4 March 2014
Today was a long day, but a very good one. We were up and going at 7:00am to make the 4 1/2 hour drive from Delhi to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The Taj was built by a Mogul Emporer in the 1600's as a resting place for his wife. It is made of Indian marble inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, and it is an amazing feat of engineering and crafstmanship. Pictures simple do not do it justice. Seeing it in person, it is easy to see why it is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world!
We also toured the Agra Fort, which served as a military fort and the palace for the Mogul Emporer and his wife. She died at age 46 giving birth to their 14th child, and the Taj was his tribute to her. Unfortunately it was so costly that it nearly bankrupted the kingdom, and his son arrested him and had him confined to the palace for seven years. He died there, unable to visit the Taj where his wife was laid to rest.
One striking contrast of the trip is the contrast between the luxery and the poverty of India now, and of the Taj Mahal compared to the tomb of Ghandi. The Taj is opulent and costly. Ghandi's tomb is simple. The Taj was filled with people, noise and even whistles as the security guards kept the crowds moving along. Ghandi's tomb is outdoors and serene with reverent silence for the most part. Ghandi represented simplicity and service. The Mogul Emporer who built the Taj is remembered for his extravagance.
Neither was a Christian, but Ghandi more closely represents the spirit of Christ - a spirit of simplicity and service. I pray that we reflect the Spirit of our Savior as we visit and minister here in India, and back home as well.
Tomorrow we tour Delhi and learn more about its history. Then on Thursday we will tour an Alpha School here in Delhi before traveling to Hyderabad, where Peter & Esther's main ministry is located.
Pastor Mike
Today was a long day, but a very good one. We were up and going at 7:00am to make the 4 1/2 hour drive from Delhi to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The Taj was built by a Mogul Emporer in the 1600's as a resting place for his wife. It is made of Indian marble inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, and it is an amazing feat of engineering and crafstmanship. Pictures simple do not do it justice. Seeing it in person, it is easy to see why it is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world!
We also toured the Agra Fort, which served as a military fort and the palace for the Mogul Emporer and his wife. She died at age 46 giving birth to their 14th child, and the Taj was his tribute to her. Unfortunately it was so costly that it nearly bankrupted the kingdom, and his son arrested him and had him confined to the palace for seven years. He died there, unable to visit the Taj where his wife was laid to rest.
One striking contrast of the trip is the contrast between the luxery and the poverty of India now, and of the Taj Mahal compared to the tomb of Ghandi. The Taj is opulent and costly. Ghandi's tomb is simple. The Taj was filled with people, noise and even whistles as the security guards kept the crowds moving along. Ghandi's tomb is outdoors and serene with reverent silence for the most part. Ghandi represented simplicity and service. The Mogul Emporer who built the Taj is remembered for his extravagance.
Neither was a Christian, but Ghandi more closely represents the spirit of Christ - a spirit of simplicity and service. I pray that we reflect the Spirit of our Savior as we visit and minister here in India, and back home as well.
Tomorrow we tour Delhi and learn more about its history. Then on Thursday we will tour an Alpha School here in Delhi before traveling to Hyderabad, where Peter & Esther's main ministry is located.
Pastor Mike
Glad to know all is going well so far - especially with the food! 8-)
ReplyDeleteWe will continue to lift you before the Throne of Grace, seeking His guidance and protection. Have fun and do well! -g.