321: My 13-Day Trip to India

I have such exciting news to share this week on the show! I recently took an international trip to India, my first time traveling overseas in six years! I was initially hesitant to go because it would mean leaving the young kids for an extended period of 13 days - the longest that I have ever been away from them, but I felt a strong calling to make the trip despite my fears and reservations.

Listen in as I share how, in Mumbai, my team and I spent some time in one of the world's largest slums, the Dharavi slum. We were really struck by the resourcefulness and industriousness of the slum's residents, who produce over $1 billion in goods annually via small-scale manufacturing and recycling. While the living conditions definitely appeared to be difficult, I was really encouraged to see how much income the residents were able to send back to support their families in rural areas.

Beyond the slum, my team also toured many of Mumbai's iconic sights and took in the city's vibrant culture and contrasts. We even visited the Taj Hotel, a historic landmark that has hosted countless world leaders and celebrities over the years, but while the trip itself was incredibly meaningful and impactful for me, the weeks following my return were hard. I got sick for three weeks and had to coordinate two weddings, all while processing the lessons that I had learned in India.

I am so excited to share more about how the trip transformed me in the next episode, so stay tuned!

In This Episode

[0:35] - Surprise! Jesse is interviewing me for this episode!

[2:50] - I share how I was reluctant to leave the family for such a long time even though I do love to travel.

[4:52] - Even though I was hesitant and guilt-ridden, I ultimately accepted a last-minute India trip that I felt guided to take.

[7:41] - I reflect on how I took the trip as a way of obeying God's calling even though I was afraid.

[11:16] - Hear how I explored Mumbai’s vast slum and admired its people’s creativity, resilience, and relentless work ethic.

[14:33] - I learned that the slum’s government sale probably benefits profit-driven elites and not the residents who are struggling.

[16:56] - I really admired the workers’ pride and creativity despite harsh living conditions.

[19:58] - Most of the workers in the slum were men supporting families back home in rural villages.

[21:34] - I reflect on how Mumbai overwhelmed my senses with vibrant color, noise, and contrasting beauty and decay.

[24:09] - Hear how I noticed stray and cared-for animals, reflecting both poverty and compassion.

[26:02] - My final day mixed luxury and restraint as I savored Mumbai’s grandeur while staying mindful and humble.

[29:36] - I talk about how I took strict precautions with food and water, relying mostly on safe, Western-style meals.

[32:36] - Despite India’s tighter religious laws, the trip deepened my faith and also forged lasting friendships.

[35:32] - I reflect on how, even though I was emotionally drained, I felt so uplifted by my team.

[39:16] - After getting back home, I got sick and faced some challenges, but I trusted God.

[40:31] - Reflecting on everything, I feel renewed, healed, and grateful.

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Crystal Paine

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