Dear India,
I admit, I was afraid to meet you initially. Your reputation precedes you and honestly, a lot of what I'd heard about you didn't sound promising. I'd heard about your smells, your poverty, your strange languages and customs, and it scared me. But, oh my dear, how wrong I was about you.
You have been so good to me. You've given me a renewed hope for the rest of this race. There was so much about you that I didn't know until actually meeting you. I'm so glad I gave you the chance to show me how incredible you are. And how to thank you for all the gifts?
You gave me Pastor Sam and Kamala, my parents away from home. They loved my team like we were their very own.
You gave me Padma, who I will never forget.
You gave me the yummiest spicy food I have ever (with fear and trembling) put in my mouth.
You gave me unmatched hospitality.
You showed me people delivered from demonic possession, healed from sickness, and whole families redeemed by the power of Jesus.
You showed me an entire community turned around by the love of God, the lowest caste being introduced to their true identity in the Kingdom.
You were there when I found out that I was fully funded.
You were there for so much of my growth.
You inspired me. You blessed me. You stole my heart in a way that I never thought you would.
Don't get me wrong; I am still very much in love with Africa. You and I will never have the same relationship….but in a different way, I will love you forever. I'm sure I will see you again, and though I probably won't stay for very long, I know we'll be in touch.
Sweet India, thank you for all that you have meant to me. Thank you for all you've given. Thank you for proving me wrong in the most beautiful way possible.
All my love,
Anna
