Hello! We landed in India on Sunday. We had an orientation for a day and a half, where we learned about culture, learned a song in the local language, ate some yummy Indian food, and even played manhunt at night. On the second day, I had the “pleasure” of shopping for six other people… God continues to stretch me in new ways on this trip; that’s all I can say. But it was really not too bad, thanks to the internet and the ability to send pictures so people could give their say.
Now we are in a small town where our ministry will take place for the following week. We are praying for people in nearby villages and spending time in schools, singing songs and playing with kids. I even got to share my testimony in front of a crowd of people! This has been one of my favorite weeks on the Race so far, because of the fulfilling ministry, delicious food, and time together as a squad.
I am going to continue with my second team, Team Two, for our time in India. We originally thought we would be moving back to our first teams, so there were some mixed feelings for everyone. On our last night of orientation we had dinner together as our first team, Shameless Audacity, and it made me realize just how much I had missed them. But I have learned so much from my Team Two and I think God is not yet done using us to sharpen one another. God taught me a lot about appreciating others’ gifts while also being willing to stand up for my own. He showed me how He made everyone the way He did for a reason. Not everyone has the same passions or desires, and that’s a good thing. We were/are a well rounded team. Sometimes it can be a funny realization: Not everyone wants to plant trees. Not everyone wants to pick tea leaves. Not everyone is gifted in service, if that’s the way you want to put it. In the same way, it is okay if I do not love going out and talking to strangers or trying to make conversation with waiters and waitresses. It is okay if mingling is not my spiritual gift. But I can love and affirm those who do, while trying to grow in that area. My teammate Kailey was a great example of ATL month done well and it made me want to do the same. My teammates inspire me to grow in ways I’m not strong in right now and I hope I can do the same for them.
God also encouraged me, if I have a passion for something, to run with it, instead of giving up easily at the first sign of criticism, resistance, competition, or obstacles. In my life, I’ve tended to go for the path of least resistance, and in doing so, limited my own potential. He encouraged me to fight for what needs fighting for and not be afraid of failing.
As usual, my prayer request is for protection against all sorts of bugs and creatures. I want to say thank you to whoever is actually praying for this, too. Our first night here in the village, I slept on one of the couches in the main area. Lots of people who have slept on those couches have been attacked by bugs, hundreds of bites on their arms and legs (possibly bedbugs or fleas). But except for a few bites, I was okay. I really felt that God’s protection of me is partly due to the incessant prayer requests against bugs and critters and the people who actually follow through on praying for my requests. So, praise God, and please pray for healing for those who have been bitten and for protection against any more attacks. And please pray for our ministry here, for our friends and family at home, and for my squadmates who are still fundraising!
Question of the Blog: What is something funny that has happened to you/around you this week?
