eddieandme: Monday, March 23, Muzaffarpur

Mon, 23 March, Mike did not sleep all night; still wanted to help with first day. So he taught morning sessions from 10 – 12:40. After lunch I taught 2 – 4:40, which comprised 2 periods. Taught on theme “Description of God” from Revelation 1. Much more to go on this topic. With so much time available, I was able to flesh out the topic and subtopics. Good interaction from/with students. Helped that I had breakfast bar treats as they participated. But the topic and format seem to naturally lend to participation. Meanwhile Mike returned hotel and crashed. Interruptions led to his still asleep. Jim & Dean due to arrive in about 40 min, 10p.m. They scheduled to take most of the teaching load for tomorrow.

Not sure why Mike had trouble sleeping. We had had a busy day on Sunday: morning service, meal, photos, flew to Delhi, layover, flew to Patna, travel 3 1/2 hrs to Muzaffarpur. I was exhausted and Mike is just 3 yrs older than I. So he should have been just as tired. But now that I think about it, maybe he was starting to get sick. But it didn't slow him down. He taught on subject of faith. I was surp

rised that he drew so heavily from book of Habbakuk. His material was of excellent quality. But the presentation was difficult to follow and the students had trouble tracking. He didn't show it, but his comments after revealed that he couldn't figure out why they weren't taking notes. By the end of the week, I spoke before he taught. I emphasized to the students how valuable Mike's material was and that they should be writing these things down. Also, encouraged Mike to include more stories, especially personal experiences. Also, guided him to write down some of the main points. That seemed to help the students recognize what to write and remember.

Our hotel in Muzaffarpur is brand new. Just opened at the end of 2008. They told us that we were their first foreign guests. Owners had stressed to staff to be especially attentive to us. :) So it was kind of interesting to watch their response whenever we stepped out of our room. Immediately men would bow and ask how we were doing. And what could they do for us. As soon as we saw any employee, they would bow and greet us. Of course, this courtesy was also extended in Jodhpur. But here it seemed even more intentional.

Scene outside our Muzaffarpur hotel. Busy railway station situated across the street.

Sign at the street pointing to the Bible College.

The property where the college meets was built by a Roman Catholic man from Colombia who lived there for many years. He is now deceased. But property still owned by Christians, I think Manoj said Methodists. I know there is a large Methodist church nearby.

Looking beyond the Bible College turnoff farther down (up?) the street.

Same view as previous, but zooming in to the max.

Approaching the Bible College building. Perhaps in the U.S. this might be called an alley. But I think it serves as a street here. On the right, is a doctor's office that was always very busy.

Approaching the Bible College property.

Gate leading to Bible College. Facility on the right is the Bible College building. On the left and behind the archway are other buildings rented by other people.