A Hodgepodge of things

It was actually quite a trip to the Body World Exhibit.  Great conversation with the classmates in the car where I was able to share my opinions about things (and sort of minister) and was actually told by the classmates that they were encouraged by the conversation; and when I said my opinions are based on my faith and it might seem "strange" but  it's what I believe, one of the girls said "that's not weird".  And, the exhibit itself was quite extraordinary to see and to have my professor who has been teaching Anatomy for 30 years give us a tour made it even more unique.  The bummer though was that I actually had to study for a test that I had the following day, and I helped out with the video at church (which I love doing but it just wasn't good timing--and I could have arranged a little better).  So, I have one more week of class and then midterms.  Eeekk!  Scary and am trying to study more and more.  I unfortunately am not working for the company my aunt works for (the company is tightening it's spending) and even though it'll make money a little tight, I am so thankful to have the time off to study right before finals!  What provision!  God is so good!  Well, thanks for reading and if you could be keeping me, school (and future schooling) and these finals and also my whole family in prayer it would be greatly appreciated!  I've come to the realization and the peace that even if nursing school this year doesn't happened, I know I would feel so much better having more time to apply to more schools and retake classes that are my worst grades (great advice from a nursing admissions counselor advised me on).  Praise the Lord-- I don't feel like I only have this one opportunity.  I'm still staying strong and hopeful!  And HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MAMA!  (and to all you other mamas out there!). 

La vida loca en mi clase de anatomy

So, thought it would be funny to write about my anatomy class.  It's one of the most interesting classes I've taken -- because I get to cut things open and dissect things, and also because of the people in class with me.  At my lab table, there are three other people.  One woman is from Russia, another from Poland, and another from India (whom I've mentioned before).  They are all kind, funny and interesting people but it's just interesting to see other people's personalities.  The woman from India is an R.N.; but in class she's always getting really angry and cusses (and even says "oh, I'm such a biawtch" -- edited version); and she's always answering her phone during lab to talk to her kids who call her a lot (but not because it's an emergency but for things like seeing when she's going to come home).  She's also taking a biology of sex class and is always saying how good the teacher is.  Last week she asked me if I would write a paper for her for that class, and I said something like "Oh, that's not a subject I know a lot about.  I wouldn't write a good essay".  The lab table laughed...it was kind of funny).  The woman from Poland is funny and always laughing and is very easy going; she's not doing well in the class but laughs it off and says "oh well.  It's my fault.  I'll do better next time."  There is an older man in the class too (he doesn't sit in our table though) and he's pushy and gets in the way.  Literally during a lab test we were suppose to be rotating to look at different stations where we had to identify things, and it was all timed.  This man tried to keep going back to one station where someone in front of me was, and then he tried again when it was my turn, and with a couple other people.  Then, there's a table with a group of girls who are sort of over achievers...they can be a little pushy and  looking out for themselves (just like the old man).  One night before an exam, our professor was lecturing on material that wasn't gonna be on the test, and one of the girls from that table was going around looking at all the skeleton models, brains etc while the teacher was lecturing!  (As if looking around at that point is going to help!...it was probably a comfort thing.)  I love how diverse it is, but at the same time it's just very interesting to watch the dynamics...they're a lot of characters who show up to take a Friday night class.  And to be honest, it's something I'm not use to and a lot of people in class don't live/function the way I do, so it's been a reminder that I live in a world with many different people.  We're going the Body World exhibit in San Diego (or as Tim from Switfoot calls it, Sandy eggo) and I'm carpooling with some people from class; I'll have to write about that trip too!

RH Team India: The Reunion...

Yesterday was the reunion/debriefing for the March India team.  I had a great time seeing everyone again.  And we got to watch some video footage of the trip, which brought back good memories.  The leaders talked about how Suresh will be coming to the US in June and there's gonna be a good amount of opportunity for us to help out in lots of ways (including driving him around).  I'm hoping to be able to help!  And the December 2009 trip is in the works and I really hope to be able to go!  One thing that I've realized is that it's been amazing to be able to talk to so many people about the trip, have my blog get read, and have real answers about Harvest India's work.  Another thing is that I really loved it there and when everyone was talking about how they had such a great time, but it is nice to come home, I was thinking "really, I felt so right and in place there.  I didn't feel like I exactly wanted to come home".  lol.  Go figure.  Well, that's all folks.  I'd love to hear from you, and if you have any questions post a comment and I'd love to answer it or give you any more info about the trip or HI or India!  God bless!

My brother's a rock star

Here are some pics I took of my brother on Easter.  He is such an awesome young man.  I can't believe he'll be 12 years old next month.  I know I'm sounding like an older big sis, but I remember when he was two and loved the footlong gum.  I have a memory of him sitting in his car-seat trying to stuff the whole 6 feet of gum in his mouth; or when he took Cristina's swim goggles and swim cap (she was on swim team) and pretended like he was a professional swimmer in the bathtub; oh, or when he was maybe 3 and said when he grows up he wants to play for the Angels.   I just love spending time with him, and seeing how he's growing and maturing and becoming his own little person.  He's so smart, and so full of energy (lot's of energy!) and spunk.  So, I will even brag and say that he even build this huge ramp himself in three hours!  What a stud.  :)  Love ya bro...you, me, next month, D-land!   

p.s., there's a picture of our family dog, Bear.  He's half black lab, half Rottweiler.  He's such a love :) 

Feeling the love

Today, I got a call from my pop-pop (my grandpa) and it made me think of how loved I am.  He's such a funny guy and he shows he cares...I am grateful for him.  It also made me think of all the ways that I'm loved...like how Lauren invites me to her house and cooks for me and makes me a scrumptious dessert (see picture---just the benefits of having a friend who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America).  And the people I babysit for showing me they care by stopping everything when I have car problems and helping me, and my family showing me their love.  And especially this weekend, I am reminded of the agape love that my Heavenly Father has for me and all of his creation that He sacrificed His only Son for me.  I attended a Good Friday service yesterday where artists from Rockharbor painted Jesus' nail-pierced feet with people's hands praying, or pointing at Jesus or gesturing mean towards him; and a dancer performed a solo on stage where she acted out Jesus being beaten and carrying his cross and dying.  I was struck by all this, as I remember I was struck on Good Friday last year too.  It's like a dear friend of mine is being hurt and it makes me feel emotional (which is not exactly characteristic of me--I'm not a crier).  The cross, the sacrafice, and all that it means is something that I think about often and is important to me.  Then again, it's been an emotional and kind of off week for me (arguments with people that I haven't argued with in a long time, and didn't see coming at all...things that normally wouldn't bug me have gotten to me).  But yesterday I realized that I've definitely been very stressed lately (even for me, which says something).  And a lot of it is pressure that I've put on myself and expectations of/for myself (mainly having to do with school).  And God doesn't want me to feel that way, and it means that I'm not trusting Him and truly believing that even if things don't work out right now it doesn't mean that it's all ruined; and I am not characterized by the things that I desire, or any accomplishments I do no matter how well intentioned they are.  So, every time that I start to feel that anxiety, and my mind starts thinking about how a test or even a single answer on a test is going to make or break me I am going to breath, and focus on the Father, and ask Him to remind me who I am in Him.  It's refreshing, and progress for me!  Well, I hope that you all have an amazing Easter (or as someone told me, Resurrection Day)!  Thank you for the cross my friend.

Better late than never, right?

It has definitely been an extremely busy (and at times stressful) two or three weeks because I've had a lot to catch up on and make up.  I have been wanting to blog about the India trip and all the things that are going on.  I'm sure it'll be a longer blog to make up for the lack of blogs recently. lol.  So here are some of the highlights of the trip for me.

• the trip starting off very funny at the LAX airport with paparazzi as Victoria Beckham walked right past us to get to a flight.  (Yep, that's right...we had a Victoria Beckham sighting)...I also had a little freak out moment when we got on the airplane because the flight attendants were British and had cute accents.
• the fact that we were the first trip to stay at Suresh's house.  I made it a point to befriend his staff and learn about them and get to know them...it was fun to hang with the girls who work for Harvest India.  They loved helping the girls from RH get our sari's on and teach us things about India.  They always smiled and I could tell they have a great community.
• being in India after "Slumdog Millionaire".  Suresh, Christina, Suresh's assistant Raj and lots of others have lots of pride in India and the movie...quite and experience to be listening to the soundtrack to the movie as we're driving through India (Raj was always playing it in the car)
• I was so touched by the people of the villages...so gracious and welcoming and grateful for us to be there whether it was a water well dedication, outreach or just visiting.  Like the village we did a water well at and they have a church and we ended up having a church service and getting a tour of the villiage becuase they were so excited to have us for church.
• The kids at the orphanage and the villages were so amazing.  So full of energy and the kids at the orphanage would all ask individually "sista, what's your name?"  I loved spending time with them.  I would say it was the hardest on our last day in Tenali to spend time with the kids and then have to leave.  (I will admit, I got teary eyed then)  
• Visiting the nursing school and seeing those women and how cool it was that they actually were learning the same things I am...with real bones and microscopes and all!  God has so provided for HI to be able to train the future nurses well.  And the fact that HI's nursing school is so different from the nursing schools in India because they don't take bribes...the other nursing schools require a bribe to get in (a reflection of how India works).
• one of the funny conversations was Steve asking one of the drivers from HI "why?" about people/things he's seeing as we're driving and he turns to Steve and says "it's India...you don't ask why".  

Well, I am hoping to have an India night because I got all the pictur

es from the team member who was going to put them all together and give them to us because there's lots more to tell

 and the pictures are awesome.  Oh, and just a little side note, if y'all could be kee

ping my studies in prayer; as well as my nursing school applications.  I just sent in my application to Cal State Fresno and am really trying to be patient and not stress (essentially trust God in the work that He's up to).  

In the swing of things

I'm back onto the blog.  lol.  I finally feel a bit more adjusted to sleep and all that jazz.  My body is feeling slowly but surely back to normal.  Seeing as I've never gone out of the country and been in an entirely different time zone, way of living and way of eating etc this is new to me and I feel like it's been okay adjusting, but the tiredness and adjusting period just something that's is inevitable.  It's been awesome to have so many people excited to hear about all the things that happened in India and how the trip was for me.  And I promise that when I have a little more time in the next couple of days I will post more pictures and stories.  But for now, I've got to get back to studying.  A prayer request would be diligence and the focus and energy for my school work!  Thanks everyone!

Back in Orange County

Hi everyone!  So, I'm back in O.C. safe and sound.  Everything went beautifully well in India.  I had such a great time.  From the wonderful people, all the differences from America, and all the memories that I have of the trip and the change in me from what I've witnessed there.  I'm trying to get situated back at home and unpack etc but maybe today or tomorrow I'll have more pics and more stories up here!  Love you all and thanks again for everything!

p.s., I believe that I've fixed the comment problem, so if anyone wants to leave a comment it should be set up now :)

Our Last Day in Tenali!

Hi everyone. So, we are heading to Hyderabad this afternoon to spend the night because we have a 7:30am flight tomorrow. But yesterday we had a great day! We had lunch with some of the pastors who were in town from the Bible college. Then we went to another pastors conference; after that we went to the memorial site of Lolitha Kumar (Suresh and Sudheer's mom) and put flowers on her site. Then we went to the Bible College graduation which was such a celebration--children dancing, singing, fireworks and lots of joy! This morning we went to see the RH orphan children again and take pictures and do a lot of things to get ready for sponsorship by the RH congregation! It really means so much that RH supports them (and it really is such a small amount compared to what it costs here, it definitely an attainable thing to make happen and make a difference in these beautiful kids lives). We just were told that before we head to Hyderabad we have two water well dedications to attend! But, this will be the last blog until we reach LAX. God bless you all, thank you for the prayers and support!

India, day 5

Hi everyone! So, I am having an amazing time still. I'm a little tired at this point so if yuo could be praying for that, it's much appreciated. It's crazy that we've only got a few more days left. It's been quite an experience so far. Lots to tell when I get back. Here's the latest blog from the team:

Wednesday was another filled day. We started out going to do a water well dedication, which the people in the villiage also turned into a full on church service, and got to speak to the people and sing and dance. While we were in the village they also showed us a few authentic house huts which was pretty cool. The people were so joyful and welcoming and hospitable. Then, we were able to have lunch with Suresh's brother Sudeer at his house. It was a beautiful house and you can tell he is a dear brother to Suresh and great host. We also were blessed to see the house where Suresh was actually born and raised, and where his mom did the beginning work for Harvest India. After that, we went to help at a medical camp where we did an outreach on Tuesday. The people were grateful to receive medical care and it was fun to interact with the kids and sing songs with them (thanks to Kelli!!). Then, in the evening we went to a pastors conference and sang songs and shared with the pastors from many parts of India. They traveled very far, and there were four different translators and languages represented there. It was an amazing day and we can't believe how fast the time is going. We'll update you soon with more of what we're doing!!!

Bad banana...bad, bad banana

Hi everyone! Here's the post from the team's blog. Everything is going well, and I am feeling better, and bug bites are getting better too! I'm so excited for what we're doing today!:

We had a great day yesterday, filled with lots of flowers and hugs and kisses! (First, the bad banana is a song the orphan kids sang that was so fun) We got up for breakfast and Suresh's staff made us Indian style banana pancakes, which were delicious! Then, we walk a little bit down the street while trying to dodge traffic and not get hit by cars, to where they were holding a Mercy camp where they pass out food to local people who do not have a means of getting food. We sangs songs with the people there and they loved singing "Yes Lord" and doing the hand motions. Suresh's staff had them line up and we gave each person an egg, bread and a banana. This is something that Harvest India does once a week in their village. Then right next to the Mercy Camp was the free medical clinic Harvest India has started and we prayed for the people receiving the free medical care. Then we walked just a little down the road to the nursing school for Dalith's (which are the lowest class in India). The school they have there is pretty well run and has a school lab with bones and microscopes just like an Anatomy class in the U.S.; the women there were beautiful and welcoming and joyful. Suresh's vision is to take these women in the lower class and provide a public nursing school that doesn't accept bribes to be accepted like government run schools. And it gives the woman a job where their lot in life is improved because nurses are respected and welcomed. After that we went to the red light district and spoke with people there who were living in a lot of poverty and some women there were former prostitutes working for Harvest India trying to help women in prostitution still. Then we went to two elderly homes and had lunch with them. And we gave them new sari's and spent time with them. The people had joy and were funny and spunky. Then we actually had a night home at Suresh's/Harvest India headquarters were we watched a Bollywood movie. It was fun and we are now ready for today's busy day. God bless!

India day 4!!!

Hi everyone! Yesterday was an amazing day!!! I am having a lot of fun and seeing so much here! Thanks for all the love, prayer and support! Some prayer requests are for the people in India, for the work Suresh is doing, and the things the team is doing. Also, for my cold and the bug bites that I still have. Thanks!!! Here's the team blog with some pictures!!!:

Yesterday was an amazing and jammed packed day!!! Before breakfast we assembled bags filled with bookmarks, construction paper and pens for the orphan children. Then after a delicious breakfast we headed off to the Rockharbor Orphan School. We had such a welcoming there with the kids showering us with flowers and songs and dances. They are remarkable kids and we enjoyed our time with them and are looking forward to seeing them later this week too. Next to the RH Orphanage they were having an HIV/AIDS Awareness Camp where we handed out food and prayed for those with HIV/AIDS. Then we visited the Bible college and were able to speak to the students and encourage them and see their work and dedication. After that, next door was the Ashraya Building which is Telelgi for "shelter"; it's a place where women who were saved from prostitution live, work, learn a trade (which is sewing) and begin a new life. We spent time with them and spoke with them and even had some time to look at the handbags and pajamas that they make and sell for a living and to support each other. Our last stop of the afternoon was visiting the site of the new orphan school where 21 new classrooms are being made just down the street from the RH Orphange. It should be finished in about six months. It was amazing for the veterans on the team to see the progress made, as well as seeing God's provision for the building, and how everything is being built by individual hands (cement is being made by one person in bowl to lay tile, for example).Then, last night we had another outreach at a village about 50 minutes away. We even had to ask for directions to the village because it was a little difficult to find. We sang some songs, Bree and Aida gave their testimonies, had a drama skit, and Alfred gave a message. During the event the power went out, but it gave us the perfect opportunity to see the beautiful fireflies. Lots of people stood up and gave their life to Christ. The kids at the outreach and the school are so full of energy and wonder. They always ask "what is your name, sister/brother?". It was a late night but it was amazing to be used to advance the Kingdom.

The Indian Life

Hi everyone! So, here's the latest post for the India team blog; but first I am having a great time! The people here are amazing! They are so generous and hospitable with the little they have. And they love Americans. Suresh and his wife Christina are great people, and I am enjoying staying at their house! I would say one of the funniest/coolest parts was last night when we got out in the crowd and prayed for people a man came up to me and I had played Satan in the skit that we did and he says "lucifer" and smiles and said it again. He totally got it and got the message. :) So, some prayer requests would be for team unity, joy, strength and rest. Also, for me specifically for rest and my health and ability to relate to and show Christ's love and compassion to the people. I sort of have a cold and bug bites on my arm (which everyone on the team basically has bug bites, but they're just itchy).

Hi everyone! We are very sorry for the lack of blogs the first 2 days. It was a little difficult at first being able to get the whole computer situation set up. But, the blogs will be coming hopefully everyday now. Here's a little recap of the first couple days.
Day 1 (Saturday)
We got into India at 4:30AM and Suresh's assistant Raj picked us all up at the airport. After about 24 hours traveling on a plane we had another 7-8 hours in the car to Suresh's house/Harvest India headquarters. The drive was pretty adventurous...going in and out of big cars to pass them, as well as the bicyclists, cows, monkeys and other animals. The road is a free for all. lol. When we drove up to Suresh's house and we greeting by about 20-30 people with garland. It was such an amazing welcome. Then the girls got fitted for our punjabi's and sari's and the guys got fitted for their "safari suits". We had an amazing "lunch" of curry chicken and then we had the rest of the day to rest, which was such a great idea on Suresh's part.

Day 2
We got up and had a wonderful India breakfast! (which we are all really enjoying the food here!) Then we went to two churches in villages about 30 minutes away. There Kevin gave a message, while Ashley, Bree, Alfred, Brittani and Krystal gave a little testimony or just shared a few words of encouragement from the Bible. We also sang two songs that we performed with the hand motions, and the congregation seemed to enjoy it. At the last church they were so generous and shared a meal with us. Then, last night we held an outreach at a village about minutes away(which is basically the only way we can describe the location.) :) We had a message, performed four songs and did a skit; and Kim and Connie gave their testimonies. Then we had an alter call and a lot of people gave their life to Christ! Then, we had a time to pray for people who were sick/need prayer and a lot of people were prayed for. After, the people were so generous and fed us a delicious dinner; during which Suresh had a woman come up to him who was prayed for at an outreach last month because she had a tumor in her abdomin and a week after she got prayer she went to the doctor and they cuold not find the tumor anymore! Praise God! On our drive home there was such thick fog (only in India) but our fearless drivers got us home safe! Thank you all for your prayers and keeping up with the team! More to come! God bless!

we're leaving!!!

Hi everyone! We're about to go through security! Things are good!

This is for real!!!

So, yesterday was a pretty big "wow" moment.  It felt so real that I am going to India.  I was babysitting and when the mom of the little girl got home she prayed for me and was so excited and encouraging!  It was at that moment that this trip seemed even more real to me.  I am just so blessed that I am able to go, that all my support has been raised, and that I have so many people who care and are excited for me!  I feel so covered in love and prayer and support that it has really changed my spirit.  Last weekend I was a little bit anxious and frantic about going, and I am not exactly quite sure why.  I just have so many praises for so many blessings.  Like the fact that in both of my classes, I get to take my makeup midterms almost a week and a half after I get back because we have Spring break when I get back and my teachers don't want to come to school on their week off!!!  God has just so provided!  Talk about a relief, and feeling so covered and protected and blessed by the LORD!  And I actually feel this week has been full of little reminders by God.  (And I know to some this may seem cheesy, but to me I know it's His touch).  I was working at my aunt's company and went into the mailroom (which normally doesn't have people's things left in it) and someone left the newspaper there with the page turned to all these adorable children in India watching the Oscars on a TV and they all knew the little boy who played in "Slumdog Millionaire".  Also, I went to the store on Tuesday specifically to buy yogurt with active cultures to help my GI tract for the trip, and I bought 2 packs, which I realized totaled eight yogurts which just happened to be the exact number of days that I needed to eat the yogurt until we take off for India; and after I had already bought them and put them away, the expiration date said "March 5", which is the day we take off.  Just little ways to show me that He is real and that He wants me to go and He is going to make it happen.  Thank you all for your prayers and support and care through all of this.  I know it is going to be such an amazing trip!  And I know that there is a reason for us not going in December!  I feel very much at peace about going and am waiting in an awesome anticipation now, and not anxiety!  Thank goodness!  Shalom to you all!

Go Kori, it's your Burfday!!!

Today is my little sister's birthday! She's 18!!! What an exciting time! Well, this is a shout out to you Kor! You are an awesome sister. I am so proud of the great things you have done, the things you are going to do, and the funny, smart, beatiful person you've become. Here's a little video just for you :) (I had to do it...it's too funny.)

p.s., India in 7 days! Woo hoo!

11 days to go!!!

It's just about 3:00pm, and I am tired!  Geez!  (Partly because someone in my house got up early for some reason today and made a lot of noise, and I couldn't go back to sleep from that...and the thing was that I noticed I actually hadn't moved from the position and spot I went to sleep...that's how soundly I was sleeping...a little bit annoying on a Sunday morning when I wanted to sleep in until a normal time.  The other part was that I was housesitting/dogsitting this past week and it went well but you can never sleep as well as your own house).  I had a marathon weekend so far of being commissioned at 3 church services for India.  That was really cool.  I felt covered in prayer by the whole congregation, and people I knew actually came up on stage and prayed over me.  I don't know why but I have this sense of really wanting to be in prayer for this trip, and in the Word.  Perhaps the fact that the last trip never happened is still lingering a little bit.  But I know that we are going this time!  Anyway, after the 3rd service commissioning we had a team meeting.  During which we talked about the trip and assembled gifts for the 450 orphans we're gonna visit!  We are really gonna have to jump right into praying for people and giving a mini message we have each prepared.  No holding back because we don't have the availability of watching the veterans go first.  Anyway, last minute we formed a little drama team and did a little run through of a skit that we were gonna do before.  It turned out ok, and pretty easy.  So, I am going to do some studying/schoolwork and then I have to record the video at the last two church services tonight.  What a crazy day!  Well, could you all be praying for the India teams hearts, our preparation, for the logistics of getting everything done in order to leave, our safety and health and that we would do a mighty work for the Kingdom!  And personally, for my tests before I leave and resting and getting everything done and staying in the Word and being revived and energized and renewed!  It really has been a pretty good week though...pretty relaxing and had lots of time for study.  And one of the coolest parts was starting cat dissections in my Anatomy lab!  At first I didn't want to do anything, I but on more of an "observer" role.  Haha.  Then the following day I got more into it...so that was a big reassurance.  Well, shalom and love :)

Being Vigilant

Let me paint a picture for you (with words).  A 22 year old applying to grad school for nursing, taking demanding pre-req's for grad school at the same time, and also getting ready to go on a 10 day mission trip to India (which, by the way is 17 days away).  Hmmm...do I have a lot going on?  lol.  The funny thing is that this almost seems normal for me because I've always taken a lot on.  However, I don't want to take it lightly.  Yesterday I had it placed on my heart to be extra vigilant about all these things going on.  Making sure I am covered by God's Word at least once a day and I am also going to be fasting too sometime before I go to India.  I desire to do all of these things in order to grow in my relationship with the Lord, as well as honor Him and intercede in prayer for all of these things.  My question and call to any of you readers is, would you like to be vigilant with me?  In any way, shape of form.  I would appreciate it, and I know God hears it and sees it.  And, it would fill my heart so much if you wanted to let me know too, and we can be apart of something together.  Well, thanks guys and God bless.

I've got a fever baby, and the only cure is more cowbell!

So, I got through this past week.  Lots of early morning studying, and latte's.  But God still provided amazingly...having some babysitting jobs get canceled, by really helping me study, and I know this sounds weird (but it's so God) but it felt like God really increased my brain's capacity to retain information.  Anyway, after my midterm on Saturday I had a great time going to the art show of a woman I babysit for.  It was quite fun to hang with them a little bit outside of babysitting, and it was at the church we both go to which was awesome.  (Rockharbor loves to display the arts). 

Anyway, the concert I went to featuring Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Sean Watkins from Nickel Creek was a great way to treat myself after a 3 1/2 hour midterm.  It was a great venue and such a great show...Molly Jensen even opened for Fiction Family!!  It was fun.  I will admit, also a little adventurous because Stephanie and I parked about 2 or 3 residential blocks away from the venue and because the streets were so wack, I sort of caused us to take a detour in walking to the venue.  Slight setback...but we made it with plenty of time to spare.  Yesterday, I had a meeting for the mission trip to India, and it was awesome.  I feel like we are a close nit team, and even though we are all slightly still processing not going in December and feeling like going in March is not real yet, I am certain that we are going then for a reason and that God is going to lift our spirits and do so much work through us.  I am hopeful and faithful that He is going to surprise us.  We are going to visit homes for the elderly and the "schools" (we would call them orphanages) and AIDS/HIV hospitals and do a clean water well dedication and visit a center that International Princess Project has built to give women who were in prostitution a job making clothes and such.  We are also "99% sure" going to be staying at Suresh's four story house instead of a hotel (for safety and monetary reasons--but I think it's pretty cool).  It's exciting and I know that our plans are solidified, and this trip was going to happened actually, even if the December trip did happen....it's not a "pity trip" or lesser trip.  The leaders made sure we knew that yesterday....so, it really had a purpose and God is protecting us.  So, if you could keep praying for me, the team and the trip that would be awesome.  Pray for our hearts, our courage (because it's a shorter trip and less time to acclimate to the culture shock we need it) and our health.  Also, the weather is usually 90-105' C in March, so I'm a little concerned about that for us.  Thanks everyone, and God bless!  23 more days until takeoff!

Study Time

So, I wanted to let y'all know that I will be studying this week and have made the decision to be on a little hiatus with my bloggy blog.  But, if you would keep me in your prayers because I am feeling a lot pressured (by myself) and I really want to do well.  I'll be back to tell you more about the meeting for India that will be in exactly one week!