India has been… unbelievable. Tonight, we begin our journey to Bangkok, Thailand (and should arrive late tomorrow evening). It's a little bittersweet (just as it was last month when leaving Nepal, and as I assume it will be every other month on the Race). There's excitement for what lies ahead, but there's also a sadness that comes with leaving. A little piece of my heart will always remain in India.
I'll never forget the beautiful faces I've seen. The majestic scenery. The straw-roofed huts/houses. The sweet smiles of adorable children. The Christmas decorations that fill every church. The water buffalo! Our translator, Shaker Babu. Our host, Johnson. The view of Ongole from the back of a motorbike. Or Meeting an Indian cross-dresser.
I'll never forget the first time I swam in the Bay of Bengal. When the waves knocked me over time and time again. And the moment when I dove under too late and got thrown backwards, salt water going STRAIGHT up my nose. Game over.
I'll never forget the smell of trash lined streets and fresh buffalo dung, or the fragrant smell of chicken curry.
I'll never forget the taste of Indian chai with water buffalo milk. Or off-tasting Sprite. Or warm chapati. Or electrolyte-infused apple juice (yuck!).
I'll never forget the first time I preached the message at church on Sunday. And the countless times I shared a 15-minute testimony/message after praying in the villages.
I'll never forget getting "the motions" and ending up in the hospital. 3 times. I'll never forget the pain of getting that shot in my hand, or when the nurse put in my IV. I'll never forget the wholehearted prayer I prayed for the Lord to protect me in that scary situation.
I'll never forget the night I told one of my favorite people that I cannot talk to him until I return from the Race, that God is asking me to focus completely on HIM while on this journey. Or the time I sent my father a vulnerable message crying out for a relationship with him. Different situations, but equally difficult.
I'll never forget the struggle I felt with my community and the days I wanted to check out. Pack it in. Scream at the top of my lungs: LORD, I'M OVER THIS! Or the way the Lord spoke after the storm, calming my spirit, and reminding me that HE has a plan, HE is in control. That I've got crap and so does everyone else. That there is growth to be done in me, just as there is to be done in those on my team. And that it's not up to me to decide when or how that change and growth happens. Yes, I remember that time my Father both disciplined me and comforted me simultaneously.
I'll never forget the spiritual warfare going on around me. The thoughts of doubt and insecurity and judgment that would creep in. The negative attitude I'd find myself in on occasion. The strong awareness of the idol worship going on around me, with giant statues of Hindu gods and Hindu temples on every corner. The stories of demon possession.
I'll never forget the faces of those in desperate need of healing. The blind, the paralyzed, the mute. Those with tumors. Diabetics missing toes. Babies with fevers. The woman who could not produce milk to feed her 2 week old baby, who would inevitably starve.
I'll never forget the pregnant bellies I laid hands on, or the barren wombs. The elderly women who would hold my hand after I prayed for them, and the one who held it as she led me to another home. Every infant I got to wrap in my arms!
I'll never forget those moments when I prayed so fervently for healing, with the blind and sick Sunday school teacher, and the elderly women who reached out for me and wept, desiring to be held. I'll never forget them. Ever.
INDIA *sigh* I will never forget it. It's memory will forever be burned in my mind. And imprinted on my heart. The way I've experienced God's love and faithfulness this month is unmatchable. The way I've seen His Spirit move is undeniable. He is good. So good.
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Lord, Thank you. For the opportunity to share and experience your love in India. I pray that Your Spirit would continue to work in this country. That India would be a nation for YOU, Lord. That there would be a revolution here, God, and that statues would crumble and idols would break. That you would be known in this place. That you would provide for your children here, healing, comfort, and basic needs, strong faith, and courage to spread your Light to those around them. That every colony, village, city, and state in India would praise you as Lord! Thank you for the grace you continually pour out over you children. Your love is unlike that of any other.
Amen
