Ash Wednesday

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Because you asked for it!

For all of my friends who have long believed that I talk to myself, here is proof for you that it's true. I took the time to interview myself and answer some reocurring questions once and for all.

Rachel, why are you starting this blog?

Well, here's the deal. I'll be leaving for an adventure in India at the end of March. And the more friends, family, and co-workers I tell about it, the more requests I get for regular updates and pictures. (Pictures?! I'm the most photographically-challenged member of my family!) I've had as many suggestions that I should start blogging about my experiences, so here is my attempt. (My friend Nikki suggested I should title this blog “Rachel's A Badass.” Nikki, I do not use those kinds of words! Sorry, Grandma, if you are reading this.)

So, what will you be doing in India?

I have the opportunity to work with this incredible organization called Oasis. It is based in the UK and is one of the founding members of the Stop the Traffik coalition, whose purpose is to raise awareness of and fight modern-day slavery. I have the chance to use some of my nursing skills to serve women and girls who have been rescued out of trafficking situations, as well as community members who have been affected by HIV. I may also have the chance to community outreach and health camps with the Oasis team of nurses, doctors, and social workers.

How long will you be there?

I leave for a week of training in the UK On March 29^th. From there, it's off to India for a six-month stay.

But how will you update your blog? Won't you be living in a hut with no running water and no internet?

Believe it or not, I won't be living in a hut (though wouldn't that be awesome!). I will be living in a flat in Mumbai, home to Bollywood, Slumdog Millionaire, and nearly 19 million people. It is also home to Asia's largest slum and some of the largest red light districts in the world.

Are you crazy?

I sincerely hope not! One of the most common questions I'm asked is whether I will be safe. I realize this is a valid question, especially after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai this past November. I will say this: I don't believe Oasis would allow me to go if the situation weren't relatively stable when exercising some measure of caution. However, I do not think that God always calls us to live a life that is easy, simple, and safe. Walking out the front door is not safe! Seeking the healing and freedom of our neighbors is not safe, whether in India or in Virginia. Pouring out one's life for the sake of another is surely not safe. But I believe that in these hard, broken places, we encounter Jesus. And that is my only hope.