Top Highlights

I have now been home for a couple days and I am happy to be home.  With that being said I do miss being in India.  But now that I am back some are asking what some of my highlights are.  Problem is that it is hard to figure out what are my top highlights are, but with some time thinking it over I think I have figured out what the top three highlights are.

Me teaching.

My first highlight I figured out without to much time.  The first highlight is when I was teaching and the 7th graders asked me to teach their class.  With me worried about me teaching English and them waiting me to teach them so bad that they called me over told me to believe in myself more. 

Date: July 27, 2017 Post: English Lesson

Me speaking at the school.

The seconded highlight would have to be seeing the school that gave food to the old age home and being able to talk to them.  This warmed my heart. To see a school that did not have to help in any way and that was not christian or have any connection to a charity organization step up and make this commitment is just amazing.  I hope they keep it up for years to come and help change the way things are done.

Date: August 1, 2017. Post: No Translation Needed

The church group photo in front of the church.

My third highlight was really hard for me to choose but I finally decided it was the church grand opening event.  To be able to go the church that was helped built with the funds from Collision Church (my home church) was great.  The people were so nice and the pastor and his wife surprised me with honoring me with the shawl.  The whole experience was so nice even with the power outage.  Date: July 31, 2017 Post: A Church's Grand Opening

I am Finally Home

I just landed not to long ago and still have to go through all the check points but I am back.

Delay for 3 Hours

The title says it all. We were all om the plane ready to go when the caption said the a person would had to get off the flight due to security reasons but we would be leaving soon and could make up the time during the flight...But we did not leave. We sat there and sat there. Well the was a problem with the plane and after a bit more time it was decided that everyone was to get off the plane should it could be repaired and another plane would get ready for us.  The new take off time is 1pm local time. So I now have 3 hours to kill. I will eat since it is about lunch time for me and then I might look at the shops...not sure what else I can do. Well pray for safe travels and no more delays.

Dubai

I Made it to Dubai. Now on to the 16 hour flight to Los Angeles. And hopefully more sleep on the way.

Hyderabad Airpot

I have made it through security and immigration.  Now I am waiting for my first flight to Dubai where I will get on the plane for LAX.  I have not gotten any sleep so hopefully I will be able to sleep on the planes.

Back to Hyderabad

Weather Report: Back to warmer temperatures. On the way it started to rain a little.  In Hyderabad it was cooler then where we started and it got cooler as it started to rain.

Days of Rain: 16 of 27 

Days left in India: 1

My day started early.  There was a little confusion on when I should be up. They were at the hotel to take me to breakfast at 9 which is when I woke up.  So I quickly got ready and went back to the restaurant in the hotel for breakfast.  After breakfast they took me to do a little sight seeing.  The town we are in sits along a lake that is made by the words largest masonry  dam.  Through Prakash's connections we were taken on a small tour of the dam. We were able to drive on it and we were also able to go inside a small section of it.  I have to say the view  was very beautiful even with the water levels being low but I must point out that the low water level is normal for this time of year. 

After our small tour we went to the house that I was going to stay at and prayed for the family and safe travels. Once done with praying we left and went back to the hotel for a little rest before taking the journey to Hyderabad. Along the way we made a stop. We stopped at a house that Prakash knows to have lunch.  From there we made the 3 hour journey to Hyderabad. But it took another hour to get to where we will be till I have to get to the airport.

I have a very early morning flight which means I have to be at the airport around 1:30am. Please pray for safe travels.

*No pictures because posting from my phone once again.*

Started the Trip Home

Weather Report: it was a cool rainy day.

Days of rain: 15 of 26 

Days left in India: 2

Today I woke up really early because we were going to leave at 7am but it turns out that the plans had changed. So I went back to the room and slept a couple more hours.  We ended up not leaving till just before 1pm.  Before leaving I was asked to pray for the house, the family, and for GSM which I gladly did.  Along the way we made a stop at Sunny's home as there were a few things we had to pick up including Sunny. Once we were all ready we left.

It took around 4 to 5 hours before we got to where we will be staying for the night.  When we got to the town we would staying it we went to church.  Tonight there was a young men's group meeting and then after that there would a church service.  During the men's meeting I gave the message and during the church service Prakash gave the message. At the end of the church service GSM honored me with another shawl, a certificate of appreciation, and what I am going to call a plaque. After being honored the church prayed over me and then I spoke some final words of encouragement to the church.

After the service was over we left and went to the house of a local pastor but did not stay long. Apparently they did not have any measures in place to keep the bugs out of the house so I was taken to a hotel.  After checking in and me figuring out that I would be the only one staying there we went to the restaurant that was apart of the hotel. There I had dinner.  The restaurant was able to make some food for me that was not very spicy and it was very good. After dinner I went up to my room and went to sleep.

*No pictures because i had to post through my phone.  Post is also late because I had to wait to get to working wifi before posting.*

Bore Well

Weather Report: HOT and muggy. At around 6pm it started to rain (to be talked about later).

Days of Rain: 14 of 25

Days left in India: 3

Unveiling the plaque.

My day did not start till shortly after 4pm.  We left to go dedicate another bore well.  To get there we had to cross the river which is so low right now that you can drive across on the river bed.  Though this rout may be convenient it is unpaved which means it was quite bumpy and had a lot of what we call in the off roaring community as whoopty doos.  It took a bit of time to cross the river but we were not done yet.

Cutting the ribbon.

Just before we got to the location we cross a bridge to find the other side in bad shape.  As Prakash tried to go down from the bridge and got stuck but with a little maneuvering he was able to get unstuck and down the road a little ways to get to the church where the bore well is.

When we got to the church everyone was waiting and greeted us with smiles.  As always Prakash

Pumping the well with Prakash

spoke first then me. We then unveiled the plaque that will sit along side of the well.  The plaque bares my name for dedicating the well and Parker Plaunte for sponsoring it.  A very big thank you to Parker for making it possible to give these people clean water that may prolong lives. After the unveiling the local pastor of the church prayed and I cut the ribbon.  After cutting the ribbon I pumped

The group.

the well a few times and pictures were taken. After all the photos were taken I passed out some candy to the people.  When I ran out of candy we went in the church for a short while. We were served a small snack of crackers and a cookie.  They also gave us some soda.  Before we left it started to rain and I prayed for the church, the well, and for safe travels.

My new Sari

Next we went back to the house for a quick stop.  We picked some stuff up and we were off once again.  This time we made our way over to Sunny's home.  It took us just over an hour to get there.  While I was here they feed me dinner along with dessert.  They also gifted me with a sari though they did not have my measurements to make the top.  We will figure out a way to make the top before I leave early Friday morning.   Even though the top was not made we still wanted to make sure it would work for me so we found a way for me to try it on.  I have to say that it is very beautiful and mom you are not allowed to steal it from me because it is mine.  After some time of visiting with Sunny, his parents, and their dog it was time to leave but before we left I was asked to pray.

Tomorrow I begin a journey back to Hyderabad in order for me to catch my flight on time.  I am told we will leave early in the morning and we will make an overnight stop before getting to Hyderabad.  I am not sure if i will be able to post any updates till i get to Hyderabad but not matter what i will make sure i will have a post for that day.  I am just unsure of when it will be published.  Please pray for safe travels.

Leprosy Ministry

*Note: Posting is late because we got late last night but I am writing it as if we had come back on time for me to post.*

Giving of medication.

Weather Report: Started off on the hot side but as we got ready to leave it started to rain.  Where we had the event we the rain brought cooler temperatures.  Luck and God were on our side as the rain was in small cells that did not drop a lot for too long which meant the event was able to happen.

Days of rain:13 of 24

Days left in India: 4

Helping with this mans treatment of an open sore.

Today was the Leprosy Ministry.  The day started with me being told that to pack a small bag for a one night stay, just in case.  The timing of everything was unsure and we had to travel a bit to get where the event was going to be held.  At around 11 it was time to go.  I was asked to give a quick prayer before leaving.  The drive is about an hour and a half or so.  Before going to the event we stopped at Prakash's

Serving of the rice.

sister-in-laws house.  This is where we would have stayed for the night if the event ran long.  We took a little rest here before heading over to the campus of a Jr. Collage campus where the Leprosy Ministry is being held.  When I got there they made me put on gloves and a mask.  Prakash said a few words and then had me say few words.  After that a couple people needed some treatment.  Prakash and myself both helped treat these people.  Others went to another doctor to get some medication.  These people have been suffering for years  and many of them due to the way the disease works have lost body parts.  Many do not have an toes or fingers.  Seeing these people suffering sadness me because there is a cure.  But of coarse they could not afford the cure and so they go on enduring the pain of the disease.

After the doctors went on treating and giving out medication, tables were being set up so that the people could eat.  Once everything was ready the serving began

The group.

and I helped.  I helped serve the rice.  Once everyone had finished eating they set everything up to give the people some rice, a blanket, and a small amount money.  Before passing everything out I prayed and then we gathered together to take a group picture.  After the picture I started to hand everything out. I was poring the rice in to bags that the people had brought and the money was in an envelope.  Part way

Putting rice into bag.

through I was told I could take a break but I told them I was fine and I could keep going.  Once everyone got their rice, blanket and money they left.  We went back to Prakash's sister-in-law's place.  Here I was given dinner and we rested for a little bit before I was told that we would be going back to the house.  We had finished with the Leprosy Ministry in good time so it would be dark but it would be okay

Giving of blanket and money.

to back.  Although I am told that they blamed getting back home on the fact that I need A/C even though I told them I didn't.  All well the A/C is nice to have and I was not going to complain.  We got back to the house around 9:45 or so.  With me being a bit tired I decided to just get ready for bed and go to sleep.

A Little Note

So it turns out we may not be coming back to the house till tomorrow which means I may not be able to write a post for the day.  If I come back today and it is not too late I will write the post and publish it before I go to bed but if I come back too late or tomorrow then I will write and publish the post tomorrow.  Even if I do something tomorrow other than travel I will separate the days into two different posts.  Please pray for safe travels.

A Birthday

Weather Report: It was back to being a hot day.

Days of rain: 12 of 23

Days left in India: 5

Today was Princy's birthday!

Me with the birthday girl.

Cutting of the cake.

With it being a Sunday there was church but with it being Princy's birthday it was a little different than normal.  A pastor was visiting today so he spoke and Prakash also spoke and they had me speak as well.  Prakash spoke again and then a couple people in the crowd got up and said a few words.  When service was done it was time to celebrate Pricny's birthday.  They had me cut the cake with her.  After the cake cutting food was served.  The only thing I could eat was the sweets which was fine as I was not that hungry.  A little later they started playing with balloons.  She seemed to really enjoy her day.  

Pray for no rain tomorrow.  As much as I wish it would rain so the temperatures would be cool once more it cannot happen as we would be unable to go the leprosy colony.  If you recall yesterday we were going to go but the rain made us cancel the plan.  Leprosy cases are still being diagnosed and just like in biblical times they are not allowed in towns.  The disease is curable but it takes the person taking pills for a least six (6) months to a year and sometimes longer, and they simply can not afford to pay for the medication.  I really hope to be able to visit these people and tell them that even if people hate them they are still loved by the most important person, God.

Rainy Day

Weather Report: It rained to today which kept things cool.

Days of rain: 12 of 22

Days left in India: 6

Me with congregation

Me giving message.

So the plan for today was to go to the leprosy colony but due to the rain that was decided to be postponed to Monday as the location floods a little bit when it rains.  With the rain and today being cancelled I pretty much had another free day of rest.  In the evening it was the prayer meeting but instead of going down to Prakash's church I went to a different church.  One of my main translators leads a church in a small village about 15 minuted from where I am staying.  While there I gave a short message.  After the message I was asked to pray for a couple people in the church and then I was presented with another shawl on behalf of the church.  After all this the pastor took me outside to show me quickly his plans to hopefully grow the church by being able to expand the room.  I spoke a quick prayer before coming back for the night.

Receiving of the Shawl

Gifts All Around

Weather Report: HOT! 

Days of Rain: 11 of 21

Days left in India: 7

The older kids playing the game.

Today was a little different.  My day started with me playing with Princy, Prakash's youngest daughter. Apparently she has been a bit afraid of me this whole time so I decided to try and change that. I have a lot cross necklace crafts bags left to I did it with her.  Also brought stuff to do some other necklaces and/or brackets with me, so I made her a bracelet. That seemed to do the trick because all of a sudden she wanted to study her English with me after lunch. So while I waited for her to finish I found some free online English as a Second Language (ESL) games for us to play.  She seemed to enjoy herself though she had a little trouble with handling the mouse on the laptop.  A little bit later Clarence came in with a friend and I brought up a math game for them to play. They kind of fought over who could play when and a little bit about the right answers but I could tell they were having fun.  But the fun had to come to an end as it was time to leave.

Before we left Prakash told me that he was a little tired because he had gone to two different wedding today.  They would have taken me if it was cooler but with it being so hot they decide that it would be better for me to stay back and wait.

One of the ladies working on a bag.

So several things happened today.  First, I was taken to the sowing facility (that is what they were calling it).  It is not very big.  The ladies here were making bags that will be sent to be sold in the states.  I am told each bag sells for just over $1 and they make 200 each day per person.  They make 2 different kinds.  One that is a little fancier than the other but both about the same size.  After taking a quick 

The handing out of clothing.

tour of the place the talking started, but as I looked around I found that I was kind of amazed that the women were able to make so many bags in one day despite the small size of the building.  First Prakash and then me.  Prakash tells me that this is the second building for them to be in.  The first building they were in was being leased and the landlord for a reason not given to me kicked them out.  So now they are here but he is hope to be able to build a new location on the site of a new orphanage (to be talked about) so they can expand and get more girls doing work that keeps them safe.  After the talks where done we handed out Punjabis and Saris to the ladies.  There ended up being an extra Punjabi and so Prakash decided it was for me from the ladies.  We also gave the two men that help them some clothing as well.  Then everyone got an apple and the ladies gave me a bag to keep before I left.

The welcome.

Next we went over to were the new orphanage will be and where the current one is (a little confusing I know but I will explain).  The lot is set up with a patch of ground in front with an old building in the back.  The building in the back is where the current orphanage is and the ground in front is where the new one will be built. Prakash has big plans for this land over a course of time he has been able to buy this

The group.

and the lot next to it and hopes that in the future will be able to buy another lot that is next to what he already has so he will be able to build a big facility that will house the children as well as the women that will sow in the sowing facility.

A lot that happened here today.  First I was welcomed with flowers.  Then we gathered for a group photo before we celebrated a

Feeding of cake tradition.  Me feeding Sonny.

birthday.  Today is one of my translators, Sonny, birthday.  Sonny is a couple years younger than me and is currently going through collage.  Prakash asked if he would do some translating for while I was here.  It was supposed to be just in the beginning and just a couple days but he enjoyed himself so he kept coming.  So to celebrate his birthday we had cake and sang him happy birthday.  But before cake

Me and the boy that got the bike.

Prakash said a few words and I was asked to pray for Sonny.

After cake it was time to give a gift, but not to the birthday boy.  A couple, Tracey and Robert Wiltse, from the states has graciously donated a bike to a child in the orphanage.  I was able to present the bike to the boy as the Wiltse's were not there to do it themselves.

Laying of a foundation stone.

Next to happen is to lay the foundation stones for the new building.  After a digging and some mixing of cement they laid some cement in the hole and I was to lay the first two stones. down.  Next was a pastor, Sonny's parents, and Prakash's wife.  In case you are wondering about Prakash himself, well he handled that laying of cement.  We also prayed for the building and I said a few words.  

Handing out coloring books and crayons.

Those that took part in the laying of the stones also put some oil on them to bless them.  After all this was done it was time for dinner.  All the kids went and ate while I helped pass out the cake.  Also while they were eating I passed out a small coloring book and a 4-pack of canyons to each kid.  Once the kids were done eating with what light was left we attempted to do the cross necklace craft.  Some of the

Doing the craft.

kids got it but others found it to be hard.  I thought the craft was easy but it turns out to quite hard, well lessons learned...I need an easier craft.  With the craft done it was time to leave.

Rest

Weather Report: It was back to hot temperatures.

Days of Rain: 11 of 20

Days left in India: 8

So with the death of the man last night the plans that they had for today went out the window.  It ended up being a day to just rest for me.  Something good did happen though or at I think it is good.  Prakash was able to get a hold of the mans family to tell the of the news and they came.  I am not sure of the reaction the had but I am just happy to hear that they came to see him off.  Please keep praying for the home and please pray for the family.

*As nothing happened I have no Pics for today.*

The Women's Conference

Weather Report: It was cooler today then it has been.  It was actually quite nice with a soft breeze.

Days of rain: 11 of 19

Days left in India: 9

Me talking at conference.

We left shortly after 12.  Before we got to the conference we had to make a couple stops to pick up so
things but it did not take very long.  The conference was in a church building that is still be built.  The local pastor introduced us and the Prakash spoke a few words before I got up to do my message.  They had asked me to prepare a message that would be about 40 minutes long and it turned out to be

Prakash's wife speaking.

just about 40 minutes.  I spoke about how to be a good servant of God's through love.  When I was preparing my message I took into account that Prakash had told me about that India has a problem with women leaving children at hospitals because of the being girls.  He also told me about there being a problem with divorce.  He also told me about a couple of other issues but I settled on these two.  I discussed about

Clarence to the left of me with his cake.

how God loves us and that he wants us to love others.  In 1 John  it even says if we do not love then we do not know God for God is love.  With know that we should love and that God is love I also went over what Love should look like based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  I took my time and explained each part before closing the message.  I also made sure to make the point that it is okay to a working mom and/or wife and

Clarence sharing his cake with the women of the conference.

that it is okay to take time for yourself, after all if you are not healthy how can you take care of others.  After I gave my message Prakash said a few more words and then his wife said a few.  The local pastor finished with a few words a prayer.

After everyone had spoken we took a moment to celebrate a birthday.  One of the families that work with

Me praying over 2 young ladies that went to the conference.

Prakash at the old age home has a son named Clarence and his birthday is tomorrow.  Though his birth day it tomorrow it was decided to celebrate it today.  We had cake for him and there was also and Indian sweet that was passed out.  After that the women started to leave but many of them asked for prayer before leaving so I payed for each of them.  Then the we sat down to have a meal.  It was a late lunch for me.  The pastors wife had a special non-spicy potato curry made for me so I could eat.  Prakash's wife also had prepared some food for me but I ended up eating the curry.  Once we were done eating we taken for a short tour of the church.  I found out that the bottom level where the conference was held was going to for Sunday school and an event hall while the second floor was were the service will be.  Above the seconded floor was a balcony that looked over the second floor.  They asked me to pray over the building before we left.

On a bit of a sad note.  There was an unexpected death at the old age home.  Please pray for the home.  The man that died I am told seem to be doing fine when he suddenly passed away.  The house is a little bit in a disarray because they now have to make preparations for the body.  Prakash will be gone for most of the night taking care what now needs to be done.  If you could pray for him as well as the home.

No Translation Needed

Weather Report: Hot and windy.

Days of rain: 11 of  18

Me speaking to the assembly of kids.

Once again my day started with me in the room working on my message for tomorrow.  I am happy to say that I am ready to speak tomorrow.  I was told to be ready to leave anywhere from 3 to 3:30.  Well 3:30 turned to 4.  We went to the school that come to the old age home to give food on Saturday, July 29.  This was very different the schools I have visited in the past.  

Handing out of the chocolates.

First of it from lower kindergarten all the way through what they call jr. collage which is the equivalent of our 11th and 12th grades.  I do not think the kids that attend this school are poor for one thing no one told me that they were poor.  Plus I did not need a translator when I talked to the kids.  The Dean of the school talked to me in English and when he addressed the students he also spoke in English.  They simply just told me to talk a little slow because the kids may not get my american accent since they do not get many Americans their to talk to them.  This is a school with people of different faiths so they asked me to not talk about the portion of why I am here.  They asked me to stress the importance of education and tell of some of the differences between the US and India.  After I spoke Prakash spoke and then a student.  We also had American chocolate to pass out to the kids which they were very excited about.  As the kids were to leave they all got up but they seemed to be more interested in me and being able to talk to me and shake my hand then leaving.  

All in all it was a short day which is fine since I am sure tomorrow with be a very long day.  The woman's conference is tomorrow.  As I said I am ready but still a little nervous.  They asked me to prepare a message that would be around 40 minutes which can be hard to prepare for when you have to consider you also need time for translating.  I have done everything I can do to prepare and I have confidence that I will be just fine.  I know that the Lord with be up there with me helping every step of the way.  May my words reach those that they need to reach....Even with me being prepared I still would not mind if you would say a pray for me.