A Letter To You

Hello!
It's wonderful to hear from you! I am currently at Hartland and will be majoring in Pastoral Evangelism with a minor in Agriculture. Actually, I flew out to India the day after graduation and was there for about two months. I had planned on studying Theology there and then working in northern India perhaps in Meghalaya near Shillong where there is a college of ours filling shoes and relieving burdens. Unfortunately, this was on the assumption that I could receive a sound foundation in true education, that being a holistic one providing practical training with the essential element of vocational training(esp. agriculture, this is a necessity in our time and God has specifically blessed such toil. Such an education is also advocated beautifully in the Spirit of Prophesy). This requisite foundation I could not, unfortunately, procure in India. I was stuck as we would say between a rock and an hard place. I could not allow myself to receive an inferior, questionable, mere theory based education at "Battlecreek," when there are in fact schools of the prophets available. I must be fit for God's service and I must inform you if you are not aware that not all of our institutions are synonymous. Nor do all unabashedly support and emphasize and practically apply, implement, and incorporate the Spirit of Prophesy into the institution. This is what has led me to Hartland college. And I have not been disappointed! I urge you if you have any ill notions or anything of that ilk to visit the institution for yourself. You must observe for yourself before you can accurately judge the efficacy of the program and the standards here which are wholly biblical and of course emphasized in the writings of Sister White. After reading the testimonies I was pained deeply to behold such flagrant repudiation for such sound counsel and to see leaders and pastors, watchmen, not only asleep at there post regarding their solemn duties but also endorsing, condoning, and encouraging vanity, frivolity, and a low-standard. God is not mocked, He Who laid down His very Son for the lives of ungrateful men will reward them according to there works. We are to feed not pet the lambs. I say this as sincerely and carefully as I know how, we are in fact living in the last days, Daniel's prophesies clearly declare and we should expect all that Paul has earnestly penned to warn and admonish us in these last days to be not only prevalent but even encouraged among those with itching ears. Please pray for our institutions and for our leaders for they desperately need courage now to remain steadfast and to uphold the standard, that is Christ, His law, and His character as alone is our safe example. If you would like to learn more about the gradual, deviation and repudiation of clearly established principles founded by our living, loving Father for our protection please look into the following books:
Living Fountains or Broken Cisterns - By E. A. Sutherland
The Broken Blueprint - By Vance Farrel
Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students(here the standard is clearly established) - E. G. White
Education - E. G. White

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. (Philippians 1:3)
And rest assured that you are loved and tenderly protected in the Father's hands for I have placed you there through prayer to our most benevolent Father. May the God of all peace keep your hearts abounding in His love. Remember, He will keep him who's mind is stayed on Him in perfect peace(Isaiah 26:3). And His peace passeth all understanding(Philippians 4:6).

Music

Oh, how I miss piano and classical music here! While writing the letter below I listened to some beautiful piano played by Yiruma's Spring Time redolent of my close friends Jeremy, Earl, and Jacob. I miss you guys terribly and all of our conversations(or perhaps my lectures is more accurate) about the fragility of life and the Mission of our great God and and Savior Jesus Christ, the beautiful privilege that He has given to us to be co-laborers with Christ in the salvation of His redeemed children, and encouraging and exhorting you to keep the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our triumphant King precious knowing that this hope kept in mind galvanizes us to vigorous action for His service. It is the reality that is all too soon to come as an overwhelming surprise upon the inhabitants of this dark land. Please, brothers remember those words of comfort and fashion your lives with the reality in mind that life is a breath, a shadow, but a vapor. Then you will understand why we are to be indeed a "peculiar" people(Titus 2:14), and the high calling of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. But above all things brothers keep your eyes "looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith"(Hebrews 12:2)
Remember also I love you and that the Father loves you with an "everlasting love"(Jeremiah 31:3)
Benjamin

Letter to My Loving Mom

Hi!
I'm doing fine! The internet has been down lately and I have been busy with arranging plans for my migration to Meghalaya in the North-East to enter into a training institution in the mountains of the North-East near the Himalaya. They provide opportunities for agriculture work and carpentry and a Bible seminary is there to assist in my studies. It is in the country and the altitude is very high I have been told(so high that a few friends I have made from there had acute altitude sickness on the trains on the way down). Presently I am searching for someone that is returning(many family members recently arrived here from the NE to drop off their sons or daughters for college here at Spicer in Pune) to the Northeast especially Shillong. If you look on a map I will be in between Shillong(capital of Meghalaya) and Jowai. The institution is sequestered from the nearest town by about a 30 minute drive I understand. I am quite excited about this wonderful opportunity. I have not informed anyone about this recent change because it has been something that I have been looking into for a couple of weeks and I have been uncertain up till a few days ago concerning whether or not I would go. It is quite the journey across India to Kolkata where I must procure a necessary permit of entrance before I can pass from West Bengal state to Assam state(North-East). I have intended to blog more but time(and the availability of current) hasn't allowed me to do so. There are many facts regarding Maghalaya that would comfort you concerning my safety and well-being such as that English is a major language in the region it has therefore been heavily influenced by the West and is more liberal(free, as opposed to imposing and strict as my friends from the North put it). It is also predominately Christian(Baptist). I have been told that just my presence on the campus will be a blessing to many and that my enthusiasm for practical education(including work, labor to cultivate the physical and mental well-being as well as to assist others and to be a blessing to others) will stimulate the department especially that which I join. This I find humbles me greatly I am not to be an American in this land nor a foreigner but to as much as possible assimilate into the culture that I find myself in(depending on the state India has many diverse "cultures" and it could be said that the culture in the North-East is eclectic mostly derived from China and Mongolia). Thank you for the sandals that you gave me long ago(I think you said they were Louis's). I wear them most of the time and I have walked through Monsoon rains in the Markets(once 4 Kilometers to a friend's flat) and they have faired wonderfully. Thank you also for the books(Atlas and Culture Smart) I have spent not a few hours learning about this land absorbed in those books. Oh, and my friends from all over India have found it very interesting as well. I must go now I am late for an appointment! Please give my regards to Louis and remind Natalie that I love her(thank her for the journal for me please).
I love you
Your Son
Benjamin

Thoughts

I've been away for a few days tackling some seemingly insurmountable problems. I'm learning so much about the Indian culture here. Indians from all over India are here studying BTHeology, BBusiness&Administration, B ed(or simply BTH, BBA, and B ed). I have learned to distinguish which region of India people are from by the hue of their epidermis and their facial structure. The black Indians are from Tamil Nadu or South India and those that look like Indonesians, Koreans, Chinese, Mongolians, and Philipinos are from the Northern parts such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. It is summer time here(2 weeks left) and there are few foreign students here(a few Malaysians, Burmese, and Chinese(theirs one sitting next to me right now actually)).
In a few weeks the students will begin to arrive just in time for registration which begins on the 20 of June. Monsoon season is coming soon. I am looking forward to its advent having never experienced such weather before. It isn't actually too hot right now(albeit sweat is running down my leg!) since summer is drawing to a close. For breakfast they serve bread(white) with dal(which is hot split lentil curry, I think) a banana(the bananas are smaller green and sweeter here) and some hot(very, very hot) drink that looks like hot chocolate, tastes like hot chocolate but is not hot chocolate! And for lunch and supper they serve rice and dal. It is tasty(they also serve a spicy alternative to the dal made of garbanzo beans which I echew) but is very monotonous. The only fruit provided is bananas(which I have learned that if I do not have bananas I am very, very weak. I read this in one of my India books, provided by my benevolent mother, and began to eat bananas here. Then I regained my strength. Before I had been exceedingly weak, barely able to walk around. I thought I was experiencing early symptoms of Malaria) and I have to go outside of the campus(a kilometer away) to purchase some mango juice(which energizes me and provides me with the vitamins that I am not receiving at the caf here, vitamins such as A which helps(noticably) my skin look and feel smooth, it was becoming rough without it in my diet, and vitamin C which helps with my cough). Bananas and Mangoes are the only available fruits nearby.

I have noticed that I have the deepest voice on campus here(and I'm sick). Most Indian men(perhaps the spicy food perpetuates this) have soft, higher pitched voices compared to Americans. I hadn't noticed this in America but this may be because Indian Americans eat other foods besides there own. Most Americans eat a variety of national foods. I find myself frequently saying things like,"In America we.....", here as I encounter peculiar Indian customs. I must admit I have to stifle a certain pride that swells in me sometimes concerning my homeland here. This is ironic because I am not exactly patriotic(I can hear a few friends laughing in agreement here). Indian women from Tamil Nadu(South India) wear beautiful saris(I don't think I need to describe these) of all colors and fashions. My favorite color is a royal dark purple so those really stand out to me.
Tamil Nadu culture is quite interesting. I'm learning much about this particular region's culture from a friend that is with me constantly, Pastor Peter. The culture in Tamil Nadu is probably the most traditional Indian culture on the entire subcontinent. Men do not interact with women, boys do not speak with girls, and women after marriage generally don't even look at men. I must admit this certainly explains the low, very low(compared to America's 60%) divorce rate but I am sobered at the thought. I have many friends that I have learned from that are not of my gender. I cannot imagine who I would be without their influence. Interesting.

Markets here are as stereotypically expected(busy, very, very busy) but I have experienced what letters cannot accurately describe and that is the stinging odors, disconcerting horns, and the adrenaline rush when an auto rickshaw speeds by just a few inches from my side as well as from the frightening circus horns from the giant trucks racing by. There are venders that carry all kinds of peculiar as well as necessary wares in the market. I would call the markets bazaars actually(here in Pune). The first time I went to the market was to purchase a mattress, pillow, sheets, and a converter. It all came out to be less than 10 dollars.
I guess I'll answer the questions I've received regarding the bathroom facilities here in India now. Within all modern hotels they are, well, modern but everywhere else they are simple holes in the ground and no, no toilet paper is provided. ha. I wasn't surprised having been well informed(warned) concerning such before coming here. It's different to say the least.
The weather is cool in the mornings and at night(still warm enough to require the fan and to sleep without sheets to be comfortable). During the day it is quite hot compared to the more mild temp I was accustomed to in Pennsylvania. I have earned(as I walked to various stores, offices, and vender) myself a dark tan(darker by the day).
I have been and continue to be impressed with the plethora of BTH(bachelor of Theology) students that are here and their attitudes. The institution had 176 BTH students last year. It is evident that many are neophytes that have either been sent here by family without choice or simply appraise the career admirable or something like that. I have made it my duty and purpose to unite these students. I have found few(I don't think few is a good word) that have a jovial attitude concerning Christ, His imminent advent, and the joy in being a co-laborer with Him for the salvation of His sheep that is rarely evident in America. Instead there is a certain anxiety apparent on their faces(they seem to be focused upon some seemingly insurmountable difficulty and not upon the Deliverer that is our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ our Jehovah-jireh, the living God that [provides] answers.
This note marks the transition that I will begin to make in this blog to make it more edifying to my family(including my extended family, which includes all those bought by the precious blood of our Savior) and friends. His banner over us is love.
In His Hands
Benjamin

OK, Comprehensive Blog!

Okay, I woke up at a hotel near the JFK airport and had breakfast at the complimentary continental breakfast(or whatever it is called). I remember eating fruit loops, many fruit loops. Which is interesting because I rarely eat sugar cereals. My family then dropped me off at the airport and I pulled out my cell phone and began to text my friends where I was. That was the last time that I could use my mobile(that's what they call it here in India, I purchased a new mobile today with some friends for 2,800 Rp.). One of my friends just stepped off the plane arriving from Puerto Rico. She was at the same airport too! Well, I flew on the Etihad airlines the official airlines of United Arab Emirates(I flew from JFK-UAE, to Mumbai or Bombay India) and was I should say far, far more luxurious than any airline that I have taken before within the country and outside(including Spain). It was 8 seats accross(2-4-2) and each person had an "entertainment screen" in front of them and could play games, watch movies from a diverse selection of countries, listen to music from all around the world(I liked the classical selection) and they could view a variety of maps covering the flight(which I did 90% of the time). On the first flight that is the flight from JFK to Abu Dhabi I sat next to the window on the left side of the plane next to a Indian woman flying to India(same itinerary as myself, there were perhaps 30 of us with the final destination India). We talked a little(she slept Alot! I didn't(couldn't) sleep much) and I learned that she was studying at a university in NY for her masters in Occupational Therapy. She was returning to her home state of Maharashtra(Mumbai, Pune, and Spicer are located therein) for the summer break. She was nice but I found it difficult to speak with her because I had bronchitus or some kind of an itching cough in my throat and my voice was weak and difficult to understand(I could barely understand myself). This flight was approximately 12 hours far shorter than the 17 hours I had imagined. It was smooth and I slept for only 30 minutes on it because of my cough that prevented me from regulating my breathing and to relax. I spent most of my time glued to the window as we flew over Halifax, London, Budapest, Bucharest, Baghdad, the Black Sea, the Arabian Sea, Abu Dhabi, and finally(on the last flight) Mumbai. I also cycled through the variety of maps that were provided in flight(this is how I knew that I was flying over what). On the descent which was at about 7 AM in the morning local time(UAE) I experienced something that I have never before experienced while flying. I'm not sure why exactly I had never before experienced it having flown many times and internationally as well. It was during the last 30 minutes that my ears began to feel a most intense pain that was almost(and I am not in the least exaggerating) beyond that which I could bare. It felt as though hot, hot liquid was poured down my ears and was flowing to the most sensitive parts of my ears. This led to a horrendous headache. This did not last for the last two minutes of the flight but for the last 30 minutes. I could hear children crying around me and most people were hunched over holding their heads in their hands. I remember looking out the window and seeing how far we were from the ground as this occurred and how slowly we descended and thinking, COME ON!! Land!! Well anyways I told myself on the plane to appropriately mention this ordeal! Upon landing I grabbed my backpack and walked teetering off the plane and stepped down steps onto the land of the Arabs. Immediately a thick, heavy heat seemed to encompass me and I made my way to the bus that carted us to the right gate. I could not hear normally at all. My ears felt as though I had placed two thick shells on them and my ability to hear was likewise terrible(this made my speech even worse). I entered the Abu Dhabi airport(which is located in a desert san trees, and all form of life) and proceeded to my next gate (number 5) for Mumbai. I had an hour until I could enter the "waiting area" near the gate so I walked around the dome like room that led to many other gates. I found an internet booth and checked my email and sat down next to a tv that was covering soccer(futbol) around the world. I couldn't really hear it though. My ears did not return to normal during my time in UAE. People looked at me closely with a pensive, askant countenance which only encouraged me to hold my neck passport holder closely. On the short flight from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai I sat next to a precocious young Maharastran. He laughed at me a few times when I performed some random fax paus and we had a small conversation about India and the food and peculiar culture.
Unfortunately the internet room here at Spicer is being closed(it is now 10 PM local time) and I must defer this post till tomorrow. I have not even begun to describe my first experience. I have much more to write. I must go!
Namaste!

Ok I'm back! It is now 11:28 here and I am in the internet room with a friend that is studying for his masters in theology through Andrews here. I let him listen to a sermon earlier by David Gates one of my favorite speakers and now he is listening/watching a sermon by him from Hopevideo as I write this! I will endeavor to continue the post now.
Abu Dhabi to Mumbai
This flight was short and I rested for about half of it(I think it was 2 hours, I'm not sure it flew by(pardon the pun)). On the descent the same numbing pain hit my ears as we made our slow, slow descent into Mumbai. I got off the plane, retrieved my things, and headed toward the egress to find my ride. As I walked out I saw maybe 50 people waiting and walked around them to a place were I could relax and wait. A young man then walked to me and mumbled Benjamin and do you know Solomon...(and I said Lazaar, yes. Hi Jegan). He is a little bigger than myself(he is studying at Spicer(day scholar) as well) and has slick, oiled hair. My hearing was still once again very distorted as it was in Abu Dhabi. He then helped me with my things and we found a few ruff looking guys that Jegan asked to drive us all the way to Pune(4 hours). Then we waited as they tried to do something(I'm not sure what the problem was really). Jegan turned to me and suggested that we take a bus after we had been sitting in the sun waiting for about 40 minutes. I simply responded,"whatever you think is best."(I said this many times to his questions throughout the day actually). We found a rickshaw(which is a tiny, tiny three wheeled vehicle) threw my luggage in and packed ourselves around them. We rode to the bus stop and found a nice bus rivaling the ones that I rode on in Mexico and Spain with Bel Canto that was traveling to Pune and hopped on. I remember(this was two days ago) being very, very exhausted at this point and sleeping for part of the trip holding my big black backpack in my lap(it was quite heavy too) which I kept close it having all my documents and money, and electronics inside it. We stopped a few times to drop people off here and there. When we arrived at a certain part near the college Jegan called me and we jumped off and grabbed my things from the luggage retainer on the side of the bus. We then walked on the road for a few kilometers to the college with cars, motor bikes and rickshaws screaming by. There were many on the side of the road too. When we drew near to the college Jegan began to point out some buildings that I really couldn't see because of the darkness. Apparently the city of Pune has recently aggrandized its borders quite a bit and swallowed up Spicer's campus. I met the dean of the hostel and dorm when we arrived at the dorms and he greeted me kindly and told me that we would talk later till then Jegan had apparently made plans that I would stay with his friend Vijayan. The dorms were by western standards dilapidated at best but I was not in the least surprised. I haven't really been surprised with anything here. I guess I prepared for the trip well and so am not taken aback by the lack.
It is lunch time now so I must go. I will continue and finish this blog when I have time. It costs me 12 Rps. per hour to use the internet facilities(about a quarter). Until then Wanakam(Tamil)!

My first non-comprehensive India blog

Whew! I am presently in the computer lab at Spicer college that is located in the international city of Pune, within India. I flew into Mumbai on the 26 of May at 11 AM(I'll blog that later; It was interesting) and arrived in Pune at 10 PM on the 27th of May. I slept very little and am still tired from the trip. I have met many benevolent people here at Spicer. I'm the only American. It is summer time so most students especially foreign students are at their respective countries. The food is tasty; for breakfast they served a peanut-butter sauce and bread to dip it in that was very good. Lunch is in 9 minutes so I'll be heading over there soon! I just bought a meal ticket so I'm all set I guess. I'll will write a comprehensive post of my expedition into this vast land and my immediate experiences with the people here and students of Spicer college later. I do not have the time now!
Adios!
Spanish? I'm studying Hindi, and Tamil now. It's spoken constantly all around me.