A group of 11 travelers traveled across the world to visit our partners in Tamil Nadu, India this past February.

On April 14, 10 of the 11 travelers gathered at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities, Mpls Campus for a post-trip reunion. The 11th traveler, Steve, lives out of state and couldn't make it. 

From 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., the travelers caught up, laughed, cried, and reflected. They snacked on baked goods, and two of the travelers even brought crackers that they had enjoyed in India. A slideshow of photos from their journey played in the background, and the group would often pause to share a sweet or funny memory from a particular photo. 

The travelers started out as strangers, but they now count each other as friends.

As an older traveler, Marie appreciated that everyone in the group was so accommodating. She commented on the joy of being together on an adventure. Janet echoed her praise and said that this was "a special group with great leaders."

LPGM staff members Dan Ruth and Laura Feile led the group through some reflective questions to help them consider their takeaways from the experience. Some recurring themes emerged as the group began to share. 

Hospitality

Marie was touched by the physical and emotional support she received from their hosts throughout the trip. She explained, "At every point, they were ready to give us a hand. They were watching over us all the time." 

Andy also remarked about the hospitality that had enveloped them throughout the journey. He said, "The grace, welcoming, warmth, and hospitality we received were unparalleled."

Concept of Time & Community

Many members of the group were struck by how differently time is treated in Tamil Nadu. Sarah observed, "They seemed to place less weight on time and schedules. It helped me take myself and my schedule less seriously. I felt like I was better at being present."

Dan connected the fluidity of time to a larger theme of American individualism. In America, we often value efficiency, promptness, and clear structure. Each person's time is viewed as something that should be conserved and spent wisely. 

In Tamil Nadu, he noticed more emphasis on relationships and the greater community and less importance placed on timeliness. Over time, Dan realized, "I'm part of a bigger community, so I should go with that flow [with regard to time]"

He continued, "Relationships feel more important [in Tamil Nadu]. We sit, talk, and have tea and coffee together." 

Another traveler noticed ways in which cooperation seemed to be prioritized over competition. They shared, "I was inspired by the sense of cooperation there. We have a lot to learn from them."

Connection

The biggest theme to emerge from the group reflection time was connection. The group was collectively grateful for the relationships they had formed, the people they had met, and the love they had received. 

One traveler said, "You don't often get to meet the people [who live there] when you travel." If you do get to meet people who are local to a place, it can sometimes feel like the traveler is a passive observer.

Sarah noticed that distinction on this trip. She mused, "We weren't just watching. We were interacting."

Marie shared the story of meeting her sponsored student, Nithiya.

"Our sponsored student came to us, because she knew who we were and wanted to see us. We've sponsored her for 4-5 years and have written to her. It really touched me."

Being able to meet the student she had been sponsoring face-to-face made a real impact on her.

Sarah ultimately concluded, "people are people." She continued, "It's a delicious irony, because it's so different there, but then you meet someone, and they remind you of someone else you know, and you realize that people are people," Sarah

Bill concluded, "Connecting with the people and connecting with the culture was so special. Interconnection is vital for peace" 

Final Thoughts

Janet was ultimately proud to be associated with LPGM on this trip and could feel how the Arcot Lutheran Church's long-time partnership with LPGM was valued. She commented, "It felt good to be part of the organization and to see the respect that everyone had for LPGM. It exposed me to a world that was so different from anywhere else I had traveled"

Mary said, "I've never been on such a well-organized and loving trip," and Ann expressed, "I would go back next year." 

Surprise Gifts & Greetings 

After reflecting, Laura and Dan shared that LPGM India staff member Aswini is getting married this month and leaving her role at LPGM. The travelers recorded congratulatory greetings for Aswini and her husband-to-be.

To wrap up the afternoon, Laura surprised the group with saris and cloth napkins from Siloam Boarding Home's manager, Mrs. Wallace John. She had secretly purchased these gifts for the travelers, and Laura brought them back to the United States for the group. The travelers were touched and delighted by the unexpected gesture. 

Indian hospitality had followed them back to Minnesota.

Travel to India in 2027