Have I told you all how much I LOVE India?? I have this feeling that I'll be back again.
Just a few things I will never forget….
OHhh how we survived the adventures getting to Bangalore.. the 41+hour train ride on an INDIAN train, tuk tuks, autos, and bus rides!
"SOooooo HEAVY.. you heavy, your bags heavy, American's heavy, my car heavy… everything SOoo HEAVY."
DETERMINED to LIVE up EVERY moment and make my thoughts and ideas a reality. so..
Day 2: Getting my nose pierced with Thelma and Chinni and somehow convincing my entire team to seize the moment too! (sorry momma and papa! it won't last too much longer!)
The prayer walk our first Monday into the slums with Pastor Aaron.
I prayed that if the Lord's presence isn't with us- don't even send us out.
Sangia's home was the first one we went to. She let me sit on her bed and I held her hand, praying specifically that she would feel the power of Jesus flow through her hands. She told the translator that her hands were hot and she felt the Spirit in her hand.
Sitting in people's homes- sharing stories- praying for healings- always blessed by their extreme hospitality- hearing how the Lord reveals Himself in dreams and saving men like Ganesh who tried to committ suicide. Ganesh is now is an elder at the church.
The best rooftop I could ask for.. so many sweet moments.
The family at Home of Hope and how I fell in love with each and every one of them. These parents taking kids off the streets and into their homes, loving them as their own and trusting God for every need. Seeing men and women living out their faith radically.
Singing, dancing, teaching, playing with slum children at Light House Kindergarden.
My new fun friends at YWAM that I didn't want to say goodbye to.
& my favorite little buddy Sammy!! “You are soooo funny!” Oh how I miss your laugh already.
The power of Love and how a simple hug can wipe tears away.
Walking the slums and seeing hope rising even amidst the poverty and depravity.
The beautiful, precious children at Mercy Ministry.
Riding in rickshaws never failing to be an exciting experiencing, constantly feeling an inch away from death. Literally.
Bucket showers!
Visiting Stone village where families have travelled from all over India to try to get money.
The Lord broke my heart for these men, women, and kids working all day trying to fill up a truck of broken stone for a few bucks. Sorry for all the times I didn't want to work behind a computer and a new thankfulness for my last job at a loving church where I had a cozy cubicle with a cushion, swirly chair.
Learning to play the guitar and slightly addicted to it.
Spending our days off at Matteo coffee shoppe, savoring the moments on a red couch with coffee.
Adventures on the bus. every day.
Throwing a pizza movie night for 20 kids and little did we know that they have been praying for weeks to try pizza for the first time (love how God cares even about the seemingly little things).
Visiting Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged, loving on them, holding their hands, praying for them, and hearing sweet Sister Esters stories.
Sitting among the poor. Loving them like they’re worth, not by how the world tells us.
Hearing and SEEING healing and salvation break out all over India! REVIVAL.
I wasn’t ready to leave India.
I wanted more.
The Kingdom of heaven is invading India in the depths of the heart, healing the broken places as love sets the spirit free!
ohhhhh…until next time India…
{ps. most of these fabulous photos are taken by the talented Jessica Gasperin.}
