Tracing the Roots

I want to share the unparalleled experience we had last week of traveling to places in India where my (Christy) ancestors were for 75 years.

My Great-great-great Grandfather John Eddy Chandler (photo), was a missionary in South India. He sailed from Boston to India in the 1840's, and he lived and served in Madurai and surrounding areas for the remainder of his life, 47 years! He was part of the American Madurai Misson.




His son, John Scudder Chandler was born in Madurai, India and carried on the mission...He also wrote a book, "75 years in the Madura Mission". John S. died in Kodai Kanal, India, at the age of 85.

We had only four days to explore the area where they once worked and lived. We are so glad to have the wonderful Holy Spirit, who directed us as we explored. We are also grateful to our incredible Indian friends who helped us with connections, translating and recommended people to talk to.
We took a bus up the Palani hills to Kodai Kanal first, a hill station where lots of people go to escape from the heat. My ancestors used to travel from the city of Madurai to this hill station by ox cart during the hot season. This is the place where my Great-great Grandfather (John Scudder Chandler) is buried. We hoped to find his grave, and after a short time searching, I stumbled upon it and we got to spend a good long while their contemplating his life and thanking God for the faithfulness of these great men and their incredible wives and families. (My Great-great (great) Grandmother's must have been hardcore...they served faithfully and also lost many children on the mission field).


We also found a memorial in the place where they set up the first church in Kodai Kanal. We visited the still- thriving Kodai Kanal International School and found out that John E. Chandler had much to do with establishing the school...amazing!

Next, we took a bus to Madurai the city where their mission was based, which has of course changed much since they were there. It is vast and busy and full of rickshaws, people and many graveyards. Our hope was to find the grave of my Great-great-great Grandfather, and to find the book that my Great-great Grandfather wrote... in 2 days. We went pretty much straight from the bus to a Theological Seminary Library to inquire about the book, and lo and behold they had there an original copy of the book-so beautiful! We got to look at it for a while, and write down some names and places, but of course were not allowed to take the rare book with us. We did ask if the librarians had any ideas about where John E. could be buried, and they proceeded to call us a rickshaw to take us to a certain graveyard where they said we might have a chance of finding it. We searched for about half and hour before the rickshaw driver called us over, and there it was! The only graveyard we went to! It was amazing to stand there and imagine who must have been gathered there 114 years ago for his burial.



We journeyed on to some places we had seen mentioned in the book and found churches they had preached in, and schools they had set up, which are still in use, amazingly. Here is a photo of some of the students.



We spoke with the ministers at one church who told us that there are three villages named after the Chandlers! They also thanked us and said that it is because of the missionaries in that time that they have many of the opportunities they enjoy now.

They also brought us to a school named after John Scudder's daughter, Gertrude Ethel Chandler (photo of her and the school motto), where we were welcomed with gifts and thanks for what the Chandlers had contributed in the context of education.



Well, Joseph and I had been praying that we could get a hold of a copy of the book that John S. wrote...so we went to the American College for an evening service. A bit into the service, two people sat down next to us. Immediately Holy Spirit let me know that we should ask them about the Chandlers. So I waited until the service had finished and immediately started a conversation with the Indian woman next to me by asking if she was a teacher at the college, to which she answered affirmatively. Her name is Vermela. Next to her was an elderly man that was so kind and gentle. I inquired about the book and her eyes lit up as she said she might be able to get it for us. So the four of us set off walking on the campus, in hopes of finding the book. The elderly fellow had the key and Vermela knew where the book might be. They found it a few minutes later and gave it to us straight away! Vermela had made a copy recently, and hard bound it, knowing that it was going to go to someone it meant a lot to. We were all really glad at God's goodness and good gifts to His children. (photo) ...It turns out this wonderful elderly fellow is a man we had just written a letter to asking for anything he might know, and he ended up sitting right next to us in church an hour later!



Nothing is impossible with the King of Kings!
I am overwhelmed at the inheritance of generous love and strong devotion from those who have gone before us. There is still so much more to discover!

May we each know Jesus heart and find the treasure that He wants to uncover for us.
Because of Grace,
Christy
p.s.
(Joseph is just as excited about all this as I am!)

Out of India

Wow, i can't believe we haven't written in a week.
We are leaving soon for the airport to fly out of India, which is actually sad.
This place has a way of growing on you.
There is so much to say about our last few days here..which have been full
of discovery and adventure.

We will write from Malaysia to say more about God's goodness.
Following the Holy Spirit is the best!
Lots of love,
the R's

Don't Worry, Chicken Curry!

May your day be filled with joy and bright!

The focus of this note is the absolute goodness of Christ...in His pursuit of His people. He takes care of us, and knows what we need...so we can rest in His big-ness, and not worry!

The Arabian Sea in Kerala, SW India is really pretty. Joseph got to go surfing, so he's stoked! Here's a photo of him looking hot, catching a wave... getting ready for Australia and Hawaii.

Yesterday we ran into a Swedish physical therapist who needed patients to come to his class for free...15 Swedish doctors and P.T.s were there for a seminar, and Christy had a really good appointment with professionals who have been doctors for 25 years..they gave some great advice and exercises to incorporate.( Christy has struggled with chronic pain for a few years now, so this is a blessing)

We have found the cheapest yummiest place to eat (where Indians actually eat because the food, prices and service are just right..kind to the wallet and the tastebuds). The food of choice is called Thali, rice with 5 different tasty sauces to try, including fresh coconut goodness.

We keep running into this cool family from New Zealand..we've seen them in three different places in India, totally different parts of the country...so we had dinner with them last night again. ..., we found out their hearts have been captivated by Jesus too! God is so good!


Have a splendifirous day
and be Refreshed!

your compadres,
the Rauwolfs

The Spirit to the children: "Come, be a kite and let me fly you."

"Come, fly a kite in Ahmedabad city.
Come up, take some time.. This city is so busy
with everyone goin everywhere all at the same time
as fast as they can."

"Come, take a break from the grime and the gritty.
I know that this time hasn't been all that pretty,
bein' strangers in such a strange and
distant land."

"So come, be a kite in Ahmenabad city,
look up to the sky and look away from bein busy.
Remember that I Am flyin' you and firmly
Have you in My hand."

God knows what we need, when we need it.

Just the past few days have been on the difficult side. This city epitomizes the crazy, smelly side of India. It seems we've been counting the minutes until we catch our train to our next destination and eventually leave India. Today we took a good look at our finances and it wasn't looking to encouraging either. Soon afterwards Joseph ran into the hotel owner, who invited us to come up to the roof and fly kites with him.

In Ahmenadab, many people fly kites. There is an annual kite festival and even a kite museum. The view from the rooftops is a sea of kites of many colors with people of all ages flying them as far as the eye can see. Soon after getting started, the expressions on our faces were turned to joy; and laughter found its place again. The owner treated us to coffee, which is a rarity around these parts for a person selling something to "rich, white, cash cows," and also gave us a free bottle of water, which was just what we needed.

And then we remembered... all this time our Father God has been fashioning us into one beautiful kite that he delights in flying around this world. Through simple and beautiful means, He shows us that He really is carrying us over His shoulders and will continue to provide for and make a way for us. Sometimes we forget He is with us and we struggle to know who He really is. Days like today help us remember.

Rajasthan & Great Thar Desert

Have you ever spent three days riding a camel and camping in the desert? Well, neither had we until a couple days ago......twas a right fine time...and we were happy to have somewhat trained camels. Our guide was training a four year old camel that would growl like a maniac and once even regirgitated green stuff all over the guide. Other than that (and a bit of sore muscle-ness), it was extremely peaceful, and great to meet some of the desert shepherds and villagers. (photos). It was also awesome to sleep on sand dunes under the desert sky...no tent...but we had 4 blankets and 2 sleeping bags. :)

Rajasthan (a state in NW India) is a land full of legend and history of maharajas, wars, desert folks and crazy architecture (carved building photo).

Our time in the ancient fort-city of Jaisalmer has been magical...Today we joined the cows, pigs, and other merry creatures in wandering the old get-lost-kind- of- streets. We found a shop about the size of your closet, and the man there sells only chai. We partook, then Joseph took the shirt off his backto have the much-needed stitching done in about 3 minutes. (photo). Then we came across some kids playing cricket and gave it a shot for the first time. (photo) ...The adventures never end is this land of India.

In one old maharaha palace with antiques and such that we were exploring, the people were getting ready for a New Year celebration, so they got out the special antique palanquin, ...Christy sat on it for a photo, and afterwards found out it was a very old one that no one can sit on...so here is the photo of her getting scolded.

Then you see the photo of all the people sleeping...that is your basic train station at night in India...and lots of the streets look the same....

Still learning lots. Tonight we're off on a 6 day train journey to S. India ( with a couple stops)

Keep us in your prayers.

Lots of Love,

Joseph and Christy

Only In India..(O.I.I.)

Happy New Year Loved Friends!

There has been quite a bit happening the last little while. Little sayings we have been inventing include, "Honey, P.H." This is what Christy says to Joseph when a man insists on holding Joseph's right hand (eating and shaking hand) while they walk, which inevitably means they are using their LEFT hand (the hand... used to well... you know, do what we use toilet paper for...) to hold his. So Christy says "PH!"(Poo hand)..and afterwards discreetly distributes the handy-dandy-hand sanitizer to Joseph....

Christmas was right fine. Jesus Immanuel came to Darjeeling and gave us a hug, and we gave Him one too. On Christmas morning, reading about His birth really moved us...we are recipients of awesome grace. We hung our stockings(socks) by the heater with care and enjoyed Darjeeling tea for brekkie. Later, it was neat to visit a Nepali church where we didn't understand much but enjoyed the singing bit and the yummy potluck afterwards. Then we spent much of the day with the YWAMers, walking about the town, playing games and laughing our bottoms off. We were so happy to get to talk to our family on Christmas. Our nieces and nephews ROCK!

Next day, we took the toy train to the highest railway station in the world, Ghoom. We had to run and jump aboard due to fun times of cross-cultural communication at the counter. ("Which line am I supposed to be standing in, oh the train is leaving?") An enjoyable event was the Himalayan zoo which we observed endagered species such as red pandas, clouded leopards and snow leopards.

We had a speedy 27 hour train ride to Tundla, near Agra, arriving yesterday. When we arrived, we were welcomed by a swarm of rickshaw wallahs yelling like mad for us to climb aboard their marvelous transportation devices. Eventually when about 20 had surrounded us, we broke forth into a classic rendition of "THIS IS THE SONG THAT NEVER ENDS!!! " They were silent and smitten like puppies in our lap and requested an encore...so we sang, "HARK THE HERALD!!" WE made 10 rupees which is about 30 cents and paid for our 45 minute bus ride to Agra where the Taj Mahal waited patiently for us to arrive.

Taj was more beautiful than we had expected but we especially enjoyed making bird calls to the many green parakeets, woodpeckers and a wise old owl in the old trees nearby. Joseph even held a squirrel which was pretty much awesome. Later we took a bicycle rickshaw. Joseph got to switch places with the driver for a while, and Christy cried because of the crazy things that people are doing to make a living...Jesus is the hope for all of us.

Tomorrow we're headed out on the train for Rajahstan the land of the camels, maharajahs, tandoori and deserts and I'm sure lots of other mysterious finds.

Happy New Year!

LOVE,

Joseph and Christy

Darjeeling Christmas

What a place this is! Perched thousands of feet in the Himalayan foothills and world famous for it's tea (which is exceptional, btw) and it's near location to the Himalayas (we wake up to a towering view of the 3rd highest mountain in the world), this place is a real treat and just the right medicine. It's pretty chilly and there are probably more people celebrating Christmas here than almost any other place in India. Bordering just west is Nepal, slightly north is Tibet, and just east is Bhutan, so the faces, culture, and food here(tibetan is our favorite), are very different and you'd hardly know you were in India at all. Upon arrival, we prayed and felt led to a certain nice hotel located just under a church with a price that nicely fits our budget. Come to find out, there is a youth with a mission outreach team from Australia staying in the building! So we have some great young people to celebrate Christmas with and share in fellowship and blessing together. Thank you, Father! We have not yet solidified our Christmas eve and day plans, but on our next blog we'll let you know how it went and hopefully get to add some photos of this experience. We miss and love you all and wish you a Very Merry Christmas!
Love, J and C

Elephants at Last!

Dear Friends, A lot has been happening, so we have posted lots of photos and stories below. We finally got to see a wild elephant when Jacob and Blessi brought us to Mudu Malai where there are lots of animals. We also rode a trained elephant through the jungle which was really crazy. He would move the sticks aside with his trunk to clear a path. Favorite photo is the one with Joseph and the baby elephants trunk. The baby is being taken care of at the reserve. There are more photos below...and a video. Hope you enjoy!
We are planning to take a 4 day train trip to Darjeeling in NE India for Christmas. (Hopefully we will find some snow there and maybe we will teach some people a couple carols on the train journey.)
We leave in a couple days. We will be thinking of you and pray that you have a beautiful time wherever you are for Christmas. Give Jesus a hug. :)
So much love to you and very Happy Holidays!
Love,
Joseph and Christy

Ooty!

Ooty is a wonderful hillstation in the Nilgiris mountain region, part of the Western Ghats. We spent the last little while there......getting to know the awesome people who we stayed with. William and his family are rad and they live out in the boondocks in a Eucalyptus tree forest. See the fellow in the flowery hat? That's William. He used to be a super intense hindu priest who carried around a 10 fool sword, had a big crazy moustache and everyone was afraid of him..until Jesus got a hold of him. Now he's a big softie and full of love and joy. We rode around with him on his motorcycle and explored. He took us to homes to visit people and showed us the beauty of the place they live. God is so good. The guy in green is another Joseph, a friend who traveled with us as well. We took a toy steam train down the mountain when we left! We are learning so much about people and cultures and especially ourselves. There are some more stories below of our time in Ooty with William and his family.

Fishing Fun?

Well, one of the days in Ooty our friends planned a day of rest for us. The day basically consisted of fishing, football, fire, and food. The fishing was....not like any fishing we'd done before. Our friend Thombas made 4 homemade fishing poles and we had small rolled up pieces of bread mixed with tumeric powder as bait. Earthworms as a backup. We walked about 1/2 mile to a lake that made my stomach sick as we approached. Ther water was thick green in many places and layers of garbage lined the shores...a natural beauty made into a dump site. None the less we threw in our tumeric baited lines and sat for some time praying that we woudn't catch any fish... After a while Thombas grew bored and took us to a smaller lake by their house that was relatively litter-free. They proceeded to catch 12 fish by putting a torn net across the lake and sending dogs, rocks and sticks on either side of the net to scare the fish into the trap. We ate those for dinner later.

We had a fire and got to hear some gorgeous songs in Tamil, and we sang some songs as well. This reminded us of beach fires in Alaska. We also put potatoes in the fire just as they were, then pealed the black off after half and hour and ate them.

Joseph played football (soccer) with a bunch of rambunctious Indians and made most of the goals. Christy was the cheerleader...

Some days we feel right at home and some days we just have to recognize that we are experiencing culture shock...it is all part of the fun.

Smiling,

J and C