Another report

Hello friends!

Here’s a more in-depth update from the team. At first they had been worried that they would miss out on Indian life by staying in the hotel accommodations provided by their hosts. As they report, however, they’re meeting people and building friendships.

Thanks for your support of this team!

Owen.

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Hi Owen!

So heres how our first couple of days have been. When we first arrived we felt a little uncomfortable with the overwhelming hospitality. When we asked for advice, you say to stay open to it which we have! We have come to befriend and love the hotel staff and they seem like family now. Even though we want to stay on the base we feel comfortable here. We also met a group of girls from Canada at the hotel so they became encouraging since we were not the only ones here. Also being in the India culture has shown us that India is very hospitable wherever we go.

We love our host. He is a lot of fun, extremely friendly, and somehow deals with all our loud giggles. The first day we went to campus and met ALL the people on campus. I wish I could say we remembered all their names but sadly we do not. The people are all very loving, welcoming, and have a huge passion for God. After going to campus we went saree shopping. The store was huge and overwhelming but our host was able to get us to the right counters. This is where we learned about India’s hospitality because they liked to help us a lot! We were able to leave the store with fashionable indian wear.

The next day we went to our first school. We were only there for two days so we sadly couldn’t spend a lot of time with them but we loved the school very much. The kids were very excited to have us. They shook our hands, smiled, and waved at us a lot! The teachers were also fantastic. They were very encouraging and they showed us what serving God is all about. Our last day, they thanked us for us helping them but I do not think they realized how much of an impact they were to us. The principal gave us certificates that kids made for us which was fantastic! Thankfully the school is on campus so we hope to visit it again but it was definitely a good first school. 😀

Thanks for being patient with us and sorry to make you worry! We will keep you updated!

Love, India team

A quick update

I asked the team for a brief update – here’s the overview. They’ll fill us in in more detail soon.

-Owen.

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Hey Owen!

Sorry that we haven’t been emailing. We have been so tired by the end of the day so we keep forgetting to email and update the blog. India is wonderful! We are all in love with the country and people. I am going to wait until I am with the rest of the team so we can all give input to your email. Thanks for checking in with us!

-Amanda

Hello from India!

Today was our first full day in India. In the morning we had a campus tour and then went shopping for Indian clothes. The many options and colors were a bit overwhelming but our men hosts tried their best to help. As soon as we got to our rooms we tried on our new outfits.

Tomorrow is our first day teaching in the schools so we are very excited! More updates to come.

They’ve arrived!

Good morning, friends!

I received this email from the team early this morning when they arrived in Hyderabad:

Team India is safely in Hyderabad! We love it so far! We have seen a monkey from outside our window and lots of the city! Oh and 4 people on a motorbike! Thanks! Email you soon 🙂

We’ll keep you updated.

Owen.

Here they go!

This morning the team met at SeaTac Airport for their flight to Hyderabad. They’ll fly through Frankfurt and Mumbai on the way, reaching Hyderabad around 9 am on July 3.

They’ll spend the next month visiting schools in developing communities, helping in classrooms and learning from Indian community leaders. Good times ahead!

I’ve asked the team to let me know when they arrive – after that they’ll take over the blog responsibilities.

If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at owen@SPU.edu or (206) 427-1296.

Thanks for your support of these students!

Owen Sallee
SPU John Perkins Center SPRINT Advisor

Team Bio: Youngjoo Park

Hello hello,

My name is Youngjoo, or YJ, and I’m going to India! I’m from Beaverton, OR and I can’t believe I’ve already finished my third year at SPU. I’m currently studying Psychology and am hoping to go to graduate school for School Counseling. I’m also a big fan of Keanu Reeves and Mexican food.

I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to go to India and serve. I’m looking forward to the ways that God will be opening my eyes and humbling my heart and I appreciate all the prayers and support our team has received in the last few months. God will be, and has been, doing great things in India. Just 3 days to go!!

Team Bio: Kelsey Trautman

Hello!

My name is Kelsey and I just graduated from Seattle Pacific with a B.A. in English Literature. I plan to eventually go to seminary, but in the meantime I am just spending time to listen to God. This year I will be working at SPU’s Image Journal, putting my degree to good use!

I love to travel, and am passionate about issues of injustice and illiteracy, and so the opportunity to go to India and work with the Dalits is incredibly humbling. While it is not going to be my first time overseas, I have a feeling it will be an experience unlike anything else.

Quick facts about things that I love:
Favourite Book: Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
Favourite Foods: tea, cucumbers, pineapple fried rice
Favourite Movies: Moonrise Kingdom, Harold and Maude, The Wedding Singer

Team Bio: Jasmine Brickley

Hi

My name is Jasmine Brickley. I am going to be a junior this year at SPU and I’m well on my way towards a B.A. in Accounting. As you could probably guess, I want to be an accountant when I graduate. However, that’s not all I want to do. When I’m not accounting, I want to be on short-term missions all over the world (like this one!) and helping others be able to do the same. Some of my hopes for this trip are that it will serve as a learning experience for how to effectively help the Dalits and that it will open the door to more short-term mission opportunities in the future.

To get to know me a little better, I’ve listed for you ten random things I love:

– Oregon

– Adventures

– Water and trees

– Music (especially classic rock)

– Chopping wood

– Arts and crafts

– Animals (particularly dogs, deer, coyotes, and octopi)

– Seinfeld and the Mary Tyler Moore Show

– History

– Stars (the ones in space—not celebrities)

So yes, there’s a little bit of info about me. I’m super excited about this trip, my team, all that we’re going to learn from it, and helping the Dalits in whatever ways we can.

Namaste!

Team Bio: Amanda Theel

Hello Readers!

I am Amanda Theel, a junior at Seattle Pacific majoring in Art History. I love culture, history, and ad­­­­venture so this trip is perfect for me. This past December God called me to apply to SPRINT and I was placed on this wonderful trip to India! I am beyond excited for what He has in store for us. I am excited to eat all the delicious foods, meet wonderful people, bond with the girls, and serve the Indian community. God has so much in store for us so keep praying and supporting us. Only 4 days until we go International!!!!

Team Bio: Julia Lee

Namaste!

Hello my name is Julia Lee and I am from University Place, Washington 🙂 I am currently a junior at SPU…Well I guess now I am a senior. I am majoring in Psychology and I am not sure what I am going to do with a major in psych. The only thing I am sure of is that I want a career in the medical field. I really like to cook and definitely love to eat delicious food 🙂

I am very excited for this experience God has in store for me and for the team through this trip. I hope that I am able to convey the abundant love God has for the children in India. I can’t wait to meet the people there and build relationships with the children. Thank you for all the support and please continue to pray for us! God Bless~