Friends!

I am writing this post from my first "India Home", the YWCA in New Delhi. As usual, the weeks since Christmas has been extremely busy. I left on Christmas day for YFC Camp -- a gathering of over 1,200 Indian Christian young people in a southern beach town for a week of meetings, music, and fellowship. Being the only white person in a sea of 1,000+ people was an adventure (as was sleeping on floors, learning to eat entirely with my hands, trying to navigate the 100+ languages represented there, etc)...but it was a blessing for me to get to meet young women from all over India, to worship alongside them, to counsel them, and to be counseled by them. I had the privledge of being a group discussion leader and was able to dive into the lives of several girls, encouraging them, crying with them, and praying with them. (When I return home to Aunty Sheila's, I'll post pictures of some of my new friends.)I walked away from the conference encouraged by the dedication and enthusiasm of young Indian Christians. I also walked away with a stronger sense of the unity of the body of believers around the world; they are my brothers and sisters!

The day I returned home from Vizag and the YFC conference, Erik, Donna, and Anna arrived! I don't think I can fully communicate my joy at their coming! Perhaps it was just that I had been in the train for 36 hours, but when I got off and was coming home to meet up with them, I was downright giddy and goofy!

Erik, Donna, and Anna have been joined by the remainder of the team, Tim (Muelhof) and Jessy as of January 7th. They are here for the purpose of ministry, encouragement, and academic research. I will be tagging along during their three week stay, primarily to take advantage of the encouragement that comes from their visit, but also to help with the academic research. While they are here we will be updating their blog with details of the trip. I encourage you to check out the site, not only for updates on our life the next three weeks, but also because it contains posts from the original Grace trip to India two years ago... the trip that awakened my heart for India and that God used to draw me here. It's such a precious reminder to me to look back on God's faithful leading! The site is: www.xanga/indiateam

So, I'll let that site do the talking for me the next few weeks. Much love to you all, and I'll "see" you when I get back to Aunty Sheila's!

Oops, wait, one more blessing I MUST share. On my Monday morning, your Sunday night,Aunty, Erik, Donna, Anna, Uncle, and myself got to video conference via Skype with Grace's communion service. We essentially got to sit in and be a part of the service... seeing dear Grace people take communion, hearing Dr. Talley's exhortation, and then answering questions (as best we could through the feedback) and being prayed for. I'll freely admit that there was not a dry eye in our little room as the Grace family turned, faced us, lifted their hands and prayed for us. Beyond being amazed at the technology that allowed us to almost physically be part of the body, I was amazed, strengthened, and joyfully thankful for the support, care, and thoughtfulness of my dear church body. It reminded me of the fact that I've been sent here, that I'm being upheld in prayer, and that believers in California care deeply for the work of God in India. Thank you Grace church body for your intentionality in being part of God's work in India, in my life, and in Aunty's ministry. All those who stuck their faces in front of the camera after the service... we could see you and loved it! Eat more guavas... :)