First Adventures of 2009

Here are some experiences that I had this past week. On our way back from Delhi, Amos drove us around to see the good and not so good parts of the city. One place we drove by was where people were living among the trash digging through to find things to sell and make money. This was hard to see, the smell is just like walking past a dump but multiply the smell by hundreds.

Another experience was going to the youth service, which was my first time and I really enjoyed how they put movements with the songs. I also liked the energy and the atmosphere of being lost in worship in the room. After the service the three guys from the team went to Istvan and Kristina's house and fellowshipped and talked about the culture and life. Of course you need to have chai and some kind of snack like cookies, fruit, or peanuts.

On Monday we have our team cell in the morning. I look forward to hearing reflections from the past week and praying for prayer requests. I always feel refreshed and energized by reading the Word together and talking about it and how we can apply it in our lives.

The next event that was interesting was taking a prayer walk with my cell group Tuesday night. It was just amazing to see the energy and passion that my group had while praying. This was encouraging for me to see this, so that when I do this in the future I can remember this encouraging event. It was fun to hear all the sounds, see the lights and temples and smell the unusual smells and the good smells of food being cooked on the road side stands close to the market.

Then the three guys from the team went to Delhi for the day with Alex's son, Ashish, to hangout. We went to Caunnought Place (lots of shops in a big circle, they have anything and everything here) and we were just shopping. Then we had American food for lunch which was amazing. We also went to the biggest mall in Delhi and shopped there. It was interesting in a luxury mall like this, having the electricity go out.

I finished reading His Word, the New part, which was one of my goals. It is so awesome to have a desire and hunger to spend more time reading and spending time with our Father. Another thing that is encouraging is to see people having a smile on their faces here in the center.

Praises:
That we are all adapted to the culture (getting to places on India time), our stomachs are used to the food, and having plenty of time to read the Word.

Requests:
That as a team we will have unity.
That God will continue to draw us closer to him.
That those who are traveling will arrive at their locations safely. (Jess and Kush leave 1/9 for a trip to Bihar to visit Jess's friends and make connections, they return 1/13)

Upcoming Events/Trips:
Team trip to PTL Field locations in U.P. - visiting schools and churches - 1/15 through 2/5
Team trip to South India - visiting field locations and taking vacation - 2/11 through 2/26

With love,
Kush