In the Spot Light

_{by Matthew Carling}

Where’s Jonas?

Jonas Carling is living in Kullu, India! Kullu is a city in northern India, in the Himalayan region. Jonas is teaching English to elementary school kids and other subjects to middle school kids in Northern India for ILP, a Utah County based humanitarian organization. He has been in India for 1 month. He returns on December 11th. Jonas, and 24 other young ladies, serve as interim teachers in a local school. While not teaching, Jonas and his group explore the local surroundings and occasionally go on excursions. His group has been to the southern tip of India and the western coast. They plan to visit the Kashmir Province and New Delhi, including the Taj Mahal before they return home.

Recently, Jonas’ group participated in a Dussehra Festival in Kullu. Dussehra is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Groups wear their regional clothing and parade around town beating drums and blowing horns. Of course, Jonas’ group wore their regional outfits – white T-shirts, blue jeans and cowboy hats! Jonas, with his star-spangled bandana, was quite a celebrity with the locals. On one of his excursions, Jonas got to ride an elephant and hold a cobra! Jonas loves shopping at the local markets and trying new spices. Last week, he woke his parents up at 1:30AM to discuss Indian rugs!

Although all their meals are prepared, Jonas does some cooking at his apartment and makes sourdough bread. He mentioned that he is kind of done with everything curry. On one of their excursions, Jonas ran into a KFC. He sent pictures and wrote a poem about the experience.

Across the seas, I catch the sight, 

The red and white shines in the night. 

Colonel’s face, a welcome call,

A taste of home in lands so small.

The scent of spices drifts my way, 

Reminding me of yesterday.

In far-off towns where I may roam, 

KFC brings a taste of home.

There is no established Branch of the Church in Kullu. Under the direction of the New Delhi Mission, Jonas conducts Sacrament Meeting each Sunday for his group. He’s been blessed with several opportunities to use the Melchizedek Priesthood and has experienced several tender mercies from Heavenly Father.

More photos available in the GALLERY