Email: Katherine Bryant

Greetings from Mavelikara in Kerala, India!

As the whirlwind of change and newness settles, it is a time of reflection on first impressions, initial lessons learned, new friendships forged, and the grace of God provided daily! I continue to thank God for His love shown through you all and your gifts and blessings in sending me here. God called me to this place and has provided for me by so many means. It is a testament to His goodness and an affirmation to my placement.

After a wonderful week of orientation in Chicago with new friends who will serve globally, I arrived in Aluva, India. Along with three other volunteers placed in South India (Laura, Beth and Rob), I had the opportunity of a two-week in country orientation conducted by our coordinator, the Reverend Thomas John, and his dear wife Betty. It was here that we were introduced to the Indian culture—acquainting our palette to a new array of savory dishes, becoming adept with the right hand at eating our meals, attempting to forgo toilet paper, donning Kerala attire and the like! This was a time to learn of the culture of India and the pervading influences of the land and people. We studied under guest lecturers learning about the history, economics, education, and political systems of Kerala. This was a wonderful time to grow the support network and friendships of our team members.

Finally, I arrived at my individual placement in Mavelikara. I live at the women’s hostel of Bishop Moore College. I have found many wonderful friends and mentors in the people in Mavelikara. I am humbled daily as I learn from these people and see and experience God’s kingdom in new ways. I am amazed at how friendly and generally interested people are to know me. Just a simple walk down the street leads to shouts of “Miss! Good morning miss!” Sometimes people yell this until they catch up and I discover they desire just to talk and walk with me. So many questions! Not many foreigners come here. I suppose my presence is somewhat of a novelty. This, of course, can sometimes lead to frustration at feeling very foreign and continuously an object of stares.

My daily routine consists of working at either the college or the lower primary (LP) school. At the college I assist students in the English department or fill in teaching lessons or skills to students seeking bachelors and masters degrees. At the LP school I teach spoken English to grades 1-4, using games, songs, reading, and other adventures!

At the hostel, I teach spoken English classes to four different groups, participate in daily chapel services, and have the opportunity to engage in the lives of about 60-70 girls! They really are lovely women, and I love getting to be with them. As the year progresses I will be involved in other projects and responsibilities, including an environmental and religious conference in February. Already this time has provided me with personal growth and reflection, a dramatic increase in my Bible study and prayer life, and an openness and renewal of my heart and mind. I am daily reminded of God’s faithfulness.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Blessings,

Katherine Bryant

I post more of my day-to-day reflections at www.birdsflight.blogspot.com