India has been quite a journey so far! Before departing we had a few more days of training in Georgia. Our flight was 13 hours with a short layover in Quatar and then another 4 hour flight. We spent a few days in Hyderabad where our squad of over 50 stayed in a house that is used for a school of worship and holds church services.
Our last day there, we were out to dinner to eat some more super spicy food with our hands, when a beautiful thing happened. We discovered the owner of the restaurant was a believer who had left Hinduism to follow Jesus. We were led upstairs to a special prayer room above the restaurant where people were gathered singing praises to the Lord. The Spirit was so strong in the room. Two of the women had big tears rolling down their cheeks as they worshipped. When they opened their eyes and saw us they asked if we would join in. It was so amazing to me how the Spirit is not confined by language or culture. We also got to pray over the owner, his wife, and young daughter that they would be a light to their community and have success at their restaurant. We left feeling charged up by Gods power and goodness.
The next day our teams broke off and finally headed to each of our ministry locations throughout India. Our team of 7 girls embarked on an interesting 10 hour bus ride to Bangalore. It was my first time on a bus where instead of seats there were beds. We were dropped off on the side of the highway where our ministry host came and picked us up. On the streets here fast reflexes are a necessity, road markings optional, 4 people on a moto typical, and you may just see a cow crossing the road.
Our ministry site is called Jireh Childrens Home. Jireh means provider. It is run by a couple who takes in orphaned and semi-orphaned children. They are some of the most selfless, amazing people I’ve ever met. The Lord is teaching me so much about His heart through them. The kids are full of love and playfulness and they radiate Christ. It has been so much fun spending time with them and I already feel very attached. Our days have been filled with teaching bible stories, performing skits, helping with homework, painting, singing, dancing, praying and lots more.
During this time the Lord is calling me to walk in a greater level of freedom. I’ve spent the majority of my life hiding in some way. Behind fear, other people, only letting people see the “presentable” parts of me, pretending to be what I think others expect me to be, make-up and image, substances, shutting the door and being alone, and the list could go on and on. But right now, the Lord is showing me that He desires transparency. So, God is laying bare all the things I’ve worked hard most of my life to hide and there’s nowhere to hide but under the shadow of His wings. Although it feels scary, there is really no safer place to be.
Please pray for all involved with Jireh Childrens Home, for the people of India, and for our squad. Sending much love back home…until next time!!
