Settling In

What a week! I have been in my city since Monday, and it's starting to sink in that this is home for the next few months. Thankfully, this is a place that is easy to get used to! The city is gorgeous! Even though I have been here before, I didn't realize how nice it was until I had visited another city in this country. The weather is perfect, there are trees everywhere, and I heard birds chirping as soon as I stepped off the plane. Such a great welcome!

Then I got to the apartment.... I can only tell you that Dad has done so much more than meet my needs here. He has been so gracious. It is beyond anything I could have imagined! I live in an bright and airy apartment with two great girls. And get this... my room is orange and blue! I feel right at home :)

The name of our neighborhood translates to "City of Joy". While I love the name, it's not accurate right now. My neighbors are missing out on the true source of joy. Each morning I hear a call to prayer and walk by temples on many street corners. I see people bowing to idols and offering incense to gods who don't hear their cries. Though these sights and sounds break my heart, they are such an incredible reminder of the reason I am here.

We sang a song the other night that asked "How long before your glory lights the skies? How long before your radiance lifts our eyes? How long before your fragrance fills the air? How long before the earth resounds with songs of joy?". I find myself asking these questions often, but then I see Him at work. He is here. He has not forgotten this country and this city. He loves these people so much more than I ever could.

Resting Place

It seems like we have been in this so much longer than four days, but I mean that in a good way! Things are going well and I am getting more and more comfortable, but also more and more excited to get to the place I will be for the next six months. At the same time, I don't want to miss out on what I can learn and experience here. I read in Joshua this morning about the crossing of the Jordan. That was not their destination, but a resting place. In that place, however, Dad did a mighty work, and they were able to look back and remember His faithfulness. I'm confident He can move the same way here. We are being sent out on community projects later this week, and that will be a great opportunity to use some of the things we are learning to impact this city. Be lifting us up during that time!

I am so thankful to be surrounded by such a great group of students. We are having an amazing time getting to know each other, but also learning from the other's experiences and gifts. Part of that fun has been exploring the city together. I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of it with you.

The first couple are of a "less busy" market we visited last week to shop for clothes. I thought it was crowded until I visited another on Sunday to look for a sari for a friend. I don't have words to describe it, and unfortunately, the camera didn't make it to that one. You'll just have to use your imagination :)






The last one made me smile when I saw it in a grocery store. Hope it does the same for you! I'm sure it will be the first of many. Love to you all!

Made It!

I am here!! Everyone and everything made it into town safely last night, and we are having a wonderful time of training before heading to our cities. We also spent some time today shopping for traditional clothes, which was quite the adventure. Be looking for pictures soon!

Thanks for your encouragement so far! I love and miss you all, but have no doubt this is exactly where I need to be right now! More to come....