcome.
Today, as every day has been thus far, was a panoply of color and music. Dressed in our finery and after an early breakfast, we gathered for a foot washing at the entrance to the compound. We, the invited guests, then walked in a long procession, behind dancers and drummers, Bishop Dutta and all the representatives of various churches and dioceses out onto the road and around the block to the entrance of St. Michael’s School where an enormous festooned tent had been erected under which we were to witness the forty-year Thanksgiving Service of the Diocese of Durgapur..
This was a momentous and hours’ long event with the theme “A Journey of Faith”. Our group was offered fine seats very close to the altar and Rev. Rob Field and Rev. Dn. Annie Fritschner were participants.. Just imagine a service in Bengali, English and Hindi with about half a dozen bishops and retired bishops in attendance---great celebration, pomp and circumstance, many speakers, prayer, thanksgiving, song, the giving and receiving of gifts! Several of our women (myself included) had been inducted by members of Durgapur’s Daughters of the King to sing “Holy Spirit, come and fill this place”. The Bible was carried on a huge floral-decorated drum up to and down from the altar by Santali tribesman. There was a tea in the garden of the school afterwards.
I’m not sure how to describe exactly how I feel---it’s a mixture of awe, joy, gratitude, exhaustion and more. One additional observation---the children who Bishop Dutta has brought here to house and educate are the essence of love and light. They spontaneously run up to hug us which feels sublime!
Blair Miller
Today, as every day has been thus far, was a panoply of color and music. Dressed in our finery and after an early breakfast, we gathered for a foot washing at the entrance to the compound. We, the invited guests, then walked in a long procession, behind dancers and drummers, Bishop Dutta and all the representatives of various churches and dioceses out onto the road and around the block to the entrance of St. Michael’s School where an enormous festooned tent had been erected under which we were to witness the forty-year Thanksgiving Service of the Diocese of Durgapur..
This was a momentous and hours’ long event with the theme “A Journey of Faith”. Our group was offered fine seats very close to the altar and Rev. Rob Field and Rev. Dn. Annie Fritschner were participants.. Just imagine a service in Bengali, English and Hindi with about half a dozen bishops and retired bishops in attendance---great celebration, pomp and circumstance, many speakers, prayer, thanksgiving, song, the giving and receiving of gifts! Several of our women (myself included) had been inducted by members of Durgapur’s Daughters of the King to sing “Holy Spirit, come and fill this place”. The Bible was carried on a huge floral-decorated drum up to and down from the altar by Santali tribesman. There was a tea in the garden of the school afterwards.
I’m not sure how to describe exactly how I feel---it’s a mixture of awe, joy, gratitude, exhaustion and more. One additional observation---the children who Bishop Dutta has brought here to house and educate are the essence of love and light. They spontaneously run up to hug us which feels sublime!
Blair Miller
Hi Blair,
ReplyDeleteIt is just fascinating to read your posts.
Love,
Janet