Welcome to the South

It has been quite a long time since I have posted. So much has occurred the last few weeks that it is difficult to figure out where to start.

Junior year of college is done. In retrospect, I saw many things that were so difficult throughout the year, but at the end, it was all worth it. Really, isn’t this how the Christian life seems to be. Struggles, challenges, temptations and difficulties are common parts of staying in step with the example of Jesus Christ. However, the ultimate end glory, eternity with Him, will be worth it.

In about a week span, I have gone from being in the midst of studying for finals in Minneapolis, to being at home in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to being in Alpharetta, Georgia for an internship. It really does seem like a huge whirlwind of weather, emotions, and environments. But I officially do know that I am in the south with the numerous Sonics, Waffle Houses, and just good ol’ southern hospitality (and all the “y’all’s” I keep hearing).

For the next 10 weeks I will be doing an internship at a church in Alpharetta named North Point. It is a pretty large church and my perspective on ministry has already started to change a little bit. It is so interesting to see the differences between what I have been used to my whole life, as far as church, and now see a totally different perspective, a good one at that.

In the past, my perspective of ministry and reaching people was one of direct contact and relationships. But being part of a ministry that has so many facets, it has been sweet to see how heart change really occurs on many other levels.

On the flip side of the internship, there are 40 some other interns, mostly from Georgia and other states in the south. I am realizing how different I am in simply the way I talk and do things. At the present time, it is so interesting to be in a place where I really do not know many people or have established contacts. The situation is quite different from home or college, but at the same time exciting.

That is it for right now. My mind for some reason has found difficulty in processing all the information and situations that have been experienced. Hopefully in due time, these things will come into an organized sequence of maturity and understanding.

Back Home...Learning

Right now I feel like Doogie Howser M.D. (if you don’t know him, use Wikipedia). I am sitting at my computer late at night after a long day reflecting on the incredible amount that I have experienced and learned this past weekend.
I had the sweet chance this weekend to travel home and be with my ENTIRE family. That is right, all the brothers, sister, parents, grandparents, cousins, relatives, extended family, and some family friends. There was an atmosphere of celebration and joy this weekend because it was my brother’s birthday, my sister-in-law’s baby shower and a cousin’s wedding. Although I was sick the first two days, the chance to sit back and observe helped me learn so much about myself, my family, and the way we interact. So here is my random laundry list of some sweet things (at least to me they are sweet).

- Ok, my family, especially my mom’s side, is loud. I mean really loud. The decibel level when we are all together is pretty high. It does not surprise me why I am so outspoken and vocal at times anymore.
- The thing I thought I began to despise this year is something I love at home. The same sounds and noises that make it difficult for me to sleep at school were soothing at home. I went to bed early one night, and everyone else was still up. The loudness of conversation, jokes, and random sayings eased my mind to sleep. This phenomenon of something so difficult turned into something so desired was unusual but a pleasant surprise.
- Chicago Cub fans are arguably the best in baseball. The mere passion and perseverance of supporting a team that is difficult to root for shows the deepness of this fan hood.


- Being away from friends at school for a wee bit, made my realize how close I have become with some and how important many have been this year.
- There are less than two weeks left in school. The realization that this hallway and group of guys that I become accustomed to will never be together again as a unit is tough.
- The amount I love my siblings (including my sister-in-law) is greater every time we are together. This is not because we have just a jolly good time the whole time. Maybe more so because we can argue, passionately disagree with each other, and at the end of the discussion, we still respect each other the same. For many, the first person to turn to is your “best friend” or confidant. I realized for me, apart from God, I turn to my family so much for support, encouragement, and joy.
- In the Indian community, I am realizing more and more that you do not just marry the person, but you marry the entire family. While this is a difficult concept to grasp for man, it is a reality in my eyes. (Ohh yea,500 people at a wedding is "medium" size)

- The numerous wedding traditions Mayalaye’s do once made me look down at my culture now make me proud.
- The importance of worth of a late night conversation of deep meaning and “realness” is nearly priceless in my eyes.
- Money is really not that big of a deal. At the Cub’s Game this weekend, my brother found a single seat, maybe 10 rows behind first base. The rest of us had tickets for seats way higher up. After an inning of enjoying the quality of the seats, my brother came back to enjoy the company. No matter what, the love and fellowship of close family far outweighs the world’s delights money can buy.
- Cousins I have not seen from Edmonton, Canada for years hold such a special place in my life and heart. It is as if we do not need to talk, and we can just go back to being friends in an instant. That my friend is special.
- But the biggest thing I learned this weekend is the bond of fellowship and love that is found in the presence of God. He is big, powerful, huge, but intimate, close, and personal. The love, peace of mind, true permanent joy that is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is something that cannot be replaced, bought, or substituted for. This time on earth may provide huge homes, large sums of money, beautiful cars, and expensive clothing, but what good is all that 300 years from now. The actuality is that these things are temporary, but the fellowship of being with the Jesus in eternity is forever.