Suresh. I wish you all could meet him. He is full of life and joy, talented, thoughtful, and fun. He comes from a remote Hindu village in Himachal Pradesh called Malana. In his village foreigners like us would not be allowed to touch him or their buildings and houses. If we did, we would have to pay 1000 Rupees for a goat to be sacrificed to their god for cleansing. That's just one of the interesting beliefs in their culture.
Suresh wants to be a photographer. He's now in 10th grade, so he still has some time to decide, but here in India decisions about school need to be thought through earlier than in the US. By the time he reaches 11th grade he will need to choose a "stream of study," science, arts, or commerce, but the school he attends only offers science or commerce. He will likely have to work through two more years of difficult subjects to be able to pursue his dream in college. Until then, my DSLR is his whenever he feels like practicing with it. (I think it will be completely his one day anyway.)
This week the boys (there are 6 youth boys in his class that are very close to us) will be competing in the school's dance competition. They are incredible hip-hop style movers, and Suresh is the primary choreographer. He used our Mac program, Garage Band to mix the music, and we are all awaiting their exciting performance.
Sometimes I ask these boys, "Why do you think God gave you so many abilities at one time? Don't you think he could have spread them out a little more to include some of the rest of us? :)" (Suresh is artistic in photography, dance, drums, and guitar, and has the boldness to speak in front of any audience).
But the greatest thing about Suresh is that he is completely committed to the One True God. This weekend he is making a public profession of that faith (along with 8 others from our youth group) by being "dunked." We are so blessed and thankful . . . full of joy over His great work. Please give God praise for these 9 young people, and pray especially for Suresh, who displays His beautiful love everyday.
A few of his photographs:
Malana Village:
Suresh. I wish you all could meet him. He is full of life and joy, talented, thoughtful, and fun. He comes from a remote Hindu village in Himachal Pradesh called Malana. In his village foreigners like us would not be allowed to touch him or their buildings and houses. If we did, we would have to pay 1000 Rupees for a goat to be sacrificed to their god for cleansing. That's just one of the interesting beliefs in their culture.
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