After endless security checks and rummaging through my carry ons in Kolkata (this has actually happened in every airport in India with every security check - do I have a shifty look about me?) I arrived in Aizawl ! I love flying in to Aizawl. We fly over the hills and you got a glimpse of the city. And when I got off the plane it was a comfortable 24c and all I could smell was flowers in the air. No smoke . No smog. Again, I was the only white face on the plane and in the crowd . Shortly after I got in the airport I saw Rev Chalhnuna walking towards me. Such a kind and gentle man. I almost cried. I had to be pulled off to the side right away to register myself as arriving in the state and then we were able to leave the airport . Thangtei, a special friend from here, was also waiting for me and was so good to see her. One of the church leaders drove his vehicle and the other two down to meet me. Off we went through the endless switchbacks climbing up to Aizawl. Rev Chalhnuna told me they had had an unusually long monsoon season this year. This was evident by several areas along the road where great landslides had covered the roads . They were still working at fixing them months later .
As in every time of arrival to Aizawl the first order of business was to go the local police station and register "the foreigner " into the books . One of the things they always ask and record every time I arrive is my fathers name. So,Dad, your name has once again been duly recorded in their big book.
Was then taken to my hotel where more church members were waiting for me. They gathered some extra chairs and we all crammed in and had a cup of coffee together. I was getting pretty tired by this point, having been up since before 3 am and it was then twelve hours later. I was given the programs for church the next two nights and was told that time was made in both services for me to "have a speech". Great. I am such a great public speaker . Not.
I told them I had no good clothes with me to wear to church and Rev Chalhnuna assured me he would borrow a "skirt", which, here, is a long piece of beautiful cloth that you wrap around. They all left for about an hour and half while I got myself settled and had a bit of dinner in my room. Then Rev Chalhnuna came back with another church member and my skirt, I quickly got changed and off we went. When we reached the church Rev Zalianthanga daughter pulled me off to the side and asked if I would like help putting the skirt on right. Not only did I have it tucked wrong but inside out. Sigh.
The service was lovely and the singing, as always, amazing. The Mizo people have a great gift of song and they share it willingly . I am always given a hymnal so I can sing along and I certainly try although stumble greatly on many of the words and usually have no idea what I am saying . I managed to bumble my way through a few words in a speech and they presented me with another beautiful traditional skirt. There is so much work put into these. Stunning. I will wear it tonight .
Slept fairly well although this cold just does not seem to want to let go. Will meet with some church members this morning and then go to visit the new church and some other "sight seeing ". Really looking forward to seeing the new church . They are planning a dinner there for me tonight before the service. Will try to update later .
As in every time of arrival to Aizawl the first order of business was to go the local police station and register "the foreigner " into the books . One of the things they always ask and record every time I arrive is my fathers name. So,Dad, your name has once again been duly recorded in their big book.
Was then taken to my hotel where more church members were waiting for me. They gathered some extra chairs and we all crammed in and had a cup of coffee together. I was getting pretty tired by this point, having been up since before 3 am and it was then twelve hours later. I was given the programs for church the next two nights and was told that time was made in both services for me to "have a speech". Great. I am such a great public speaker . Not.
I told them I had no good clothes with me to wear to church and Rev Chalhnuna assured me he would borrow a "skirt", which, here, is a long piece of beautiful cloth that you wrap around. They all left for about an hour and half while I got myself settled and had a bit of dinner in my room. Then Rev Chalhnuna came back with another church member and my skirt, I quickly got changed and off we went. When we reached the church Rev Zalianthanga daughter pulled me off to the side and asked if I would like help putting the skirt on right. Not only did I have it tucked wrong but inside out. Sigh.
The service was lovely and the singing, as always, amazing. The Mizo people have a great gift of song and they share it willingly . I am always given a hymnal so I can sing along and I certainly try although stumble greatly on many of the words and usually have no idea what I am saying . I managed to bumble my way through a few words in a speech and they presented me with another beautiful traditional skirt. There is so much work put into these. Stunning. I will wear it tonight .
Slept fairly well although this cold just does not seem to want to let go. Will meet with some church members this morning and then go to visit the new church and some other "sight seeing ". Really looking forward to seeing the new church . They are planning a dinner there for me tonight before the service. Will try to update later .
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