INDIA 2016 CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
February 12-20, 2016
6 Days In Southern India At A Glance
The Hub: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Chennai
This was Carole Copeland Thomas's third trip to India and the second time leading a Boston-based group to the subcontinent. A total of 22 travelers were part of this cultural immersion experience that built bridges between the people of India and the African American community. Travelers came from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Michigan and Colorado. The trip was open to the general public regardless of race, religion or national origin. Some were members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). Others were Catholic, Presbyterian and Non-Demonimational. Our local hosts in Chennai were Presiding Elders Sarah and Abraham Peddiny affectionally known as Rev. Sarah and Rev. Abraham. They are the only Presiding Elder couple in the Connectional AME Church.
The purpose of this trip was to develop a richer understanding of the people of India, their culture, history and lifestyle through new friendships, dialogue, fellowship and visits to their communities.
For more information visit our other webpages on AME India Click Here
and for more information on the Connectional AME Church visit: www.ame-church.com
The purpose of this trip was to develop a richer understanding of the people of India, their culture, history and lifestyle through new friendships, dialogue, fellowship and visits to their communities.
For more information visit our other webpages on AME India Click Here
and for more information on the Connectional AME Church visit: www.ame-church.com
Day One: We enjoyed a spirit filled worship service just a few hours after arriving in Chennai, India. Rev.Sarah Abraham and Rev. Abraham Peddiny started this house church a short while ago. What a welcoming environment it was for all who attended!! Here are scenes from The Hope Center India.
Day Two: Enjoying the loving, kind and spirit filled women, men and children of India. Day Two took us 100 miles to the state of Andhra Pradesh where we learned about village life in India. Widows often have a tough life, but AME India under the leadership of Rev. Sarah Abraham and Rev. Abraham Peddiny is addressing their needs within local communities. Full dance performances by the women were part of our cultural experience. We were showered with flower petals when we arrived in Negari. The freshly cooked food...simply delicious.
Day Three: One of the highlights of Day Three in India was meeting with the Pastors of the region. It was a joyous occasion, learning about their work, the people and fellowshipping with them.
And our travelers ate a delicious lunch on banana leaves and
ate with their hands for the first time!!! When in India, eat like the Indians!!
And our travelers ate a delicious lunch on banana leaves and
ate with their hands for the first time!!! When in India, eat like the Indians!!
Day Four in India was packed with cultural and historic activities. We visited a famous gold store and watched Rev. Sarah Abraham use fierce negotiation skills to help reduce the purchase price of our items.
Then we visited the sacred cave where St. Thomas, Jesus' disciple, hid before his death.
Then toured a famous Hindu Temple in Chennai. India is alive in culture, history and tradition!
Then we visited the sacred cave where St. Thomas, Jesus' disciple, hid before his death.
Then toured a famous Hindu Temple in Chennai. India is alive in culture, history and tradition!
Day Five: The absolute highlight of our trip was visiting Thirumani Village, a Dalit (outcaste) community during Day Five of our trip. Bethel AME Church supports the Educational Center in this village, and the children are doing well in school and have grown since I last saw them a year ago! We also visited the largest Leper Colony in ALL of Asia, fellowshipped with the residents and brought them rice packets. Then a trip to the seaside town of Mamallapurum on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. What a fast-paced day in India!
Day Six: Our whirlwind trip has come to a close! Day Six included a trip to the Shrine of St Thomas, the place where Jesus’ disciple was murdered in 52 AD, followed by a visit to one of the few Catholic Basilicas in the world. Then shopping at a fabulous Chennai Mall. Birthday celebrations and wedding anniversaries finished our night before boarding our 3am flight back to Boston. THANK YOU AME India for a wonderful trip to your amazing subcontinent!!!! We are now safely back in Boston. India we’ll be back in February 2017.
