Rajamundry
We spent the day in Rajamundry. The town seemed a lot poorer than Hyderabad and the contrast was very noticeable. No large buildings. No "metropolis" feeling to it. After arriving at about 6am by overnight train, we went to an inconspicuous hotel in the heart of the city. The staff was very hospitable, answering the call button within seconds. As I've seen throughout this trip, the people have gone out of their way for us. There is no hot water or shower in the rooms so we're washing the old fashioned way...with a bucket. So, for the Americans, the hotel staff heated buckets of hot water for us in order to wash more comfortably. We put in our request nearly an hour in advance. Amazing...they actually heated water for us. I felt a bit of discomfort in asking, though I desperately wanted some sense of comfort. But sometimes it's appropriate to look at things in perspective.
My father taught all day at the Bible college on "the Gateways to the Soul." One woman who sat in front of us spoke to my mother and me in English and seemed sweet. She asked for my email address. I never got her name. The Pastor's family fed us rotundi and chicken and potatoes. Fresh papaya for dessert. The strong sense of hospitality continued as the Pastor opened his home to us while in Rajamundry. As is the custom, the church/bible college is on the roof of the Pastor's home. I've noticed that the people have a real desire to know and seek the Lord. The room for the classes had over 40-50 people in the middle of the day. We spent the night at the hotel, in what was truly a roach infested building. But for whatever reason, it didn't bother me at all. Our breakfast was spent at a local restaurant. I quickly learned that wasting food is a sign of disrespect. It is best to not order/accept food than to not eat it or put it back. We went shopping there that evening with Uncle and the local Pastor. We were able to get a 10% discount with their help. We got up around 6am to eat breakfast again (this time I ate everything) and got back on the train to head to Anakapalli for another church service (meeting) and the ordination of a Pastor.
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