The Taj Mahal!

The Taj Mahal - the 7th Wonder of the World. Built in early 17th century by the Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his 2nd wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Between 1631-1653, over 20,000 worked to complete what has been called "the largest monument ever built for love." The Taj is considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world. "A teardrop on the face of eternity" according to Indian poet Tagore, and "the embodiment of all things pure" according to Rudyard Kipling. I agree with their assessment, although if it was up to me I might add a coat of paint. Or some wallpaper. I kid.

The Gandhi museum. Besides the expected history and photos, etc., they had a surprising amount of Gandhi-inspired art. I took lots of photos of the Gandhi-art, of which I'll post some later. Exhibits included Gandhi's cane, a reconstruction of his room, the bloody robe he was killed in, and one of the actual bullets that did him in.

India Gate, on the Rajpath - the capital boulevard that runs from the President's residence past the Senate chambers to the Gate. The gate was built after WWI, and the names of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in that war are carved on it. Picture taken at the Indian Republic Day parade, held every Jan. 26th. Over a million people in attendance, including India's president and Russia's president, Vladimir Putin.

Dudes on Camels sashaying past the Senate building.

King Cobras and Touristy Snake-Charmer Man.

Touristy photo at the Taj. Check out my vertical!!!

Stephen Spielberg

Swimming in the Sea of Arabia, off the Indian Ocean.


The Tomb of St. Thomas in Chennai. Thomas is said to have travelled to India after the Christ's resurrection.

Indian boys. I really like this photo, so I posted it. Good compositional symmetry, eh?

Drinking pure cocunut milk. Sweet and coconutty. Yum!

Well said and wise. Very wise.

On our tour bus in Bangalore with Lee and Dr. Wilson, our professor.

Nearly two weeks into our India adventure, and I'm posting for only the 2nd time due to Dr. Wilson's busy scheduling, travel, and general difficulty in finding internet cafes. We are certainly cramming lots into our time here! We have seen several Hindu Temples - yesterday's was built in the 600's, with lots of elaborate carvings and statues. The "Thousand Pillar Temple" is purported to have - you guessed it - a thousand stone pillars. But woe to the man (or woman!) who dares to count them, for he (she!) will become a pillar for doing so! We've also visited a Jain temple, visited with Muslim clerics at a Mosque, and attended worship at several Christian churches.

After five days in Bangalore and five in Mangalore, we are now in Chennai (Madras) on the SE coast. Yesterday we visited a hospital and center for children with Polio, both run by the Church of South India (CSI). They do great work, offerring free and reduced-cost medical care to thousands of rural Indians. Today (Sunday) our group split up and worshipped at three different CSI churches here in Chennai, and two of the students in our group, Dorette and Wendy, preached.

Late last night while on a walk I came across the American Consulate, about a block away from the CSI headquarters where we are staying. Two soldiers from the Indian Army, replete with fatigues and large M-16 rifles, stopped me and asked sternly if I was American. I wondered if I was in trouble, if I had missed a curfew or something I didn't know about. A third guard was coming over holding his rifle in his hands. I suspected that I'd have to produce my passport and go through some questioned. The guard, a young Indian with a dead serious expression then slung his rifle over his shoulder and asked, "Do you know Steven Spielberg?" I had to stifle a laugh, replying "uh, the movie directo? Yes I do... why do you ask?" The guard answered, "I want to e-mail him as I am a big fan, do you think he will reply?" I bobbled my head a bit (a mannerism we've picked up here from the locals) and told him that I didn't know if he would reply, but it was at least worth a shot! He then proceeded to tell me all about his favorite Spielberg movies... "E.T., The Extraterrestrial, Jurassic Park, Skindler's List..."

The people here are truly fascinating.

Some local dudes that Drew, Lorraine and I met at a local Mangalore hangout. They, like many Indians, were fascinated with us, and insisted on buying our beers!

India!

I just took a swim in the Indian Ocean. Actually, the Sea of Arabia. It was very warm, with 15 foot waves that we were body surfing on. Very fun! Now I'm showered and sitting in a cyber cafe in Mangalore, near the SW tip of the subcontinent. Don't have much time to write, but I wanted to let everyone know that everything is going great!

Here's the recap: We arrived in Bangalore after 20 hours of flying from Philadelphia. I watched "The Queen" and "Little Miss Sunshine" on the flight over, and drank good red wine from the south of France - after all, it was France Air, so their wine must be good, right? Three members of our group had to wait an extra day for their luggage, which took me back to Israel when Dad didn't get his luggage until 2 MONTHS AFTER we got home!

We stayed at United Theological College, an ecumenical seminary and college of the Church of South India. In the mornings, we worshipped at the college chapel and participated in several special lectures. Topics included Indian Christianity, Globalization, History of Indian Missions, etc. In the afternoons we visited Christian Student Movement, a wordwide youth organization, several Bangalore churches, a Hindu Bull Temple, a Buddhist temple, and the markets. I'll post pictures as soon as I can find a computer modern enough to take my camera!

We've also participated in an Indian wedding with LOTS of GREAT food - they were friends of Dr. Wilson's. All the food's been great! Perhaps the most excitement came on our third day, however, when we got into a car accident, which then turned into an all out high-speed chase through the streets of Bangalore. Really! We were sideswiped by another vehicle, who then refused to pull over. Our driver, not wanted to get stuck with the damages, floored the van and chased him into an alley. An altercation ensued, and it wasn't very pretty, but we got out of there safe and with the other van's papers. It was most exhilarating!!!

Now we're on the coast, in Mangalore, staying at Karnataka Theological College. We worshipped this morning, and went swimming this afternoon. So far, everyone is healthy and sleeping pretty well - getting adjusted to the reverse time schedule!

Blessings to all, and thanks for keeping us in your prayers! -Christoph

Christmas in Fargo

Just returned from a great two weeks at home for Christmas! I spent a lot of time catching up on sleep, eating, and eating. I also ate a lot of food. Here's a picture of my grandma and me with the beautiful new quilt she made for me! What and incredible gift - thanks Gramm!!!

Wookie, of course, got first dibs on using my new quilt. Go figure. He really seemed to like it.

Wookie was also quite fond of Shep - Erin and Matt's new dog. Shep and Wookie have become BFF's!

AnnaLisa and me winning one for the Gipper while coppin' some 'tude.

Kirsten and me with Abe.

Congratulations to Matt, Erin, and Shep on their recent engagement! To my favorite little brother and my favorite future sister-in-law! You guys are a great match!

Matthew Schmidt, the proud owner of a straw hat and a "I once lived in Fargo. Really." sweatshirt! Love you Matt!