E. RACHEL HARRIS | guest writer

Born in India, but raised in America, ethnically Indian but culturally American. Positioned to follow the inevitable path of Hinduism yet now a follower of Christ. Paradoxical elements permeate life.

Nasik, the city where I was born, is located approximately 125 miles from the city of Pune, the place where I was given my first home as an orphan. This past summer I returned to Bharatiya Samaj Seva Kendra (BSSK), my former orphanage, to conduct my global learning term as an APU global studies student. Embarking on this journey back to my roots proves to be a time that has reshaped my perspective and hopefully encouraged those among whom I have found a community.

BSSK, a fairly new organization, celebrates its 28th anniversary this October. Many of the staff members have been working on site since it’s founding in 1979 or started their work in the early to mid 80’s. Living and working at the place where I was cared for as an orphan, and being in fellowship with those who provided me with a family induces a strong connection with the people and a deep-seeded gratitude.

I am not sure how I arrived at BSSK 20 years ago, but I am certain that I would be dead or still an orphan if it was not for the Lord’s will. As a malnourished, orphan baby, I did not have a lot going for me. BSSK not only took me in and provided me with the practical care I needed as a baby, but also found me a permanent home through the help of Holt International Children’s Services (HICS), an American-based adoption agency.

The orphanage, teaming with life, provides a safe and loving environment. Nurses and caretakers are on duty 24/7, so the children always receive care.

I am the youngest in my family with one older brother. Playing and spending time with the kids at the orphanage, knowing I was in their same position at one time, instilled in me the role of an older sister. My new found younger brothers and sisters managed to hug, climb on, provoke, and kiss me. When playing tag outside, I was always nominated to be “it,” as no one else of a younger age was typically available or wanted to run around. We managed to get in trouble several times but I never knew exactly why becasue of the language barrier. The only rule of the game was “washing no” which obviously means no running around the washing area, but was not strictly enforced.

Seeing kids united with their new families always served as a highlight. I had the opportunity to see the Indian blessing that is given to all adoptive families. Furthermore, I met someone who was adopted from BSSK around the same time I was. She returned to India for the first time from Australia, and we had the chance to meet each other, an unexpected delight.

As I write about this journey I am reminded of Psalm 139:13-15.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

The Lord creates rich tapestries that often go unnoticed. From a Christian worldview, history reveals the work of God in the world, for “His story” shapes our days.

Adoption accurately illustrates and parallels a picture of the Gospel. Jesus takes the poor, marginalized, unwanted, sick people of society and calls them into His royal family. He invites filthy sinners to accept a free gift that is so often hard to welcome. In the same way, numerous loving families have taken in, once called illegitimate children, to call them their own. When faith and trust are put in the Lord, or not, He leads us into adventures never present in our minds.