prsabbatical2025

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Kerith

Sarah and I were given the opportunity to enjoy a one week stay at the Focus on the Family retreat centre called Kerith Waters. It is a beautiful retreat centre with a focus on caring for Pastors and ministry workers.

We attended the "ministry leaders renewal retreat", and it was perfect for us. Lots of time to rest, many hours together reading, praying, walking, and learning.

This seven-day ministry leaders renewal retreat offered us personalized care and group instruction to help us find healthier rhythms in our lives. The retreat is run my Focus on the Family, and it was just what we needed.

The people who shared the week with us were a joy to journey with, and they quickly became friends. I continue to be very grateful for this sabbatical journey.

Enjoy a few pictures from the retreat.

The benefits of a retreat are many:

Deepening Connection with God:

A retreat provides dedicated time and space to focus on prayer, meditation, and Bible study, fostering a more intimate relationship with God.

Silence allows for a clearer hearing of God's voice, free from the distractions of daily life.

Spiritual Renewal:

Retreats offer a chance to step away from the pressures and stresses of everyday life, allowing for spiritual refreshment and revitalization.

It's a time to recharge your spiritual batteries, regaining focus and purpose.

Self-Reflection and Growth:

Quiet contemplation enables us to examine their lives, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen their faith.

It's an opportunity for introspection, allowing for a deeper understanding of oneself and our relationship with God.

Jesus gives us the example of how to retreat in Matthew 14:23: "And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone."   

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Home

Three weeks ago, I embarked on a journey to India, and you were kind enough to join me o my blog. Now, as I reflect on the rich tapestry of experiences, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your support and engagement.

Thank you for being there every step of the way. Your comments and encouragement fueled my curiosity and made the adventure even more meaningful. Whether I was marveling at the majestic Taj Mahal, walking through the vast Thar desert or navigating the bustling streets of Delhi by rickshaw, I felt your presence and shared excitement.

I hope my blog posts captured the essence of India's incredible diversity – the ancient temples, the breathtaking landscapes, the warm hospitality of its people, and the sheer sensory overload that makes it such a unique destination. I tried my best to convey the moments of awe, the unexpected encounters, and the personal growth that came with immersing myself in a rich culture so different from my own.

This journey was about connecting with a country and its people on a deeper level, and listening to God's voice through it all. I loved sharing the stories, the photos, and the reflections that emerged from each day.

I know that not everyone has the opportunity to travel to India, so I hoped to bring a slice of that experience to you. I hope you felt like you were there with me, in some small way.

The journey may be over, but the memories and lessons learned will stay with me forever. Thank you for being a part of this incredible chapter. I hope you will continue to follow the rest of my Sabbatical adventures.

Blessings upon you,

Rob - Prakash

Rob, Sarah and our dear friend Sneha Reddy...yes, Mr Reddy's daughter.

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Prakash - प्रकाश - Light

I love my name, but let's be honest - "Rob" doesn't translate into many languages well. The name "Robert" has a rich history. It is an old German name that means “bright fame" and it taken from the name Hrodebert. The name is made up of two elements: hrod which means "fame" and beraht which means "bright." 

So, my name has something to do with light and being bright. It was a wonderful surprise when a friend in New Delhi said that I needed a "real" name. He said that I look like a Prakash. I asked what it means and he said "Prakash means...light", and I said "...thats a perfect name!" So, in my next visit to India I will use my new "real", name - Prakash. A new name that I am so honored to use and to have been gifted with. The theme of light and love continues to be woven into the my sabbatical journey.

Say hello to Prakash...Namaste.

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Planes, trains and Automobiles Delhi Style Scooters, rickshaws and Metros

Getting around Delhi is a thrill.

My final days were spent on auto rickshaws, city buses (clean and affordable), and the beautiful Delhi Metro (underground transport system, jam packed with people, clean and organized). On the bus a young man turned around in his seat, and proceeded to tell a me about his website where he shared his drawing skills. Everywhere I went people were openhanded and welcoming. Now I have to learn Hindi!

Enjoy sharing my last auto rickshaw ride. Turn on the sound!

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Gratitude

My final day was spent with Mr Reddy, Sam Reddy and their family. I will never be able to pay Mr Reddy for the debt of gratitude that I own him. He was my shepherd, my guide, and my brother. And this meant that he was also my driver, my cook, my tour guide and my interpreter. My everything!

The Reddy family showed me kindness and generosity and I will look forward to my next visit with them. Until then I will enjoy building my friendship with Sneha Reddy, a part of our Scott Street Church family, and a dear friend.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: tells us "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.." The friendship of my Indian friends was a gift, and a part of my character building for the years to come. And 1 Thessalonians 5:11: reminds me to "encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." May I treat everyone I meet with generosity and grace, building up other, and being Christ's hands at home, and where ever I may travel.

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Family

The last few days in New Delhi were spent with new friends who have become family. It was a wonderful gift to be welcomed into homes and families, and treated with love and generosity. I pray that I can have the same spirit in my home in Canada.

I spent the evening with Pastor Matthew and his family, and enjoyed a good nights sleep in their guest room in New Delhi. They were so very kind, they fed me their favorite South Indian food, and shared what life is like for a Pastor and family in India. Life is a challenge, there is a fear of persecution, and God's presence is felt in a powerful way in their family, and in their church.

Children are such a gift to me. They help me come alive, and their joy is magnetic. I enjoyed playing the drums with the boys, a little game of tag, and we enjoyed taking some selfies.

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Beauty

Art and beauty are everywhere, particularly in India. Indian designer, and artistic themes have had a global impact for generations. Everywhere you look it is a feast for the eyes. From traditional simple designs and architecture like these below from the desert city of Mandawa.

I love classic Indian designs, they are a rich and diverse tapestry of artistic expressions that have evolved over centuries. They are deeply rooted in India's cultural, religious, and historical heritage, drawing inspiration from various sources like nature, mythology, and daily life.

Paisley: A teardrop-shaped motif represents fertility, happiness, and prosperity.

Mandala: A circular design with geometric patterns, symbolizes the universe and spiritual harmony.

Peacock: A symbol of beauty, grace, and royalty, often depicted with its feathers spread in a beautiful display. It is the national bird of India too!

Lotus: A flower that blooms in muddy waters, representing purity, enlightenment, and beauty out of struggle.

The Architectural expressions found in both ancient and modern expressions are astounding.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says "God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." This verse speaks to the beauty of God's creation and the longing in the human heart to create beauty. Please make something beautiful today!   

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Rajasthan

There is something about the desert that is so intriguing, the stunning beauty, the huge swing from hot days to cold clear nights, to the rich cultural expressions found in desert culture.

I met Ali on the edge of the road with his camel early in the morning. His eyes were so honest, and when we shook hands, we didn't let go. He told me he was 60...3 years younger than me - I guess this is what a life spent in the desert does to your complexion. He has 8 grown kids and grandkids too. He loves his 5 year old camel Bubloo. Now let's just say that Bubloo has character. Lots of gurgling, calling out, slurping, and other camel type sounds. He is a feast for the senses. I am grateful for the kindness of Ali, and will not forget my time in the desert.

Psalm 63:1 says, "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I understand this better now.

Three musicians were on a dune, as we came by on the camels they started making the most beautiful music. At first it sounded like they were jumping in to version of "Frère Jacques" - listen and you will know what I mean. This day was a feast for the senses.

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Puppets

It has been a long time since I have seen a puppet show, and I simply loved this one. This is a traditional Indian puppet show and it was whimsical and fun. Turn the sound up, and gather the kids to take a look!

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I spent a day in Mandawa, a beautiful town on the edge of the Thar (Great Indian) desert. The lodgings where I stayed were traditional desert buildings made of straw, mud, and dung. The shapes were all organic, the art was simple, and the rooms themselves were extraordinarily cool - amazing. I was welcomed with a bindi (red dye on forehead) as a sign of hospitality. 

Titus 1:8 reminds me, "be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." My prayer along my sabbatical journey is that I would be welcoming to everyone who I meet along the way. 

Visiting a land where I have no connections has been good for me. It is good to know how a stranger feels, what it is like to be an alien, and to learn to receive the hospitality of others.

Leviticus 19:33-34 teaches the people of God how to care for the stranger. It says, “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God."

I have learned many values from my Indian friends, and hospitality is a key lesson.

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Desert Journey

Every Sabbatical needs a desert journey, this was one of my goals. Mr. Reddy was kind enough to arrange to travel with me to the state of Rajasthan and into the Thar desert, also known as the Great Indian desert.

There are a number of desert experiences mentioned in Scripture.

The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years: (perhaps it felt that long for Mr. Reddy) This was a time of testing and purification for the Israelites after they escaped slavery in Egypt.

Jesus' temptation in the desert: Jesus spent 40 days and nights in the desert, where he was tempted by Satan.

John the Baptist lived in the desert: John the Baptist lived a simple life in the desert, where he preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River.

My goal was to have an open handed faith journey into the desert. I read my scriptures, opened my heart, and prayed for discernment on this journey, and I was not disappointed.

Here is the map of my journey.

The complete journey:

The journey day by day:

Delhi to Agra - and the Taj Mahal - 243 Km's

Agra to Jaipur - the Pink City - and Elephants 239 Km's

Jaipur to Jodphur - The Sun City and an amazing Fort - 334 Km's

Jodphur to Jesalmere and the desert village of Sam 310 Km's

The journey home took us a different route, and I am so glad that we didn't simply back track.

We started our return from Jesalmere to Bikaner. This city has the most amazing museum, palace and fort. Km's 331

From Bikaner we traveled to Mandawa - where we stayed at the most unique desert village. Km's 193

And we finished up the journey into Delhi with a stop at a bus manufacturing company. Km's 265 - but a 10 hour drive

The Data:

7 Days, 1915 Kilometers, 2 men (Rob and Krishna) 5 hotels - I tent, 1 hut, 1000 cows, goats, sheep on the road, dozens of small towns, hundreds of camels, and a hand full of elephants.

Many new friends made, a couple tapestries purchased, many healthy meals, and a couple cold cokes on the real hot days.

We have proven that Psalm 91:11: can be trusted "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

I am grateful for a wonderful safe journey, for a feast for the senses, for a spiritual sensitivity, for no sick days, and for my beloved Krishna Reddy who is making all this possible.

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Traffic

Watching the majestic India elephant wind its way through the ancient streets of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India is a feast for the senses. And it makes me think... how did God come up with this one?

John 1:3 says, ‘Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.’ This verse shows how important Jesus is in creation. He was the one who brought everything into existence. So, who thought of the elephant? Jesus! And who thought of creating a Rob? Jesus! He’s got a great sense of humor.

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Speed

Moving at a different speed has been good for me. I tend to move through life at a constant speed - one day after the next, unaware of the impact on my heart, head, and body. The time in the desert has been a time to slow down, to soak in the sights and sounds, and to find a sense of shalom.

The scripture that speaks to me about slowing down is:

"Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God;     I will be exalted among the nations,     I will be exalted in the earth.”

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Ride

It had to happen, I needed to get on a motorcycle at some point in the journey. I have now had three rides... this was my first. A new friend offered to take me on a night ride through our local neighborhood in New Delhi. Driving in Delhi simply amazes me, there are rules that I don't understand. So, it's much safer to get on the back and hang on! Thanks to Akash who made it a memorable night in New Delhi.

The Bible verse John 10:10 describes the abundant life as a life filled with joy, strength, purpose, and riding motorcycles in India. It's a life that's abundant in love from God, friends, family and experiences.

I want to live that life of abundance. And, yes, the Bible does not mention motorcycle rides...but when I ride I sense God's abundant love for me.

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Road and Gates

I love busy, narrow, ancient roads - they have been busy like this for centuries, and I am just a blink of an eye in this beautiful, busy place in the desert.

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Taj Mahal

This is one of the places I wanted to see in my lifetime with my own eyes. And it was worth the trip to India. There are a thousand stories about this palace. To start with it is not really a palace, it is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the Yamuna river in the city of Agra, in the Indian province called Uttar Pradesh.

It was commissioned in 1631 by the Mugal Emperor called Shah Jahan. He built it to house the tomb of his beloved wife. Yes, this amazing building is a testament of love - to Mumtaz Mahal. It also has the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is right in the middle of the Taj building itself.

A little bit about Mumtaz Mahal - for whom the Taj was built. Mumtaz and her husband had 14 children. and she died in 1631 during the birth of her 14th child, a daughter named Gauhar Ara Begum. The Queen was only 36 years old when she died.

After her death, the emperor fell into deep grief and did not leave his chambers for a whole year. He was broken.

Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built as a tomb for her, which is considered to be a monument of undying love. It took up to 20,000 workers, 22 years to build this architectural gem, which is one of the seven wonders of the world.

All over the world people go to extraordinary lengths to memorialize the one they love. I carry my Grandfathers signature in my wallet, and I wear a necklace with a cross on it to remember Christ and his love for me. If you look around you will see memorials everywhere - just ask your waiter what the tattoo on their arm means, and you will probably hear a story of love, and loss. The Taj is a beautiful reminder of the importance of remembering those you love, though art, architecture and beauty.

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Elephants

What a wonderful surprise it was to be driving into Jaipur and pass an elephant on the road. I asked Mr Reddy what he thought, and he told me I would see more than one elephant today.

The Indian elephant is a magnificent creature and one of the three species of the Asian elephant. They are known for their intelligence, complex social structures, and emotional depth. It seems people fall in love with elephants for a reason, they create a bond with you. Elephants hold a significant place in Indian culture, revered as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and good fortune. They are often associated with Lord Ganesha, a popular deity in Hinduism.

In Jaipur you can find images of elephants everywhere, carved in stone, painted on buildings and embroidered on fabric.

I was hoping to see an elephant up close, and I was not disappointed.

These are such majestic animals, and amazing to watch up close.

Elephants are known for their ability to carry heavy loads. Throughout history the elephant has symbolized Christ bearing the weight of the world's sins, or the burdens that Christians are called to carry in their faith.

Enjoy a glimpse of these amazing creatures. Or better still, come and visit Jaipur.