I hardly have words. As one of my teammates, Kenna, put it “I’m speechless, yet I can’t stay silent”. That is literally what talking about my experience in India feels like- so here is my best attempt at a letter to this special place!
Dear India,
First of all, I want to address just how difficult it was to immerse myself into your culture! India you are so WILD. Your streets are loud and rambunctious, your villages are small, fractured but filled with life. And your food, exotic and SPICY! All of these things are good things, but hard things. My first month was a challenge both physically and spiritually. Living in a huge warehouse took some getting used to and only having ministry at night allowed for lots of free time during the day. With this, you taught me how to thrive and take advantage of every waking moment. I filled my time with people, your people that became mine. The four ladies that cooked for us became my best friends, I will never know how to thank India enough for them. Their serving hearts, seeing their homes, embracing their families, it was the biggest honor and the sweetest of times. I know I will see them again, whether on earth or in heaven, we WILL reunite. God has given me big visions for these ladies, ones that are a little loco, but doable. These visions will be fulfilled and I can’t wait to see the fruit they bear. India, you showed me what selfless love truly is. You allowed me to receive this kind of love and then pour it back out to those around me! You grew me in my intimacy with the Lord and relationships with squadmates. Squadmates that quickly became like my siblings. I had no expectations when coming there, all I knew was that India was a place that had been on my heart since I was 7, now I know why. The hospitality of the people, the hope for peace, it drew me in when I hadn’t even experienced it before. It’s like my soul knew India was a place I needed to live in in order to fully understand the depths of how known and loved I am by the Creator of this magnificent world! What a gift. I will return, no doubt about that. Whether it’s a short visit or something long-term, India I will be back. I can’t wait for that day! But for now, I will reminisce and be grateful for the time I had. A time that changed my life immensely. I miss you already, India. Thank you for these past two months. Much love and many prayers,
-Lissie.
Well, update on me, I’m in Nepal!! Living my best life everywhere I go. What’s weird is that traveling to new countries and learning about the cultures feels normal to me now, until I take a step back and realize what the heck my life is! I am so lucky. This is more than a mission trip, it’s truly just LIVING. Living day by day thanking God for this journey. I am beaming with joy and gratitude. THANK YOU for every kind donation and thoughtful prayer. Luckily, your money is no longer needed, but your prayers will always and forever be welcomed! I ask that you pray for my squad as we begin new ministries next week, for my team to grow together as we each grow as individuals and for protection as we spread the good news, light and lots of love!! I really appreciate it. xoxox
