Thomas Family Newsletter – November, 2007 from Woodstock School in Northern India
This month, we reflect on what God showed us during Activity Week – experiential learning in the out-of-doors.
Hanuman Chatti Hike – by Chris
This year, I spent my activity week hiking in the Himalayas. While it was a fun and rewarding experience, this hike proved to be a difficult one. We began our hike in Hanuman Chatti, a small town in northern Uttarakhand so named because of the river that runs by it that was supposedly created by the monkey god Hanuman after he put his flaming tail out in the snows of the Himalayas. We hiked to Seema, a high altitude meadow right below the tree line. Our campsite was pleasant enough in the daytime with all the fresh air and amazing views, but it became quite unpleasant as soon as the sun went down and the cold set in. The next day we hiked up to 4000m. The hike to Darwa Top was challenging, with around 10km of steep uphill climbs through snow sometimes knee deep. Once we reached Darwa Top, we decided not to camp there as our gas stoves refused to light and there was no wood for a fire. Instead, we decided to push ahead to Dodital, a beautiful lake situated at about 2000m which was unfortunately 12km away! When we finally reached Dodital, we were exhausted. We had just covered 22km of steep snow covered terrain at high altitude, with full packs in 12 hours. This proved to be the toughest and the most exhausting hike I’ve been on so far. However, the amazing scenery of these Himalayan peaks has helped to inspire me to climb Mount Everest before I leave India. I will never forget the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
Out of the north comes golden splendor; around God is awesome majesty. Job 37:22
Nature All Around Us – by Barb
My First and Second Grade students studied God’s creations around the Woodstock campus. From discovering a huge bees’ nest in a dead tree and watching the bees dance, to pulling the illegal-alien weed kalighas from the hillsides to make way for native species, to differentiating between moths and butterflies, to picking up litter in the nearby town and then taking it to the school’s recycling center, we appreciated and took care of the nature in our midst. We took a hike to Fairy Glen where we listened for evidence of animals, birds and insects – can you imagine how much you can hear when you are silent for ten minutes? We identified and sketched the myriad of flowers that grace the grounds of the Elementary School residence Edgehill. We were awed by the delicate veins of a leaf and the moist slimy skin of a slug seen under a microscope at the school’s Outdoor Education Center. I enjoyed watching my students take time to appreciate and care for God’s creation, and their wonder in all that they saw.
O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24
Faith Lessons – by Coleman
My class went to Nature Village, near Corbett National Park. We were challenged with tasks that excited and sometimes frightened us – river crossing, climbing up and then rappelling down rock walls, milking cows, riding camels, and swimming in the fast-moving Ganges River. At each new step, we had to have faith in our guides. Though we could not see below, we trusted the instructors who guided us through the ropes course, and the “trust-fall.” We came away stronger individually, and more confident as a class group.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Travels to South India -- by Jeff
Our family name is well known in India, as St. Thomas reportedly traveled to south India and died there after establishing a church presence. The main indigenous Indian Christian denomination is named after him -- the Mar Thoma church. That denomination is in communion with the Church of North India and the Church of South India, both of which are unions of Presbyterians and Anglicans (and others) in relatively recent history. During my week of school-without-walls, my high school students served as delegates to a model U.N. conference in Chennai (Madras) then visited old Hindu temples and various Christian churches. We noted the elaborate iconography that decorated the Roman Catholic spaces, somewhat mirroring similar statuary in the Hindu temples. The Portuguese-built Mylapore Cathedral holds the sacred tomb of St. Thomas – some believe he brought Christianity to India. The hundred-year-old église de Sacre-Coeur in Pondicherry is now hip and relevant, with bright colors and statues and signs and video screens, led by its modernizing rector, Father Thomas. He described efforts to expand his ministry with the Mass broadcast on cable television! St. Mary’s Church, built in 1640 – the oldest British church in Asia -- was all white, with few statues and few congregants, but lots of memorial inscriptions. The newer CSI (Church of South India, the Presbyterian-related presence in the region) building was the newest and plainest of all. We saw the differences in theology and worship style, and the focus of different faiths. In every place we listened for the words, “Peace Be With You.” I pray that our students, and others that we touch, hear those words through us, through the Church, the body of Christ.
Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said ‘Peace be with you.’ John 20:26
Joys!
Thank you for the communication we have had with so many of you this past month. Letters, emails and packages have been much appreciated. We miss seeing our family and friends, so your outreach to us here in India means so much. We gratefully acknowledge new supporters Rye Presbyterian Church and Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, both from our Presbytery of Hudson River in New York. Multiple copies of books and cassette tapes of the stories were lovingly sent by the Sunday School at Pleasantville Presbyterian Church. These will certainly enhance the language and reading development of Barb’s first and second grade students, some of whom need extra practice with English vocabulary. And the church cookbook recently sent from our home church brought back some wonderful memories of times spent together over a church meal.
This month, through the Thomas India Mission Fund, we were able to help with school expenses and loan repayments for the Meher family, who are struggling financially after an accident with a drunk driver. Thank you so much for your contributions and prayers for these local neighbors.
Prayer Requests
Fifteen youth came forward to plan and lead the Thanksgiving Service held at our church in India, St. Paul’s. We are overjoyed at their response and ask you to pray for their continued commitment towards using their gifts to worship God.
Barb’s 10th grade girls who meet for weekly bible study on Friday mornings (FMBS) are getting sporadic in their attendance. Although they are certainly busy at this boarding school, please pray that they would make studying the Word of God a priority and that they would see its relevance in their daily lives.
Christmas time comes early here at Woodstock School, and after December 17, we will be on our way to south India for a much needed time of rest and reconnecting as a family. Please pray for safe travels and meaningful times together.
We ask God’s richest blessings on your celebration of the Advent and Christmas seasons.
--Namaste,
Jeff, Barb, Chris and Coleman Thomas
Woodstock School
Mussoorie UA
248179 India
Thomas India Mission Fund
c/o Doris Kersten, Coordinator
Checks to made out to:
Pleasantville Presbyterian Church
(memo line Thomas India Mission Fund)
400 Bedford Rd
Pleasantville, NY 10570