Mission Trip Adventures in The City

The mission trip that came for only two weeks packed in A LOT while they were here. You've already heard from my younger sisters about their visit to a remote village with the mission trip group.

When they returned to us here, we had even more adventures in the big city!

On one occasion we got to see the Missionaries of Charity, the religious organization started by Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The work that the Missionaries of Charity or M.C.'s as they are more commonly called, are famous for their care of the poor and love for all people.

Taxi stand

The M.C.'s here are in the heart of the city so we had to take taxis to get there. Our visit certainly was a living testament to their hospitality and love for all. When we arrived it was pouring rain and we got soaked running across the street from the taxis to the Motherhouse. The superior greeted us warmly and we explained that we would like to visit their home for special needs and older people. 

The most amazing thing we found out from her was that she had met and served with Mother Teresa herself! The humble way she mentioned it and the immediate love and service she showed us were such a blessing. We talked to her as we tried to wait out the rain but it only seemed to be raining harder. At first, she told us to sit down and rest to wait out the rain. When it seemed that the rain wasn't going to let up she insisted we take her car and not walk. She wouldn't hear any other excuses and once we were all packed into their van, it took only a couple tries to back out onto the extremely busy street.

 The drive was pretty squished but quick. We received another warm and wonderful welcome from both the sisters and the people they took care of there. We spent time with them just playing games and giving them attention and love. I must confess taking care of older people and those with special needs has never been my strong suit. It usually leaves me feeling confused, sad, and disappointed. But just watching the love they gave our group for noticing them and giving up our afternoon to spend it with them was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Their utter love for Jesus and his people all over the world was sincerely inspiring. Even as we tried to leave the sisters asked us to stay for a snack of soda and biscuits (oops sorry cookies for you Americans). Of course, we stayed and had some. By the end of the day, I had enough time to process all I saw and when I shared at evening prayer with the mission trip I just started crying. The beautiful witness of the M.C.'s will forever be a treasured memory for me.

Waterlogged at the end of the day at the waterpark

On one of the last days we had with the mission trip we ventured to a waterpark. We all piled into three different taxis. Our taxi arrived first and even dropped us off right in front of the gate. The others waited for us where they were dropped off until they realized we were already down the steep hill at the ticket counter. 

We spent the day with our host missionary family here, the mission trip group, plus a lively group of Pakistani refugee families. We took the Pakistanis to the waterpark for their first time. They had been hoping to go since they moved here. They were so grateful and both young and old savored every moment.

 

The whole day was a whirlwind of giant water slides, kpop music blasting (requested by yours truly), spicy and sweet treats, crazy amusement park rides, and a bumpy taxi ride there and back.

 

The water slides were INSANE. Granted, this is the first waterpark I have been to (I know right, first time and in ASIA). Anyway, I tried all of the ones that were open, and my MOM came with me. Also my dad and siblings, and even Will (one of the other missionary kids here). There were a lot of rides that required two people to ride in a tube, hence the need for me to ride with another person. Needless to say, the whole day was fun for the whole family.

They had much more than just water rides, they had the Frisbee, the Ranger, and Pharaoh's Fury which were all different amusement park rides that involved getting strapped into a seat and plunging into the air. Some were scarier than others. I only rode the Frisbee and I felt kinda sick afterward. I guess my motion sickness is real. At the end of the day, everyone was pretty wet, worn out, and fussy (the littles) so we all headed home for showers and a good night's sleep.

Honestly, the entire two weeks with the mission trip was very blessed. The witness of these people from America coming to a country they knew nothing about and trusting our family and the other family here to take care of them was so brave. 

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Farewell meal with the group

Jojo's Adventure Log END... for now ;)