Global Urban Trek 2008
Discipline of FunJuly 19, 2008
Psalm 4:7
"You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound."
I must confess that I have struggled to "just have fun" in Kolkata. I came here with such an intentional mission--to live incarnationally with the poor. My mindset was serious.
This is not to discount the countless opportunities in which I have seen God's joy in this city. Yet, with only a week and a half left, I have been challenging myself to "just have fun." God has been more than faithful in granting me these moments of utter enjoyment.
In our classes, Brenna, Mary and I taught "dance." We taught the macarena, limbo, swing, and an interpretative dance to "In Christ Alone." The day was filled with laughter and goofiness!
Then, last night after our team worshiped, I decided to play with the children who live on our apartment floor. I initiated a game of soccer with two boys and two girls. As we ran up and down the tile hallway, we all giggled and laughed! Every family opened their doors to watch the game.
I think most were amazed at the spectacle made by an American woman weaving in and out scoring goals with their children. When the game ended, I was exhausted, but the kids wanted to play again! As I left our apartment building headed for dinner, I was so grateful for God's blessing of allowing His children to play a game of futbol in the hallway of an apartment complex in Kolkata.
Today was another day of lasting joy. Connexions invited Brenna and I to join them to go to Aquatica, a water park in Kolkata. We had a fun-filled day. Between plunging face-first on a high slide and then "skateboarding" in a tube down another ride, all of us enjoyed this opportunity to fellowship. Our students transitioned to treating us as friends and included us in their every enjoyment.
These are only three brief stories of how God is blessing me with His enjoyment in my interactions here. He continues to remind me that He is not only the God of justice and the God of love, but He is also the God of delight, the God of joy and the God of sharing.
- Julie
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