how we got from there to here

There have been many notable events since last we updated you, our dear friends and readers, of our progress in travel. However, to dissipate any anxiety, I will cut to the chase and inform you that we have arrived safely and with all of our luggage and gear intact in Hyderabad. We were met at the airport and courteously escorted to the guest house where we will spend our time with the ORU India team, who have been extraordinarily gracious in accepting us into their routine. Today we head out with them to minister. Our expectations are high, but we're also a little bit nervous; the initial traveling is done, and we are beginning to do what we've been thinking about and preparing for over the last several months. The gear that was bought at such a long process, the countless hours of figuring out logistics, the attempts at explanation to family and friends, the selection of the team and process of choosing locations...investments and initiatives on end have finally found their purpose. So that's a bit intimidating – in the best sense.
Now to how we've gotten here – apparently getting to where you're going can be just as much of a test/adventure as what you do once you've gotten there. Our last update got you to Minneapolis, which was our last stop before departing and heading out to India (via Tokyo and Bangkok). For an international, trans-oceanic flight, it was fairly uneventful. Our arrival in Tokyo was late by several minutes, but the real delay came when we were asked to remain in our seats until the “Quarantine Inspection” was completed. When the plane doors opened, about 15 people with full medical/sterile garb came on board and proceeded to measure everyone's temperature with (what we presume was) an infrared camera and ask about our immediate medical history. We passed the inspection with flying colors; however, the delay meant that we had approximately 30 minutes to get on board our plane to Bangkok – fortunately, we were not the only ones delayed and we arrived at our gate in time to board. The flight to Bangkok was, again, mostly uneventful; however, we were requested to fill out yet another quarantine form.
Bangkok signaled the beginning of our adventure travel. Because our tickets from Bangkok to New Delhi had been purchased separately from our other tickets, we found out that we had to go through immigration, get our bags, leave the secure area, and then check in again through the main counters. Which wouldn't have been a huge problem, except for one thing: it was 1am, and the check-in counters didn't open until 5:00. Starbucks became our good friend as we waited out the hours at one of their tables. Before checking in the second time, we made a quick video to update you all on what we'd been up to. Hopefully that will be uploaded soon.After Bangkok came New Delhi. Our arrival in Delhi signaled that the end was in sight – we were actually in our country of destination. However, the most interesting part of our travel was yet ahead. The plan stated that we were to purchase a SIM card at the airport, call our contacts, figure out our precise destination, go to the train station, purchase our tickets, and board a train which would, after 22 hours, get us to Hyderabad. This plan was complicated by the fact that 1) you have to have a local Delhi address to get a SIM card and 2) the contacts' phone numbers wouldn't work at the phone booth. One of the workers at the phone stand advised us to wait a few minutes and try the numbers again. We took his advice, and used the time to eat a quick lunch. By the grace of God, we were finally able to reach our contacts, and then proceeded to get to the train station and purchase tickets. Upon our arrival at the station, we found that there were no trains until Monday. This was Thursday afternoon. So, after a long discussion with an Indian travel agent, far too many calls to the states (where it was 2:30am), and quite a bit of unexpected cost, we ended up with a hotel for the night and 4 tickets on Spicejet Airlines departing at 6:15 am for Hyderabad.
On the third try, our taxi driver finally got us to the correct hotel. We moved in and quickly fell asleep – for several hours. At around 6:30, we were able to wake up sufficiently to get to dinner. Debriefing was fairly short, followed by a time of prayer and then more much-needed sleep. Check-out was at 4:20am. We loaded up the cab and headed to the airport. By 5:00 we had unloaded at the airport and said goodbye to our taxi driver. Soon thereafter, we realized that we were at the wrong airport. New Delhi has two airports – one for domestic flights and one for international flights. Our driver had dropped us off at the international airport, and so even though the domestic terminal was within sight, it took us another 20 minute cab drive to get to the correct terminal, giving us approximately 35 minutes before the plane took off. A few divine connections and baggage inspections later, we boarded the plane 5 minutes before it was set to take off.
Spicejet airways does not give free food. However, they do hand out bottled water before the plane takes off, so we had a decently pleasant flight from New Delhi to Hyderabad. The entire team felt a tremendous sense of relief that we had, in fact, made it onto our flight and were on the last leg of the first part of our trip. This relief turned into absolute joy when we were met at the airport by our contacts and we heard the familiar sounds of ORU Music Ministries playing in the car. We were treated to an amazing, home-cooked lunch on our arrival at the guest house where we are staying with the India team. After an afternoon nap, we greeted the other team as they arrived back at the house from a long day and the headed out to tour Hyderabad. Even though we've only been here for a few days, we feel that we have seen an immense amount of Indian culture and society.
Today we head out for our first “real” day of shooting, and hopefully we'll be able to get a feel of what the rest of this trip will be like. The team is heading out to minister and we are tagging along.
That brings us to right now – I'm writing this while I'm sitting in the car and driving to our first ministry site with the India team. Please continue to pray for us as we minister to and with them, not interfering with but rather enhancing the effectiveness of their ministry and the work that God is doing in this place.
Team Asia is signing off for now :)