India Recap #1

Romans 12:13 - "Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." 

And, wow, is the need in India great. One of the largest and poorest nations in the world, there are so many needs not being met.

The need for healthcare and clean water.

The need for safe homes and education.

The need for hope.

The need for a Savior.

Brad and I spent an incredible 10 days on mission to India as a part of a Global Hope India team. We wanted to go and serve - sharing the love of Jesus and in our small way, lessen some of the needs of the people. There was a group of nine of us who joined together to serve a local church in Pune, India and support their ministries. 

Throughout the fall, our team met to prepare skits and songs for the children we would work with. We gathered supplies and made care bags, filling 18 huge suitcases. We were ready! But first, we had to get there...

 

Our flight path took us Raleigh -> London -> Bahrain -> Chennai, India -> Pune, India.  

That path, my friends, involves 40 hours of travel and layovers. Multiple security checks and the re-checking of those 18 over sized suitcases plus our own bags. Several airplane meals and little sleep. Suffice it to say, we were happy to get off the last flight!

Safely in India, we were greeted by our host from the church - Jose. This wonderful man, strong in his faith and full of facts about his country, would watch
over us for the week as we served at various places.

This is India. 

 

Driving through the streets, in nonexistent lanes, you never know what you might come across. Cars, trucks, rickshaws, scooters. People walking. Random cows, water buffalo, dogs or goats.

The roads are always busy with something. Shops and street vendors. People everywhere. Animals everywhere.