Our days are coming to an end here in Delhi. It is a sad thing to say goodbye, even after such a short time. Some of the group is ready to head back; to have a warm shower and not sweat the instant you step out. And some of the group is not yet ready to leave this all here. Most everyone has that special child or worker that they have deeply connected with. It takes work, but it is so worth it to keep in touch with that person.

Personally, I am so sad to be leaving my little kids here again. Thursday night we broke the news to the kids in the Centre that we would be leaving for Canada soon, and the reaction we got surprised me. The kids were SO sad. Some of the little girls, including my 'sister', Sangita, started crying. She said she waited so long for me to come back like I said I would, and now Im leaving again. Her reaction was first of anger, then a deep sadness. The reason this surprised me was because out of all the young girls we see she is the toughest. She never joins in any of the programs or the 'work' that the other kids do. I dont know if this is her choice or her parents... but because of it she knows no english (where the other older kids can communicate somewhat with us) and always seems very angry and very hardened. I dont know why she chose me last time I was here, but she did. And I guess its just good for me to know that my letters and my prayers actually do really matter to her. So its hard to leave these kids. Especially because this time I really dont know when I will be able to come back. They will be grown up... maybe even married off next time I come! But I leave trusting them to the Father's care. I have to believe that he is good and will watch over them. He is able to do far more than I ever could for these kids. But we must remember and we must share their stories. And that gives me all the more reason to support the work that IS happening here as well.

On the other hand, I am ready to come home for the next adventure of my summer. I know I need rest. The best place for me to get that is with family, so I am really looking forward to this next week in Oregon with my family. And before I know it, I will be heading out to school! And James will be married!!I cant believe that. This trip has been so long in coming, its so strange to have it nearly done.

I just tell everyone here to pray me back! That is the best way.

I do not remember the last time I have felt so exhausted! This is taking everything out of me this time. The good thing about that is having to rely on His strength for every little bit of work that we are doing. I need renewed strength everyday. And grace, and patience and joy. Especially joy. This must be a little bit of what the workers here feel like.

Today I spoke with my one friend (worker) for some time. He has an incredible story. They truly are living by faith. For meal to meal and for daily energy to be with the demanding children. And it shows. These kids right now are mostly all new kids. Somehow word spread and these kids came on their own accord. But they are troubled kids. Some of them are coming with habits like smoking, drinking and sniffing glue. These bad habits cause bad attitudes, and that is hard to keep from affecting the other kids. My friend said that its good and bad these kids are there. Its bad that they are affecting the other kids negatively, but its good that they are there... and coming back every day. The kids prefer this school to anything else because of the love they receive here. It is the only place that affection is shown. The only place that cares about their interests. Some of the kids come only for food and medicine... but the hope is that with time some of the teachings will soak in anyway.

It's amazing to be able to bring much needed supplies to these places. These are all children programs, but there are no toys. Anywhere. We will be able to bless with toys, clothes, food and medicines. So many of these people and places are just run dry. If only for a short time, we hope to bring refreshing waters.

So I am okay being tired. I hope it means that my strength is being passed along in waves to the people that need it here.

and as I give I know the promise of new waters, and a filling of my jar.

Back to the Start

Hello!

My time here is short, and there is much to write, and so much more to still process through in my own mind. It has been a rollercoaster for the past three? weeks, but I can clearly sense God's peace as He guides me through this all.

My first week in London was so refreshing. It felt so normal to be with my YWAM family again. I love the community we share. It was so good to encourage and to be encouraged, and to hear the updates of what God has been doing over the past year. and the wedding was BEAUTIFUL. I feel so priviledged to have been able to attend that. It was so much fun to be apart of the set up, and then to dance the night away with everyone. Carolyn made a beautiful bride! The time went by quickly, and soon enough I was taking a taxi in Mumbai to Raoul's house. Instantly it just felt right to be back in India. I really enjoyed my time with the Mumbai gang. We enjoyed good food, good fellowship and lots of laughs. I really get along well with them. It was good to go in as a friend this time too instead of a leader, or apart of a visiting team. Both Pune and Mumbai felt natural and comfortable. I was spoiled with the hospitality too! Again, the time felt too short before it was time again to head out to Delhi. Already we have planned for 'next time' whenever I am able to come back. These are true friends that I have made in India.

The start of our time in Delhi has been intense! We have kept up a busy schedule despite the cultural differences and the weather/humidity. Our first day here I went to a meeting with the leaders and found out that our entire schedule was to be shifted around.. so now Im planning two days ahead only at a time! The main struggles would be the language barrier and the humidity! Also, the sights and smells have been shocking for most of the team. It's just hard to understand why it is like this here. We've heard many hard stories, and have decided as a group to record these stories with pictures and to publish a book to bring these stories to life. We havent had any sicknesses yet, and we are just trusting that every meal and every water bottle is safe for our tummies before we ingest. God has been super faithful in leading our team so far. We are all learning so much!!

Now we are heading out to go shopping this evening! Pray for energy and health, as well as continued safety. And for inspiration as for ways we can bless and help.

Take Care!