It's been a while

It's been a while since I've been around these parts...my bloggity blog is needing to be a little more current. It's good and bad when you are so busy. It's gotten me to the point where I have been getting a little bit of insomnia because my mind is just going all the time. But, this weekend I've had some good sleep. This is a good thing, because I am normally the soundest sleeper. I digress.
I'm doing well in the pre-requisite class that I'm taking. (Can you say "A"?!...and also "raise my GPA"! Hollar!) It's a communications class, that is actually teaching me a lot. And I am really trying to learn from it and take the good stuff from it.
I've got this itch to learn the drums, and about 2 weeks ago I thought I was going to get a free drum set...it didn't work out, but I am still looking to get a drum set. I've also got this itch to take more pictures and use my camera more. I feel like I have a long way to go with it. I'm hoping to get some help from my talented photographer friends. Not that I want to become a professional photographer, but I love photography and want to get more skilled in it.
I have a lot to look forward to lately! My little brother is turning 14 in just a week and a half. I am going to be going to Colorado in 2 weeks. I'm going to the Turner Syndrome Society of America conference in July. So excited to see my TSS sistas and make some new friends there too! I also have a very cool story about Turner Syndrome. Upon a random conversation about health and such matters, my coworker says that she has a sister-in-law Turner Syndrome. And I said "so do I!". Needless to say, this sister-in-law only lives about 25-30 minutes away, and we are going to meet up very soon. How cool is that?
Well, I'm tired, and it's late. But perhaps tomorrow I will post something a little more substantial than a stream of consciousness type blog. Much love!

He Holds the Key

This was such a great Easter for me! I got to see my good friend Stephanie for the first time since she moved to Colorado. I helped out with Good Friday Services at church. I also helped out at one of the services and then got to sit with my family during the 2nd service. So wonderful! And Francis Chan spoke at the Easter service. He has so much passion for knowing God, it's such an example to see. I also had fun taking pictures. I thought I would share! :)

Good Friday pics:

Easter Sunday:

(beautiful, joyous baptisms!)

So much excitement for one week! :)

I've got some big news (for me at least). I bought a new car! I am so blessed. God completely provided a wonderful, beautiful brand new car this week. And I got a great price for selling my old Jeep to Carmax. I am also learning a lot from my little Communications class I'm in. I really am finding that there are a lot of ways I can learn more about how to communicate with others. Communication is a lot more dynamic than I give it credit for. I've also had a great day spending time with some of the ladies from the India team today. I hope you all are having a great weekend too!

A post on good weekends and things that are pretty great!

Today is a good day. One where I can sit and be still. One that is filled with things that restore me. It all started with a Tyrone Wells concert last night after seeing friends who were freshly engaged (just hours before). A great start to a weekend. I feel very introspective today, but in a good way. It's a weekend with the perfect amount of spending time with some truly great people, doing things I love, and also spending time in quiet. Just for fun I thought that I would show you some of the most popular searches that lead to my blog. It's good stuff if you ask me.

• a search for: "Beyond ackward things to say"
• a search for: "Where does the phrase “round and round it goes” come from?
• a search for: "Rockharbor nannies"
• a search for: "Funny stream of consciousness"
• a search for: "the cuteness is killing me"
• also, my posted titled "I was like, baby, baby, baby, oh" is a popular one...I'd like to know who is searching for that. hehe

Have a great weekend everyone! May you be blessed in it!

Fired up!

There are so many things that I am excited for...I'm excited that I started school this week. It makes me feel that much closer to getting into graduate school. I'm excited for the ways that God is teaching me, molding me and using me. I'm also excited about all the things that I am learning right now. Excited about the fact that I really feel like God has me on the right path for who He is shaping me to be. Now, don't get me wrong. It's not always rainbows and unicorns, but I am pressing on. Trying to keep my eyes focused, and lean on the Lord. Anyway, I've got some fun plans this weekend...I want to go out and take pictures. I feel the need to use my camera more. I plan on spending time with friends and family too. I have a craving to go to a coffee shop or Panera and journal, read and blog some more too. And, I also plan on doing some more car shopping and research. Scary, but a good learning experience on so many levels. It's not everyday that I go and make super purchases like this. (Really, my only big purchase has been my Jeep I have now. I bought it over seven and a half years ago!). Do you have any plans this weekend? Do share!

Hap, Hap, Happenings

It's been yet another busy week...but what's new. I've been spending time with the old India team, my family, and other friends. School is starting up for me in four days. I've been keeping up my exercising...not running every time, but still consistently exercising. I'm seriously shopping for cars! So exciting for me! I feel like such an adult. I'm also feeling even more adjusting to working full time, and the work that I'm doing. I'm so blessed!

I loved the real-life that happens when you spend quality time with people. It's so good. This last week, I've experienced that a lot. And, from that I've been feeling very prayerful and seeking God more. And spending more time reading scripture from the Bible that have just really spoken to me.

Lately, I've been thinking that I'd like to hear more from you...yes, you. The one reading my blog. :) How'd you stumble upon my humble blog? Do you have a blog? If I don't follow you, post a link to your blog in the comments. Let's get to know each other a little more! Don't be shy...no one is gonna bite, I promise.

I'm going to leave you with a few pictures I took of my brother playing baseball this past weekend. He's a stud! (Even if I am a little biased...)

Our dad, the coach...great father, son bonding

neglectful

I've been a bit of a neglectful blogger lately. Been simply busy and living my life. Being a normal 24 year old...hanging out with friends, soaking up time with family. Trying to be social and see people face to face. It's been lovely. I feel like I've been doing a lot of growing up lately. I'm growing and learning a lot right now. I also really feel that God is placed me exactly where I am suppose to be! It's so good! I'm also being really intentional with quite time, and exercising!

On "Springing Forward"

Well, not too much to report about on the little part of the blogosphere. This week has been pretty uneventful,in terms of big news or big happenings However, last night I spent time with a dear friend, and then I had lunch with another dear friend today. I love the community that I am in! They are such a blessing to me! Last night I went to be right after I got home from dinner because I had a headache. (When I looked at the clock as I layed down, it was 8:50pm...I know, such a party animal). Because of that, I woke up today at 4:15am! I got in some time reading the Bible and praying and went for a walk/run and still got to work 30 minutes early! But, the time change is a coming soon...it got to be light out at about 5:30am.

Busy, busy...and tired

As usual, lots has been going on in my neck of the woods. This week has been busy for me. And it's gone by very fast. I've taken up a new "hobby", so to speak these past 2 weeks. I've gotten into running. Little by little, I'm able to run longer distances and extended time periods. My heart and lungs are great, it's my muscles that need the training. My problem is my legs start to feel heavy and tired and I can't run the whole path I have set out to exercise.
An exciting event that has also happened is that my roommate and good friend Reny has become a U.S. citizen! I'm so proud of her dedication and perseverance. She's been in the U.S. for 17 years. And she did all her paperwork on her own, without the help of any lawyers. She's already applied for her U.S. Passport!

I've babysat a little bit in the last two weeks. I want to leave you with some fun of the funny things that I've heard kids say.

• I sing sometimes. A little boy I babysit for asks me "is that Jesus?" whenever I do.
• The same little boy noticed that I was wearing a (faux) large pearl bracelet. He said "those are balls! But you can't roll them"
• I agreed to help a family by babysitting early in the morning before I went to work. I was there before the little boy woke up. When he got up, I went to get him out of his room. We talked for a minute or two and then I decided to open the blinds. It was 6:30am, and the sun was barely peeking through the night-time's end. You could tell as I was opening the blinds, it was still not entirely sunny out; but the little guy tells me to close his blinds "because it's too dark out" in the funniest tone (as if it were because it was too sunny). Haha. At the least, I get what he was trying to convey. And I agreed, it was very early and I don't think I was entirely awake either.

I love kids. They bring me so much joy.

Happy 20th Birthday Kor!

Today is my little sisters birthday. I miss her, because she's away at college. As part of her gift, I got her a Chipotle gift card...because I know that's what she loves. And because she's a college student who needs to eat! I love you Kori! I can't believe that you are 20. I remember the day you were born. Cristina, Grandma and I made peanut butter cookies and visited you in the hospital. Cristina and I were worried the doctors would her (Cristina) in the hospital because she stepped on a nail and was limping. I remember you always being moms sidekick driving us to school, and you telling us it was time to leave. Then, you started at the same school as Cristina & me. You had cute little friends and were always smiling. You loved doing cheer and gymnastics. In high school you did well and stayed with cheer, and got into you first choice of college. I'm proud of what at hard worker you are, and what a strong person you are.

she can bowl

she's goofy

She's a good mommy to Peanut :)

she brings on the dance moves

Father daughter picture...with Kori doing a cheerleader pose.

Thoughts

I'm beyond thankful for a loving God who is the mark I'm aiming for (for the reason that I don't want to be far from Him). I'm thankful for Jesus, who's the only perfect example of what it's like to follow the Father. And that the Lord fills me with His love, peace and joy so that I can live wholly and be a light to others. I've felt this in my soul today :)

Razzle Dazzle

Things are in a very interesting spot for me. But in a good way. I've been having a little more down time, which has taken some getting use to for me. This has also been a big time of learning for me. Mostly learning about myself and refining things in my life. I've also had a desire to tap into things that I love. For example, playing a musical instrument & reading for pleasure. I will also try to write on the 'ole blog more. I really do enjoy writing. However, lately I've felt a little lacking in the inspiration department. But, I feel like it is coming back. Anyway, I want to leave y'all with some lyrics that hae struck me lately. Please read them. They are powerful!

Mercy's War: by Jon Foreman

I was looking for excuses
And you offered me my soul
In the name of all my weakness
In the name of rock ‘n roll

By His sickness I am healed
Cause they broke you I am whole
Oh the wonderful blood of Jesus

I went looking for the fig leaves
And you asked me what they’re for
I was building up a wall
And you offered me a door

I was hoping for silver spoons
But you handed me a sword
Oh the wonderful blood of Jesus

Maker is unmade
Love succumbs to hate
Life Himself is slain
Is death the only way?
Is death the only way?

I went looking for religion
Absolutely not a friend
I went looking for ways out
And you showed me the way in

I went looking for a ghost
And instead I found a man
Oh the wonderful blood of Jesus

Felt like I was at the end
Felt like giving up on life
I talked about your mother
And denied you once or twice

Yeah I plucked out your beard
Put a sword into your side
Oh the wonderful of Jesus

Life and love are torn
By the blades of earthly swords
We cut the final cord
This is mercy’s war
It’s mercy’s war

I was just chasing after safety
When my world went up in flames
I saw my defenses
Washed my ashes down the drain

I thought mercy was a stranger
But you called me out by name
Oh the wonderful blood of Jesus

Your wounds are gaping open
Couldn’t recognize you at first
And all I had to offer you
Was an insult or a curse

Blood dripped down like poison
On the nauseated earth
Oh the wonderful blood of Jesus
Oh the wonderful blood of Jesus

This is mercy’s war
This is mercy’s war
Oh the wonderful blood of Jesus

wrapping it up...but don't worry, I won't rap

Here's the second half of my writing about the trip to India. I'm sorry it's taken me so long. It's been one of those things that has gotten put on the back burner a little bit. But, here it is...finally! :)

Day 7 : The team I was on went to a Mercy Camp, that was literally down the street from where our house was. We served the homeless, poor and people in the lowest caste. But we had such an amazing time! The mercy camp was held outside a Harvest India medical center, which we got to see as well. We also did a quick visit with nursing students at the nursing school next to the medical center. I just love those women. The give me so much inspiration and joy. Then, we visited the red-light district as the entire team. It was interesting to see the same faces and people. And difficult. Each time I've gone, I've seen the same women and men who are the main pimps. But, I know that God is still working in the lives of people living there. God has put it on the hearts of Suresh and his wife and staff to continue helping people there and being used by God there. After this we visited the Hope Home. This is a home for people suffering with HIV/AIDS. Just a year ago, it was getting finished being built, and now it is in full force. At this point, I was beginning to fade out & feel beyond tired. The only way I could describe is it that I couldn't keep my eyes open and I felt like an infant who could could not stay awake. But we had to press on to an elderly home. That was a little challenging for me because of the tiredness, but also because I had hoped to go to an elderly home I've visited each time before. But it was a new one that Harvest India built. It was lovely though, and the people were beautiful and so welcoming. And we all prayed together. We went home after this and I just wanted to sleep! BAD! I couldn't. We were having dinner and then I had to get ready to go the the other house and get ready for our first night of outreach, and due to another team member being sick I had to step in and play one of the main roles. I got the news we'd have about an hour of down time. Score! I slept for that sweet hour. I woke up, and felt great. But then 5 minutes later I felt tired again and nauseous. I had a few women on the team pray for me. I took some Tylenol. But as a lovely India women was helping put my sari on, I was holding onto the wall for dear life to hold myself up, and I was having hot sweats. I decided to ride in the air conditioned car to the outreach, and I listened to Jon Foreman's solo music and drank water. Two songs in and I felt like God had lifted it all! And the outreach was amazing! A women was even healed of back and hip problems.

Day 8 I actually stayed home to take care of some sick people on the team. I got to spend time journaling and talking with John Brokenshire when I wasn't taking care of anyone. The team, however, did a clean water well dedication and visited the village and school where the water well was being dedicated. Then we had another outreach that evening where I played the main character of our skit.

Day 9 First, our team did a water well dedication. We also went to a medical camp, which was crazy chaotic. People were pushy to get needed medicine. I got to take pictures because a team member was sick. But I loved taking the pictures! :) We also ate lunch at the Harvest India electrician's house. I know it sounds random, but people are so hospitable there and want to have the opportunity for us to be in their home and fellowship with them. We feel the same way! In the evening, we went to a village close to the water well we dedicated earlier in the day to pass out Gospel tracks and go "hut to hut" to the people of the village. It was encouraging for both the people there and for our team. It was a crazy time though to be in this remote village with bats flying around and snakes coming out of the ground that the men smash and tell us not to go near. You find out what you are afraid of quickly, and also realized that only God and prayer are the things that will save you of anything unsafe!

Day 10 We got up bright and early to go on a field trip with the three oldest classes at the Rockharbor orphanage. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to take them on their first field trip ever. We were all ecstatic. We drove four hours to get to a dam that had an island. On that island was an Indian history museum. So cool. And much bonding with the kids and the staff of Harvest India was had. There was even a little dance party on the boat ride back. The India boys can dance :) Right next to the dam, was a Harvest India orphanage. They took us in for a quick dinner. But I would honestly have to say it was one of the most precious moments. One that brought me to tears. As we were eating our meal outside, the 20 orphans who live there sang songs in English to us. They were like angels. I cried, because of the sweetness and innocence of it and how I felt so much love for the kids. We reciprocated by singing to them after. We got in to the hotel in Hyderabad late, but what a day!

Day 11 We debriefed as a team and bonded even more in the morning, after an American breakfast buffet! Afterwards, we spent time shopping at the Charminar Bizarre. Fun times were had all around buying fun Indian gifts and trinkets. We had an early night in because we had to be at the airport at 4:30AM.

Day 12 Wake up call at 2:45AM...eating KFC in India for breakfast, all before 7:30AM. But I slept so well on the way home and we had no delays coming home.

Phew! I hope you all enjoyed! :)

Coming soon

I know it's been a while since my last post. I have been so busy the last week and a half, that even my weekends are packed! But, tonight and tomorrow night I promise to have the 2nd half of the India trip post.

India: Recap/Week One

I had such an amazing experience this trip to India. It's always a little bit of a challenge to describe these trips in a precise way and in a matter of one sentence, while doing it justice all at the same time. It almost can't be done. This trip was so life changing, eye opening and literally a once in a lifetime opportunity to go. I can't believe that I've had the privilege and blessing to go three times. WOW! There are several ways that I would describe this trip. I feel deeply connected with India, and love it so much! Even more than before. The people of India, Harvest India, the ministries they do and how big & at work God is. During this trip, I got so much clarity. I want to go back so badly, but the clarity that I got was I specifically want to be able to help out with the nursing school Harvest India has started, and also be able to help with the pregnancy center that is in the works. Something interesting about this trip is that I felt like I was attacked mentally; I was in a bit of a funk when I was in India and felt like in my own mind I had few issues and a hard time fitting in with the team while I was there. But I also felt that God was so near and sustaining me during the same time. And I have learned so much about myself along the way. I also really feel like India has sunk deep into the depths of my heart...really, it takes so much time to really be able to soak it in, get to know India and have it sink in. Even after going three times, I'm just beginning to scratch the surface.

Anyway, on to the details of the trip...I've decided to break it down into 2 posts, for my own writing to be broken up, and to also allow for anyone to read in two parts for ease:

Day one: we arrive to India at 4:30am. We wait for out luggage and find the Harvest India staff at the airport. At 6:30am we leave the airport after filling the bus to the brim with our luggage. We drove from Hyderabad to Tenali. Normally about an 8 hour bus ride. But we got caught in traffic and we didn't arrive in Tenali until about 5/5:15pm. That was after 22 hours of flying! But, all the tiredness and grumpiness was lifted when we had a orphans at the Harvest India public school give us such an amazing welcome. It felt like a welcoming back home, seeing Suresh and Christina and their family, and the staff I've gotten to know, and to see John Brokenshire again. I found out that the kids were also at the school so late because they get tutored until about 5. I was very blessed to also get to sit next to Tracy on the team during the long bus ride. I feel like we had good conversations and I got to know her a little better.

Day Two: Vacation Bible School with 800-1000 orphans. Beautiful chaos. I was helping with "Bible Verse Memory", which I had done last year. But was having a hard time getting in a grove with teaching the kids. A lot of things in the way we were teaching had been changed up from last year, and it wasn't easier and it threw me off. We also got to attend the wedding of one of Suresh's foster daughters, Kumari. This was a first for me. I knew Kumari. A young and beautiful woman of 20 years old. But there is a big amount of celebrating before the wedding. I got to see the exchanging of bridal gifts between families. Which is a big thing in the culture, and was so fun to see how Suresh and his "men" received gifts on behalf of the grooms family. Its a big deal. And then all the girls got turmeric on their feet. (Which sort of turned into a turmeric fight, started by the Indian women.) The wedding was such a unique experience. To give y'all an idea of what it was like, the bride and groom sat in these big thrown like chairs on the VBS stage. The Rockharbor team sat on stage with them. The couple had met each other before and talked, but had never touched. It was an "arranged" married between Kumari and the son of a Harvest India pastor. During the ceremony, the grooms friends kept coming up to tell the groom something. The ceremony was beautiful, and some of the big parts of the ceremony were when the fathers placed the bride and grooms hands together to hold hands for the first time. They had such innocence, and also peace about them both. The thing that must be known though, is that Indian weddings are taken very seriously. Both the bride and groom keep a straight face the whole time. Now Kumari lives with her husband, about 3 hours away from Tenali.

Day Three: Right after breakfast, we had a "Leprosy Camp" where we ministered to and prayed for people suffering from leprosy, and we provide them with food and clothing. This is a very beautiful ministry. At the same time it's a bit challenging for me because I feel like ikt's so hard to be there for only 10 minutes and then have to leave. I really need more time to grasp what we are doing and really see the people I am suppose to be ministering to. We are reaching out to these people who are outcasts in their own country because of their illness! But, I will never for the people who came. Especially a man named Israel, who is one of the most joyful people I've met. Right after that we literally hopped into cars to VBS. Again, beautiful chaos. I had been praying a lot because I hadn't been seeing or recognizing any of the kids from the last 2 years. It was a much better day of teaching the Bible verses...I wasn't in as much of a funk. Was starting to connect with the kids again, and loved singing their songs with them when we were all in the tent together.

Day Four: Last day of VBS. I had a sense of joy this day. And, I had a prayer answered. I saw several kids that I knew from previous years! Especially the little boy who was the youngest orphan Harvest India has taken in. And a friend of mine, who I met because we were both suppose to go on the December 2008 trip, sponsors a little girl that I spent a lot of time with. Her name is Nagassari, and she's gotten to meet her sponsor Erinn several times and they have a pretty special closeness and bond. I saw her in Bible Verse memory, and when I told her I was Erinn's friend she got so excited and we connected. During our lunch break, we had the priviledge of visiting with the women who live in the Ashraya house at HI. They are women who were once living in prostitution, and have be taken out of it and live at the Ashraya house making a living by sewing beautiful bags and pajamas (they call them punjammies). It was a very sweet time getting to see their work and talk with them and just be with them, knowing that God is so big and cares so much for us and does free and gives worth to people. Then, we finished VBS with a great time singing with the kids. Afterwards, we took ALL the orphans from VBS and went on a parade through the town of Tenali. I've done it before, but it seemed different this time. I just remember being struck with, "wow! We are walking in the roads of India. With real Indian people staring at us, and real India dirt and smells. And I'm holding hands with sweet Indian children who are so excited to be doing this with us." There were Harvest India signs with Suresh's picture on them and the kids would point and say "dad". And to be able to show the town that we are treating these children as loved and not by their cast; and the children got to feel apart of something so big (as did I) and watch as Daniel from our team preached the Gospel to the town of Hindus. The excitement was so big, you couldn't contain it.

Seeing as this was December 31st, we had a big New Years celebration that evening. The girls got dressed in their sari's, and we celebrated! We went back to the Harvest India campus in the tent that was set up for VBS. Before I could walk into the tent, Nagassari found me and handed me a letter to give to "Sister Erinn". The kids performed dances they had learned and some of the Harvest India staff and orphans shared what they were thankful for. Then it was time for the big firework show. As we got up from our seats to go outside, Nagassari and I found each other and stayed hip to hip the entire time. The men from the HI staff go all out crazy with homemade fireworks. It's the craziest thing to experience as these grown men are playing with fireworks and keep them in their hands as they are going off. To be holding hands with more orphans than you can fit around you, all talking and then watching the fireworks up in the air at the same time when they go off all saying "ahh" or "wow" together. We then broke bread all together to celebrate 2011! It was a late night, but seriously there is no other way to celebrate New Years.

Day Five: New Years Day! We held a clothing distribution camp for the poor. That's always a little hectic with so many people grabbing for clothes and also wanting to be close to the team. Then, we divided into 3 groups and went to New Years church services. The group I was in got had the privilege of attending church at John Babu's church. John Babu is a Harvest India pastor who also helped translate from English to Telugu during VBS. It was such a small church, but it was packed. And John Babu has such a beautiful family we were blessed to meet. We had some time to rest, and then we all ate dinner together as a team.

Day Six: We slit into two groups and went to Sunday church services. The village and church we visited was very welcoming. We got there early (a rare occurrence in India - haha) and got to walk around the village. It was a pretty big village, and they had a Hindu temple we walked to juts to see. One thing that stuck out to me were the one or two faces painted on the building that are scary faces painted red to scare away evil spirits. And no one was really in it or walking to it...which I am pretty sure is because the village has a good amount of Christ followers. Anyway, the church congregation was so ernest and powerful in their worship.

Getting around to it

Here are some India pictures from this trip. I love, love, love them! They remind me so vividly of the trip. I know I've been bad at posting about the trip. I've been too busy, too tired and have also had to take my computer in to the Apple store for some repairs. My Macky is good as new, so I plan on posting more about the trip tomorrow. I promise! :)

a beautiful girl from the orphanage

another beautiful girl from when we visited the public school

(can you spot me? haha. not to difficult, is it?) At the all girls college

Israel. a man who has leprosy, but is honestly the most joyful person i've met

me and 3/5's of the Kumars

here are children from a small harvest india orphanage. we gave them new clothes. they sang for us while we ate dinner at their orphanage. they had voices like angels, and were just so sweet and humble. it brough me to (beautiful tears). i didn't want to leave.

a vbs (making a fun movement to "chitty chitty happy ka")

a beautiful woman, who has leprosy, that i had the honor of meeting

suresh & i on the roof of the house. he loves the shades john b got him. joe cool :)

this, is my little sweetheart. his name (though i'm sure i spell it wrong) is jay-cee. in 2009, on my first trip, he was the littlest orphan. now he is learning and had a group of friends...something that wasn't there before because he was just so little, but it's such a good thing seeing him make these milestones!

Promises, Promises

It is my intention to have another post up this week, which will contain more details about the trip and also include pictures! I promise! Today, I just received the second half of the photos from the trip so I have nothing to wait on. Except that I've been going, going, going non-stop with work and extracurricular activities. Tonight, by some mishappenings I ended up no being able to make it to a girls night with some friends from church. Even though I really wanted to go, I think it was good that I rested at home because I've been feeling tired and have had symptoms of a migraine the last 2 days. But, this week I've gotten to spend some good time with friends and also really let the trip to India sink in. One thing is for sure. I love and miss India :) And, I am so blessed!

Rockharbor Team India Video: Takes my breath away and takes me back

This is a video a brilliantly talented team member put together already in the few days we've been back in the States. This video leaves me speechless, in a beautiful way. I already miss being there. It's 10 minutes, but the entire thing is wonderful and you are missing out if you don't watch it!

India love

I've been home for a whole day from India! I'm feeling like the adjustment for me is going a bit easier than my first trips. After my very first trip, I felt a lot of excitement and an emotional "high" because it was my first time out of the country, and the trip was so memorable...and because if I'm honest, my eyes weren't totally open during my trip in many ways. When I came home from my second trip, I feel the best description for my emotions was anger. This trip, I feel that so far I am definitely feeling emotions, but they aren't as powerful as they were last year. I'm feeling a lot of things right now, don't get me wrong. But the main thing that I feel is sad. Mostly because my eyes have been opened so much more this trip. At the same time though, it's not this overwhelming and intense emotion that is not good for me (which I think the anger I felt last year was). I think this is because some of the things that I did and witnessed in India have actually answered a few questions in my mind and given me clarity. I feel like I personally experienced spiritual warfare in India this time, but simultaneously I feel that God was really close to me and gave me that clarity.

I am so excited about all the ways that Harvest India is really blessing others and really living out the Gospel. And I'm so excited to be apart of it. I promise to write a blog post very soon with more details about the trip! I want to say the BIGGEST "THANK YOU!!!!!" to all the people who have supported this trip. Both my financial and prayer supporters. Know that I could not have done this without you, and that your support has really been a blessing and I

have seen with my own eyes how your support has blessed the people of India too. Well, it's not even 9pm yet but I should start to get ready for bed. I'm such a party animal! Yeah, that's what I will account it to. :) Night y'all...or good morning if you are on India time!

I want to leave you with a picture of one of the most precious little ones that I've met in India. I've seen him each trip. He's my little love :) The first trip I went on he was only 2 or 3 and was the smallest orphan Harvest India took in. Now he's 4 or 5. His parents could not take care of him so they brought him to the school. His dad now works helping clean and maintain the Harvest India campus, so he gets to see his son. On the other trips, he would not participate in VBS or the events that the other Harvest India orphans did with our teams. He'd just be all alone outside playing with supervision by a teacher. But this year he did VSB, and I got to teach him Bible verses for 3 days. He was attentive and also had group of little friends who were well behaved :) And he was full of smiles. Bestill my heart.

I am not MIA in India in real life :)

Hi everyone (or at least my few blog readers). I've been uber busy doing so much with Harvest India and the team. I've been doing so well. God is sustaining me so much! And I am so blessed that the only thing I can complain about is being tired. I will post more as soon as I can. But also see our team website:

Http://www.rockharborindiateam.com