I have met so many people from all over the world here in this diverse place. The first part of my trip, we primarily focused on gaining a greater understanding for the Hindu and Muslim culture/religion (i believe they are one in the same, sometimes). I have found it very easy to create these hear-say stereotypes about whole religious sects without even really knowing the basis of their faith. I found myself extremely guilty of doing this exact same thing! It is fascinating to me, just as America is primarily a monotheistic “Christian” nation, that these people have learned and grown up in a religion that has been ingrained in their minds for centuries. I believe that just as I am committed and devoted to Jesus, they are also just on the other side of the spectrum. Does it mean that they have overstepped the boundary of love? Is it that the redemptive power of Jesus does not extend to people of different cultures or religions, even??? I have wrestled with these questions most recently because i have seen real faces in the mosques and met devout women on the streets. As much as I have my reservations of “conversion” or “evangelism”- I think they do too. How many of you reading this blog would begin to change your faith and core beliefs from the God of the Bible to the Muslim god Allah?? I read a compelling statistic recently that said, on average, it takes a Muslim 7 years to convert to Christianity. 7 years! Regardless, we have this preconceived notion that with one conversation, they will be automatic Christian converts. I just finished Jesus for President (great read, btw)… Shane Claiborne says something quite profound… “It’s a shame that a few conservative evangelicals have had a monopoly on the word conversion. Some of us shiver at the word. But conversion means to change, to alter, to make something look different than it did before- like conversion vans or converted currency. We need conversion in the best sense of the word–people who are marked by the renewing of their minds and imaginations, who no longer conform to the pattern that is destroying our world. Otherwise we have only believers, not converts. And believers are a dime in a dozen nowadays. What the world needs is people who believe so much in another world that they cannot help but enact it.” what a beautiful concept!! Am i saying that it is hopeless to share the love of Christ with the second to largest religion in the world?? I believe, even more firmly now than i ever have, that there should be a constant need and desperation to be led by the Holy Spirit in word and in deed. I think that it is interesting and productive to have a rounded, open mind on religion as a whole. I feel as if it is all filth to God. The stale, monotone traditions of the Bible-based church are just as repulsive as the insincere Muslim call to prayer. Anything done out of routine for emotional fulfillment is empty– But the God of peace accepts all who are weak and heavy burdened…all who take off the religious lenses and desperately want something real and lasting. I often sit in adoration at the Mother House and just observe the sisters in their daily reflection and thanksgiving. As much as that can be repetitious and redundant, it is counteracted with an entire day of living alongside the least and hopeless. It is a time to truly gain back the strength and ability to make it to tomorrow. Have we become so desperate for God that we literally pray and depend on His strength to take us to tomorrow? i don’t think i have. It is a new approach for me to fully rely on God (not to be confused with the Christian marketing ploy of the 90’s–F.R.O.G. or W.W.J.D. 
) It has been a constant struggle in India to remember all religions, even my own, is worthless when my heart is absent.
I hope and pray that a daily “adoration” is present in your lives and that your passion for others is continually increased. “We are carriers of God’s love and whoever you are, you can become one also.” Mother T.
To all those that live in Louisiana, I never thought i would say this, but, a Meches’ donut sounds pretty scrumptious right now… To all those that don’t, continue to be deceived by your Krispy Kreme.
Twila said,
June 25, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I loved those WWJD bracelets…had them all. I am on your side about Meches…cant be touched by the Krispy. I miss you a whole lot and am proud of you. I am jealous that I am not experiencing this as well. Oh, and I would of thought for sure you would have brought your nalgene!!!
Love you,
Twila Trahan
tpkirkpatrick said,
June 25, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I’ve got a lot to say, but mainly I’m with you on the Meche’s doughnuts. Also, I thought I did good with the gifts for you and Katie from Africa…but then upon further inspection, I did not. Don’t go to Africa for gifts…or the food (been sick for a while). We miss you Kristie, and we’re still praying for you!
MARION said,
June 26, 2008 at 12:55 am
Dear Kristie:
I am just now reading your two latest blogs. I’m in summer school, and my days run from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m! I am still so grateful to be able to be @ UL. It’s still a miracle that I am there. I am continually encouraged by the interactions I get to have with the students like yourself. You have been my greatest teachers.
Our world needs God’s love and protection so much right now. There are so many suffering and searching. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all. For wanting to put your faith into action, and for being so open and loving towards others. I think that is when true conversion occurs – when others can experience God’s love through another person, by the way they see that person live, and the way their spirit touches them.
Take care, and thank you for taking the time to write about your experiences.
Love,
Marion
p.s. I will try to have a Krispy Kreme for you on Friday.
Kristie said,
June 26, 2008 at 8:52 am
Marion.. thank you soo much for the encouraging comments. it is truly a blessing to have friends that are so supportive. it is amazing to me your heart and how grateful you are to be in school. i have learned here that education is truly a priveledge. when i get back, lets grab some coffee!
kristie
katie lynn said,
June 27, 2008 at 8:37 pm
as i was reading your blog, all i could think was “Is this really the girl who just a few years ago proclaimed she was called to minister to the rich (in particular jessica simpson)? it is only in the upside down kingdom of God that you would end up in calcutta working among the poorest of the poor. be careful not to become too universal in your thinking. some of your writings seem pose the question if the heart is pure, does the religion really matter? now i completely agree with shane’s comment that believers are a dime a dozen. james put it like this “even the demons in hell believe there is one God.” if we don’t truly ask Jesus to transform every part of our lives and live set apart, we are no different than anyone who agrees that there is a God. the call to be an ambassador of Christ means not only to live like him, but to point out where others are living according to his purposes. Christ is present when the muslim prays devoutly and ministers to the poor…they just don’t see or know him. part of our calling is to share that the reason anyone is compelled to do good things is because we are made in God’s image and long to be in relationship with Him.
while i am so glad you get to have this experience, i am anxious for you to return! three’s company just isn’t the same without you.
love and miss you always,
katie lynn
Dominique said,
June 30, 2008 at 8:27 pm
kristie dearest,
i am missing you. this week is a bit slower for me and i actually have some time off,s o thats kinda nice. i love reading about your time in india. im still woring on IR, someday soon hopefully ill finish reading it. like maybe this week! love and praying for you! dom dom