Sad Goodbyes and Long Travel

Hey everyone -

I'm back on a free internet kiosk at Mumbai airport waiting for our shuttle to take us to the international terminal. The parting with our friends several hours ago was tearful, but hopeful at the same time. We look forward to seeing Jaya and CEM again, but we are all eager to come home and more fully share our experience with you that our blog simply coudn't do justice to.

We are about to start the international legs of our travel home and I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you that all is well and we can't to see you!

Chris signing off for the team.

Love and Pop Rocks

Thursday:

Today was a day filled with mixed emotions. The team is starting our long journey home tomorrow. There is sadness, exhaustion, and anxiousness in the air, but most of all love.


As with everyday at CEM, we started off the morning with exercises. Then it was off to chapel where one of our teammates (Tracy Richardson) did a wonderful job sharing from her heart. She spoke on loving your enemies, forgiveness and the importance of not being judgemental. The kids really enjoyed it. Walking the older children to school today was a little bit different. They were already saying, "No America tomorrow!". It's very tough to hear that and to see the looks on their faces as they ask you to stay.


We made bracelets with the JEMS (Jaya English Medium School) kids today. They loved it! It's wonderful to watch how they really help each other and love one another. There is a lesson there that I'm sure could be learned by a lot of us. At the end of every class the children would hold up their bracelets and shout out "Miss, Miss", just wanting a little recognition and attention.


I got to spend some time with the beautiful women in the Sewing Training School (STS) as well. They showed me all of the stitches they were learning and explained a little bit about the school. Most of the women in the school are not married. They are learning this trade to support themselves and/or their children. They spend approximately three months in the first phase of the class (which is hand stitching and painting fabric) and then move on to sewing with machines. The machines the women use are pedal machines and they will each receive one upon graduating from this free program. This is such a blessing to the women. They were very excited to have a visitor in their class, so excited that it was requested that I take a picture with just about every one of them!

I also shared my testimony with the the Missionary Training Students (MTS). It was a great experience. I am not one to feel very comfortable speaking in front of large groups but I had a peace that can only be explained by God having his arms around me. It was something I'll never forget. That seems to be a running theme for me this trip. I've done so much that I thought I would NEVER do. God has stretched me and I am eternally grateful for that!

The day ended in such a wonderful way. The treats for the kids last night were Pop Rocks! We had all of them line up in the chapel and then we poured about a tablespoon of Pop Rocks into their little hands. The look on their faces was priceless as they felt the little explosions of sugary goodness in their mouths. Some were scared, some were excited and some had no clue how to react.

I love seeing these kids experience things for the first time. It's funny how I can relate to that on this trip!

Love and Pop Rocks,
Jessica

A Visit to a Friend

Hello Everyone -

It's Wednesday night in India, Wednesday morning in America, and I can't believe we only have one full day left here at the CEM campus before we begin our 30+ hour trip home on Friday.

There are so many experiences that my teammates have written about that I could also echo. This has been an amazing adventure and each day brings new opportunities to love on kids, encourage the hard working staff and witness the Indian culture.

This evening Chris and I were invited to the house of a long time friend - Jaya's Associate Pastor, Naveen. It is a tradition for Chris each time he has been here, and this time I was able to join him. This was an incredibly humbling experience for me. First, I must tell you about Naveen - he is such a warm hearted servant here - translating for all the Americans who speak at the chapel services, as well as just any time we need help with the Telugu language. He has a warm smile and is so patient with all of our questions and our team's antics. :) And he arrives at the CEM campus at 5:30 AM and returns home around 9:00 PM every day - seven days a week. The CEM staff work LONG days to serve in all areas of this ministry.

Upon arriving at Naveen's home, we were welcomed by his wife and two children, as well as a few neighborhood kids who were curious about us - which happens everywhere we go - people staring, running after us waving hello, or even shouts of delight, like we ourselves did when we saw our first monkey along the road today. :) They were very proud to show us their home, which they recently opened up one room for some family members in need to stay for a few nights.

I don't want this to sound disrespectful, because I have such deep respect for these wonderful people. What is normal for people in India, is beyond comprehension for us. It humbles me greatly to think of all the comforts we have in our own homes, but are constantly pursuing "more". This family lives with an open sewer running in front of their home and an outside bathroom and water pump out back. And this family has been blessed to have this home!

I have struggled this week in witnessing the conditions here and realizing this is normal for them and it's wrong for me to push my reality on them. But I still wish for so much more for them. And in the midst of it all, there is so much beauty - beautiful smiles, stunning saris (the Indian woman's dress), and most evident the sincere hearts who love Jesus so deeply. Such is the paradox of India.

Jocelyn for the Team

A Village Church Visit

Hi Everybody! We had a very interesting experience today. After our usual morning of calisthenics at 5:30 followed by chapel at 6 and breakfast at 7:30, walking the kids to school through the city streets and doing some crafts with those attending the JEM school back at CEM, we spent the afternoon at a rural church in a village named Thougammi.

About a 30 minute drive from CEM we crossed the Godavari (three bridges long), past the hydro power plant, and into the rural area with banana plantations, sugar cane, and rice fields. We saw fisherman throwing their nets into the Godavari from atop pipes spanning the river, buffalo decorated with flower necklaces, more Hindu statues and the first statue of mother Mary and Baby Jesus (Jesus is included in the Hindu pantheon, one of the many things I have learned since first hearing of CEM).

When we arrived in Thougammi we were greated with singing and flower leighs. Naveen did a fantastic job translating Chris' short sermon on the imporance of humility, we heard a sermon from their pastor who spoke on how Jaya Sankar is a good example of humility in service, then we prayed for their congregation and church and they prayed for ours as well.

We returned in time to play ball, jump rope, and do whatever else the kids could think of and then headed to chapel where Jim led a skit on David and Goliath starring Chris (who plays a seriously mean and very funny Goliath!), Greg as David, Todd as Saul and several of our Indian friends got pulled in for supporting roles. It has been a great week and I think we are all not terribly excited about leaving. We will miss the kids and I will miss this team when I return to Austin.

Please keep our safe travels in your prayers as a storm is heading towards Mumbai (one of our layovers). Also please keep my new friend Swarduma in your prayers. She lost a sister recently and her mother who is a Christian is struggling and trying to make sense of where God fits into the loss of her daughter. Of course keep the children and staff here in your prayers as well. The children are happy and healthy and well cared for both by the staff and each other. The staff here work very long days and we hope to do something to honor them tomorrow evening. Tune in tomorrow to find out ;)

Peace and God bless from Dowlaiswaram-

Anne

Hospitals & Candy

Hello from CEM,
Today has been another long and exhausting but fun filled day. Before I share about today I want to talk about what Margaret and I got to experience yesterday. CEM has a free medical clinic on the campus and Margaret and I were able to spend the morning observing.

We went into the "consultation room" with the doctor while she saw patients. The complaints ranged from abdominal pain, obstetric check-ups, bronchitis, and general aches and pains. A couple patients received IV fluids but most patients received multiple prescriptions and told to return after trying prescriptions. As a nurse in a very large ER it is amazing to see the conditions of this clinic. My first thought was "do they wear gloves??" The equipment for this clinic is very outdated. There is a separate room called the "operating theater" where I am told women deliver babies and they perform hysterectomies, appendectomies, and other surgeries. Let me just say I just hope I don't need surgery while I'm here!

On the positive side, they are in the process of building a hospital down the road from CEM. The groundbreaking ceremony for the hospital was in November of 2008 when last years team was at CEM. The hospital is expected to be finished in March 2010 and will have 70 rooms and will be staffed by 10 doctors. This is going to be an amazing contribution for the people of Dowlaiswaram! The hospital will allow for much needed care that is lacking at this time.
Although the days are long, and I am certainly not used to getting up at 5am to do calisthenics with the kids, it's amazing how good it makes you feel when all the kids are yelling your name and want you to stand by them. Walking to school is the same, each kid just wants to hold your hand as they continually make sure you know their name. The moment that touched me today I will never forget. We give candy to the kids every morning after chapel and I always wonder what the kids do with the candy and when they eat it because at home kids tear right into the candy. One of the girls has latched onto me and as I was walking up to my room after dinner she took a piece of the laffy taffy we gave her in the morning and gave me over half of it and said "sista, you eat." I tried giving it back, but she wouldn't take it, she had the biggest smile and I could tell it made her feel so good to give me that. These kids probably never have candy and the one piece she had she gave up her half. Wow! How many kids at home would do this? So many people asked me before I left to come here, "Are you going to come home with one?" I wish I could.
Good Night from Dowlaiswaram
Tracy Kott for the team. Now I am switching over to Sarah Million below.

It is Wednesday morning here in India and it seems we accomplish so much before 9:00 am. As everyone back home is heading to bed, the team in India has completed the morning calisthenics, worshiped in chapel, ate breakfast, studied with the children, completed chores and walked the kids to school. Walking the kids to school is my favorite part of the day. Holding their little hands means so much to them and me. They are like every other child around the world. They just want to be loved on. For 20 minutes in the morning, I get to take on a parental role and drop them off at school.

As I think about what we have experienced so far, I can't help but think about three things that happened on Tuesday. During the day, the team spent time in the JEMS school creating name tags for each child. The kids LOVED this! Even though we may not remember every name, it means so much to them to have someone give them 5 minutes of individual attention and verbally say their name out loud. They just want to be known. Now that the children have name tags, they say, "sista, name?" and flip over their tags to quiz you. They light up with such joy when you remember their names. Even though we can't know them all, it is comforting to know that God knows them by name and knows their needs and desires. How amazingly compassionate and loving our God is! Every time I think I am going to do something for a child here in India, God shows up and I am reminded of His beauty and power. Who knew you would see God so clearly in India!

Each day we have two opportunities to worship with the children. In the evening chapel on Tuesday, all of the ladies performed a skit. All I can say is IMPRESSIVE! We have such a creative team. We decided to perform a skit based on Luke 8, "The Parable of the Sower." In order to have the children relate to the verses, we acted them out and played the parts of a farmer, a crow, a devil, four seeds, and a narrator. The children loved this and were very responsive when we asked them what type of soil they think God would want them to be. With a resounding voice, they all said, "the good soil." The children are so smart and eager to learn about Jesus. This skit was a great way for each team member to get involved with chapel and stretch themselves. Plus, it is really fun to see the kids laughing at you and having fun.

Speaking of stretching ourselves, a nice conclusion to every day is our evening team meetings on the roof overlooking the village. During the meetings we discuss the beauty we see in India, the hurt we see, the emotions we feel and how we are experiencing Jesus. Each meeting, two members of the team reveal a life token that they want to leave behind in India. These life tokens represent a part of us that we need and want to surrender to God. The sharing includes discussing very intimate details and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable about places in our lives that need improvement. The meeting and sharing is great way to wrap up a full day and really take time to just be still in the moment and listen to what God is trying to tell us.

You will hear more soon from other team members.

Sarah Million for the team

The Streets, The Kids and The Eats

Hi from the other end of the world.....Today was amazing! (Today being Monday here, but unfortunately the power went out mid blog last night and I am finishing it up Tuesday morning at 4:30AM).

Getting to know the children on a deeper level and realizing that no matter where you are in the world; kids are just kids and truly want to be acknowledged and loved unconditionally. Initially, I was concerned about communicating with them because as I told my new friend Sudu Lakshmi, "I do not speak Telugu". She would just laugh and tell me "no English" as she continued to hold my hand, smile and help me to learn how to say Sista, Brotha, girl, boy and their plural form in Telegu. I wish I could currently share them with you but after this long day and trying to remember as many names as possible....I just cannot remember, but that is OK because we will take that same walk 2 times a day to/from school (over 1 mile) since the older children are schooled off the campus and we will be able to continue sharing our language differences.


Walking the kids to school is a story in itself...between the bicycles, buses and motorcycles

honking and "unintentionally" running you off the road because there is only room for 1 vehicle, yet there are 2 and a mad biker trying to pass you all at once...LOL..It is truly every man, goat, pig, chicken, random roaming dog and water buffalo for himself. Yes, I did name animals!! Imagine walking down the street and there is a water buffalo laying on the side of the road or the cute little pigs chasing their extremely large mom down the road beside you. While walking you learn that many of the people are constantly working, but always seem to have a bright smile to greet us.

Back at the campus with the GEM kids we did some crafts(coloring and such). This gave them all a small break and time for a little fun and recognition. The kids love to sing and dance so in some of the free time during the day we did the hokie pokie, tried to teach them the macarena and so many others. We also, played the name game all day. This is where they all ask you "my name?" and hope that we remember and when you do it puts a warm smile on their face..this is also when I started my game of asking them back when I couldn't remember to tell me my name and then we laugh and exchange names.

Now on to the eats....In the mornings we have omelettes (fried eggs with some yummy seasonings), bread and a delicious cup of Lakshmi's delicious Indian coffee creation made with water buffalo milk. Today we got to finally experience the "Chicken 65" we had heard so much about from others that had been here in the past. It lived up to its rave reviews. The story is that the cubed chicken is seasoned with 65 different seasonings and based on the variety at the market yesterday, I can believe it. The staff and Lakshmi are so attentive to us here and makes us feel right at home. They also, feed you like they were your grandma by making sure you have had more than your share and are full and happy. Side note: Kirk we are having lots of rice so no Pei Wei for a while. ;) I don't want to forget the homemade cookies that Jocelyn brought for us that we were able to have at the past 2 meetings we have had as a group.

With much love from India,

Tracy Richardson for the team

This Little Piggy Went to Market...

Hey all,

Greg reporting on day two in Dowlaiswaram, India. What a day it's been, jam packed with fun, love, and excitement. For me the day started out with jumping out of my comfort zone by delivering a little devotional on prayer to Grace children and STS students during chapel. Public speaking is not my forte but surpisingly enough I felt total comfort in speaking to my attentive audience. More testament of that "inexplicable peace" that Christians experience by the grace of God.

One of our primary functions as missionaries is to learn about and do life with the people we have come to love and serve. To get a feel for community life in Dowlaiswaram some of the team took a walk through the market place a couple of blocks from CEM. This was no Kroger! I'm pretty sure the FDA back home would shut such place down had it been in the U.S. Then again I doubt you'd see a bunch of vendors sitting outside on the ground with piles of fish or with chickens tangling from ropes as flies have buzz about freely. I try not to think of these sights while eating back at CEM. All in all, though, our walk was quite the experience. The sights, sounds, and smells were almost overwhelming.

The rest of the day was spent treating the two-hundred-plus children from Grace Children's Home to fun and games out in the courtyard of CEM. I took particular pleasure in lobbing water balloons of the roof of a building onto the children below. Who knew serving could be such fun ;) The joy on the kids' faces as they play with their American friends makes the brutal travel, jet lag, and ant bites all worth while.

It's been a blast so far over here in India. This is my fifth time here, but it's been a new experience thus far being that my wife, Jess, is with me this time. It's been a joy to watch her experience all the things that keep me coming back each year, for the first time. I'm looking forward to sharing the rest of the week's experiences with her.

God bless,

Greg

Safely at CEM

After many hours of plane travel, layovers, and uncomfortable chairs we have arrived at CEM in one piece, and at peace! While the travel is never fun, it is always well worth it when we arrive here to be so warmly greeted by our brothers and sisters. I am certain that someone will update the blog with photos from our arrival as we received the traditional flower petal pelting! As Chris and I discussed, the ritual has grown to epic proportions as we all had a healthy dose of the flowers end up in our mouths (I think they practice it).

Anyway, the team is doing well, has mostly settled in, shared our first meal in the cafeteria, and received a tour of the campus conducted by Greg. Here's looking forward to an amazing, educational, exhausting week here in Dowlaiswaram. Jesus, may you be in front of us in all of our thoughts and actions and may they know that we are your disciples by our love for one another.

Jim for the team

All is well at Mumbai Airport

Hey folks!

I'm in Mumbai tapping this out at a free internet terminal at whose keyboard has seen better days. We have made it with all of our luggage and spirits intact. The team is tired, but excited for the last leg of the trip to be completed and the open arms that await at CEM. We are loking at about ten more hours of domestic travel, but all is well.

You'll hear more at the end of the day. Thanks for your continued prayers!

Chris for the team.

Twelve Landed in Amsterdam

Hey everyone - Chris here.

Just as most of you are calling it a night (if you haven't already), I'm glad to tell you that the first leg of our travel has been safely completed, although it was not totally what we expected.

Unfortunately, a couple of our team members - Jason and Liz - came down with influenza a day or two ago. After consulting with their doctors, they made the hard call to not come on the trip. This is a sad blow right at the outset of the trip, as we would have loved their energy and passion. This would have been Liz's second trip and Jason's first.

The good news is that they already have clearance from Delta Airlines to redeem their ticket for the February trip, so India hasn't seen the last of these two!

In the meantime, the rest of the team is tired, but well and exploring the wonders of Schiphol airport during our four hour layover. Please pray that we can somehow sleep during the flight to Mumbai and hit the ground rested.

More later - your prayers and good thoughts are felt!

Chris for the team

The Prayer Calendar

Hello Again -

I wanted to leave you with a prayer calendar so that you have some idea of our plans and what you can specifically pray for:

Thursday the 5th:
- Team departs Detroit Metro at 4:00 p.m. with our first stop in Amsterdam.
- Pray for safe travel and good rest on the plane.
- Pray for Chris & Jocelyn!

Friday the 6th:
- Pray for continued safe travel and for quick acclimation, as we begin to experience India and its many differences from our own culture.
- Remember that India is 10.5 hours ahead of Detroit Time.
- Pray for Greg & Jessica!

Saturday the 7th:
- As you are getting ready for bed on Friday night, we’ll be boarding a plane for the last leg of our trip!
- We arrive in Rajahmundry around noon (10:30 PM EST) to be greeted by the children and staff of CEM. The kids are getting a half day off from school to greet us!
- Please pray that we will have a great time reuniting with Jaya, his family, staff and kids from the Grace Children’s Home (GCH) and the Jaya (meaning “victory) English Medium School (JEMS) and that we’ll get a good night’s rest!
- Pray also for Anne & Margaret!

Sunday the 8th:
- Pray that as we worship God on this day with the Way of Life Church that He will strengthen us and prepare our hearts to do His work over the next few strenuous days.
- We'll spend a lot of time connecting with the GCH kids in the afternoon.
- Pray for Todd & Lisha!

Monday the 9th:
- Today the team will be working on several fronts, including JEMS and visiting the clinic.
- Some of us will be teaching, others will be connecting and building relationships with local community leaders
- Pray for the teachers as we teach across language and cultural barriers.
- Pray especially for Tracy K.!

Tuesday the 10th:
- Today the team continues to work in all areas of CEM
- Pray for the JEMS, the Sewing School and for our sharing time with the orphans!
- Pray also for Jim & Jason!

Wednesday the 11th:
- Another day of working alongside the CEM staff in all areas of ministry.
- Pray for the continued construction on the hospital!
- Pray for Tracy R. & Sarah!

Thursday the 12th:
- Our final full day with Jaya, the CEM ministry team, and the children!
- Pray for The Team as we finish our projects.
- Pray specifically for Liz!

Friday the 13th:
- Today the team says their final goodbyes (that is the hardest part!) and gets on a plane for the first leg of our trip home.
- Pray for health, for rest, for joy and unity as a team, and for strength to begin the long flight home early Saturday morning.
- Pray for our families, who have supported us and are undoubtedly ready to get us back home!
- Also pray for an extra measure of grace as we say our goodbyes to the kids!

Saturday the 14th:
- Pray for continued protection and blessing as we complete the trip home, and that God will help us find the right words to express what He has done in and through us during this awesome trip!

Thanks so much for your support and prayers! You'll hear from us soon!

- Chris for the Team

Meet the Team!

Hello, fans of CEM! For the past couple of years, getting the team blog re-started has been one of my favorite ways to prepare for an upcoming trip. It gives me a chance to start dreaming and praying for the team and preparing for another adventure with God. An initiative like this would never happen without a great group of individuals who have been called into it. Let me introduce the team in their own words:

Chris Cook: My first trip to India was almost eight years ago, and I’ve honestly been hooked ever since. After a sabbatical from it for a couple of years for school and family, I’m at CEM a minimum of once a year now and sit on the board of CEM USA, the domestic fundraising arm of the ministry. A lot has changed at CEM over the years – permanent buildings for the Grace Children’s Home, an English School for the neighborhood, and the anticipation of a new hospital now under construction – but CEM’s heartbeat for the poor of India has never changed. Funny thing is this: I go, and CEM changes me. I’m especially excited that, after years of seeing the wonder of God’s presence there, I’ll get a chance to see CEM through new eyes as my wife experiences it for the first time.

Jocelyn Cook: I heard about CEM through my husband, Chris, when we were dating. Initially, I wanted to see and experience the things that he had captured in his photography; but at some point I found that I wanted to serve that community and the people there. Last November when Chris was at CEM, he would call me and put some of the kids from the Grace Children’s Home on the phone. They would ask me when I was coming and tell me, “Jesus loves me, Jesus loves you, so I love you.” It was the only English some of them knew, but it melted my heart! I’m really excited about meeting the kids and seeing the work that is being done and the hope that it is providing in the community.

Greg Gortat: I am a 39 year old pharmacist. I've been doing mission work since February of 2007 with Rajahmundry, India being my sole mission destination. This will be my fifth trip. God has given me a heart for the people of India and the people of CEM in particular. Having been there four times in two years, it feels like a home away from home! It's been a win-win situation doing this kind of God's work. With each trip I am drawn closer to our Savior all while doing His work. This trip should prove to be exceptionally special in that my new wife will be attending with me.

Jessica Harris (Gortat!): I got saved about 2 years ago. I have never been to India or done any mission work. In college, I studied abroad in China for a semester; so I do have some experience with travel and being totally submerged in another culture. I have such a love for children so I'm sure the kids at CEM will steal my heart. I'm also excited (and nervous) to push myself and get out of my comfort zone with this trip. I have heard a lot about India and the children from my husband Greg so I am very excited to experience it firsthand!

Anne Johnson: I became a Christian in 2001 while serving with the Peace Corps in Batouri, Cameroon. After returning to the U.S., I moved to Austin, Texas and to my first real church home, Gateway Community Church. At Gateway, I got involved in service through Gateway Sports and Outdoors where she was able to combine her passions for fitness, God's magnificent creation, and connecting people in healthy, life-giving community. I now serve as a leader within Mobilization, Gateway's service and outreach ministry and have gone on mission trips to the Mexico border, Dominican Republic, and within Austin, Texas. Ever since first hearing of CEM several years ago in a church service, I have felt a calling to travel to Rajahmundry to experience this ministry and the beautiful things that God is doing there. With family in Minnesota and Chicago, I spend most of my free time with friends, my Little Sister Ana, and romping about the Texas hill country with my dogs Beau and Olie.

Todd Kilgus: I’m a business owner here in the U.S., but I love to serve and look forward to working with the kids and staff at CEM. I have been fortunate enough to have served in a previous mission to Africa, but this will be my first mission trip to India. It’s an amazing opportunity to love people and honor God.


Tracy Kott: I’ve never been to India or on a mission trip before. I have always wanted to go on one and really felt God telling me now was the time. I'm a nurse in Detroit, and I am really excited to go to India and spend time with the children and the members of our team. I can’t wait to see the work God will do in my life through this trip.


Jim Mayes: I find it difficult to describe my involvement with CEM in only a short paragraph. This will be my 7th trip there and suffice it to say it has become my home away from home. I am so passionately connected to Jaya, his family, the children of GCH, the staff, and all of the people I have had the privilege of meeting over the last couple of years. Each visit brings me a more clear understanding of why Jesus spent so much time talking about and surrounding himself with the poor. And each time I find myself wanting more to be like him. Although my position as CEM USA’s Executive Director has me responsible for fulfilling duties relative to the ministry, it is my heart and love for the people that fuel my passion and keep me connected. I am truly honored to be able to lead this team and I am super excited to see what God has for each member.

Sarah Million: This is my second trip to visit Rajahmundry and CEM. My first global mission trip was in November of 2008 to CEM. I was very excited to experience a new culture, to help out where I could, and connect with God. Little did I know that I would fall in love with the children and that they would be the ones to show me how deep and far God's love extends. This trip, I am excited to go; but for different reasons. I feel that I am going to back to visit with friends. Ever since I left the CEM campus last year, I have had the children on my mind constantly. When I left India last year, we had the ground breaking ceremony for the hospital. When I return, I get a chance to see physical evidence of God's ability and willingness to provide for his people. I am so excited to see what God is going to do with our team this year and how He is going to stretch each of us if we will let Him. He never ceases to amaze me!

Liz Overstreet: This will be my second trip to the Grace Children’s Home in India. I fell in love, not only with the children at the orphanage, but the Indian people and culture as well. When I left India in February, I knew I'd be back to be blessed by the people and children once again. So here I am incredibly excited to be returning and so grateful that God has allowed me this opportunity again.

Tracy Richardson: This is my first mission trip. I have a real passion for people and had been following CEM’s story for a long time, and God finally prompted me to see it for myself. I really feel blessed and honored to be a part of it. It’s a little overwhelming to think about sometimes, but I’m most excited to see the impact that God is having on the community through CEM, and how it is going to change the entire team!

Jason Saarela: I am a single dad of two beautiful little creatures – Meghan 13 and Joshua 8. I love kids, serving others, music and sports. Jesus Christ is at the center of my life. I have been to Ensenada, Mexico two times and La Carpio, Cost Rica once and had amazing experiences. This will be my first of hopefully many trips to India. I am so excited to go and share His hope, and His joy. I love to serve others, and I have always had a strong calling to be a blessing and encouragement to kids. I love kids. I am grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to serve.

Margaret Shimkus: I enjoy traveling and being a Nurse Practitioner; so when the two can be combined, I feel as though I'm living my purpose even more fully. I have been to Africa three times, including one trip working the Zulu people on a Kensington mission. This is my first time going to India, a place I have wanted to go for several years. My heart goes out to the homeless children who now have a place to call home. I hope to show them Jesus' care and compassion; and in the end, I know that I am always the one who is blessed.

Lisha Sterling: This will be my first global mission. God has put on my heart to further reach out to those in need. I am very excited to share the love and grace that God has shown me over the years by pouring into the children of the orphanage and staff members of CEM. God has put together an amazing team and I am excited to see what He has planned for all of us!

No truer words have been spoken, Lisha! Stay tuned over the next two weeks for stories, images and impressions from the team of this amazing adventure!

- Chris for the Team

Hospital Progress!

Unfortunately the Internet has been down for the last 30 hours or so which has delayed my posting of entries. Subsequently I have forgotten most of what I was going to write so I will just tell you what I have witnessed relative to the hospital construction over the last several days. I have included some pictures of the structure as it looked when we arrived here last week. They don't really do it justice but trust me when I tell you it is quite a sight. Particularly when you are standing on the top floor and you can look out over the village and basically see everything (and that is without the roof being done which will be 12' higher). As a point of reference for those of you that have been here, you can see clear over the CEM dorm buildings as well as Jaya's house. Throughout the week the crew there has been preparing to pour the slab for the fourth floor, which in and of itself was quite a sight, but did not even compare to what we witnessed yesterday as they were actually laying the slab. This process involved 100+ people, 1/2 of which were on the ground and the other 1/2 up top. I am going to upload the photos of this taking place to my Picasa site as there are simply too many to put here. Please go to the link when I send it to you; it is worth it!

I will share one thing in particular that happened while standing on the upper floor observing this mass of humanity performing one of the most difficult forms of manual labor I have ever personally witnessed. Many of the people were carrying pans of mixed concrete on there heads as they walked from one end of the building to the rear (130 feet) over a maze of steel bound together to provide support for the floor. I could barely walk 20' without nearly tripping 3 times. A majority of the those carrying out this ridiculous task were women that couldn't have weighted more than 75 pounds and the pots they carry with 50!! You can't fully appreciate this unless you witness it in person. I have included one picture as a teaser.

As I was preparing to leave the work sight I saw this women carrying cement back and forth. She looked very malnourished and, as you can see, had severe chemical burns on here face. Jaya told me that the burns were likely caused by some abuse, perhaps from a husband as he said many people here tend to be sadistic. The first couple of times I visited CEM I found myself in or near in tears several times. Since those visits until now the tears have wained as I have become a bit accustomed to the way of life here. However, this women brought me down as I began to relate my life and the "challenges" I think I have. I once again began to understand how vital it is that all of us recognize how much bigger the world is than our own back yard and that the human condition of suffering is endless. For me these moments reconnect me to a reality far greater than that of my daily life back home and beckons me to serve, even when it hurts!

That's all for now. Please visit the link for pictures and you will see what I mean by the work these people perform, oh, and remember it is mid to upper 90s with a humidly near 95%.

This will likely be my last post as I am preparing to leave for the airport in a couple of hours. Thanks to all for your prayers and for taking the time to read a very simple chronicle of some things we have experience here this week. It has been a pleasure having Sal here with me as he is a true brother in Christ and tends to be my calming factor when I get a bit worked up. Thanks Sal!

Building Bridges

Such a large part of what I love to do here is to build relationships with people from the city and village. I have to admit the first time I was to have a lunch/meeting with local politicians I was

a bit intimidated and unsure of how it would go. Since that first meeting I have not only become more comfortable in our gatherings, but I actually look forward to them. This picture is one taken outside a restaurant in the city of Rajahmundry. We did not have any particular agenda, but rather wanted to stay connected with them for a multitude of reasons, first of which is to make sure they know that we are interested in them as people and desire to develop authentic relationships with them over time. The simple fact that we go in with no agenda likely speaks for itself. In this photo is the Deputy Mayor, the Mayor, a County Government Official, an attorney, and local business people. I have met with the Mayor and the Government Official on a few occasions in the past so we are truly moving toward understanding each other and what our goals are. We are doing the best we can to move out into the people and begin to work with them and not to be insular in our presence at CEM. I don't know exactly how God will use this approach but I am certain it is the correct one and all we are required to do is to follow Him in the way He leads us. We will continue to stay connected to these people and to prayerfully show them through our actions that we genuinely care for them.

This next story is amazing and I would say to this point has been the highlight of the trip (except maybe being with the kids). On my right is Sunil Prasad and on my left is Ganesh Kumar. Sunil works at a local paper mill and Ganesh is an accountant working for himself. Some of you may recall a meeting that we (Jeff P., Sal, Jim) had back in February with 24 Hindu leaders and business people for the simple purpose of getting to know one another and finding some common ground. These two gentlemen were a part of the gathering and were keenly interested in my offer to find ways to work together in partnership to help the village residents. In that February meeting I had posed the question, "what are the three greatest needs of your people", to which they responded, "medical care, clean water, and care for the elderly". Of course my first thought was, "what about the children". As I began to think about this answer, and why they didn't mention the children, I realized that the perception of many third world nations is that people from the West caring for children is almost a given and while the need for more orphanages and child-care programs is huge, it is the most common way we represent ourselves. Subsequently this led me to search within myself in an attempt to come to some understanding as to why we feel this way, and the simple answer is that children are automatically cute, helpless, etc., etc., and all of us that have children will be immediately drawn to this type of serving. That is great and necessary and is certainly following God's heart, but what about other groups of very needy, very deserving people. In particular, the elderly. My suspicions that this group is largely ignored was confirmed at the meeting and lunch with these two gentlemen earlier this week. After our "hellos" and "how are your families" were done, we plunged right into furthering the conversations from last February, particularly surrounding two subjects.

1: Clean water. I asked if it would be a big help if we were to start working together to provide wells in different areas of the village (I know, dumb question). I was surprised, however to learn that it is not the best way and that almost all wells, old and new, provide contaminated water. This is due mainly to the ground water and sewage waste that soaks into the land here and eventually finds it way to the water beds from which well water is drawn. Instead, they proposed an idea (which it sounds like Microsoft is doing in other areas) which is more of a community well or larger water tower that can supply many. The water, as it is in our smaller towns, would be pumped into the tower and subsequently filtered and made available to residents to use. The conversation got way more technical regarding the process, but I will spare you of that. Needless to say it gave us a lot to think about.

2. Elderly care. This is the one that grips me. These two guys showed more compassion for the elderly than any that I have seen in my travels to Dowlaiswaram. They fervently shared their feelings of despair and sorrow for the thousands of elderly people who are homeless and left to die alone. In the middle of our conversation I showed them a portion of a video that Kensington Church did a few years back that told a story of one homeless elderly man and the way that the hospital could help. While watching the video both of them teared up and appeared as though they were struggling not to burst into an all-out cry! It blew me away, mostly because there is such a sense of apathy toward the elderly among many of the people I have encountered.....but not these two. We discussed some possible ways we could partner together to work on programs to address this situation. Again, I will spare you the details as it was a lengthy conversation, but suffice it to say that I am excited about where God will lead in this process and I am also excited that we can work together on this.

I wish I could share more about this but there is simply too much to write. If anyone is interested in joining these efforts please reach out to me. Please pray that as we continue to develop these relationships that we will be sensitive to God's direction and always look to Him first and then act in obedience.

J

The New Church Building Location!

I thought this would be neat for anyone that has been here in the last couple of years. This picture is of the land that, up until recently, had the JEMS building nearest the stage on it. This is the view from near the gate looking back at Jaya's house. For years this building served as one of two building in which the JEMS children met for school. It was recently torn down so that a new church building can be erected. The opportunity to build this church has been made possible by a very generous, anonymous donation.

This building will serve a multitude of functions in addition to housing the Sunday service where many from the village as well as all of the children, MTS, STS, staff, and family of the staff gather to worship. Other programs that will take place are: 4 chapel services per day, MTS training, Graduation ceremonies for MTS and STS, Pastor conferences, Marriage ceremonies, and many other functions as they arise.

Due to the removal of the building there was a need to find an alternate location in which the JEMS program could be located. In typical Jaya fashion the upper floor of the "new" back dorm behind the girls block was retrofitted to accomplish this, and it is great! Below I have posted two photos; one of this retrofit and one of the other JEMS building that remains in its original location (with a new steel roof replacing the straw roof).

For those who do not know what JEMS is, it stands for Jaya English Medium School. The word Jaya means "victory" in Telegu and is not some egomanical attempt by Jaya to get his name on everything :) JEMS is a private school held on the campus of CEM in which children from the surrounding village can send their children at rates much less than many of the local private schools. These children are either Hindu or Muslim so it is a great opportunity to have them around observing the rest of the children and staff that are followers of Jesus. Currently there are more than 165 children enrolled. Wow!

Perfect Religion

I am sure when you read the title to this entry many of you, as I would have, shuttered and thought "uh oh, here we go with some fanatical ideology that will be forced down my throat". This is largely because the word "religion" carries with it several negative connotations and its definition is ambiguous at best. However, it wasn't always that way and Jesus had a few thoughts of His own as to what "it" should look like. We are also given some food for thought in James 1:27 where the writer tells us that "religion our God considers perfect and faultless is this, to care for orphans and widows in their distress...". The above picture gives a tangible example of this "religion" in practice.





Many of you are familiar with GCH (grace children's home) which is a home for children who have been orphaned or in one way or another left to fend for themselves. This home has been providing care for these children for several years and it continues to be blessed and serve as a light in a very dark place, particularly for this people group. There are a few very special, gifted, loving, and serving staff who daily look after all 225 children. This number, while seemingly large, is just a drop in the bucket when considering that recent statistics point to nearly 12 million homeless/marginalized children in the country of India. That number is staggering and could lead a person to say, "what is the point". The point is that Jesus teaches us in several passages how he feels about children (Mark 9:37, Luke 10:21, Matthew 11:25) and also tells us that in all people groups, including children, "whatever you do unto the least of one of these brothers of mine, you do unto me, (Matthew 25:40). Mother Theresa was also quoted as saying "if you can't feed a hundred people, feed just one", and "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop".




As I have traveled here several times and have gotten to know several of the children quite well, there attitude and gratitude never cease to amaze me, particularly in the midst of what is often personal trauma. I am always a bit suprised when I come back to learn that some of the children I have come to know are no longer living in GCH. Often times they get to an age where some distant family members will come to claim them because they are old enough to work and make money for the family. Other times they will return to a parent that has found work and can afford to feed them. Whatever the circumstance I sometimes feel saddened as though someone has taken one of my children away, and, while they are likely in an environment that will better serve there need for true family, it still tugs at my heart.





The change in the children rostered here has changed more on this trip than any in the past, due largely to the fact that many of the children are getting older. In fact the total number of children who have left the campus since I was here in February is 32! That is a huge number and it came as a big shock to me and to Sal. I talked with Jaya and tried to get as many of the stories as possible but that didn't ease the pain of missing them. However, I also learned that there are 45 new children now living here with an ever-growing waiting list, currently at 50 children. It goes without saying that the need is endless.



I thought it may be good to share a few specific stories of some newcomers:




This is M. Durga Bhavani Devi and N. Divya Kumari. They have recently joined GCH as they both lost their fathers to disease and there mothers, untrained and with no particular skills, are unable to feed them and keep them clothed. They told Jaya right in front of me that they would go several days without food. The most amazing thing is that they are so gracious, full of smiles, and worship so fervently that I am ashamed of my own apathy. It is funny how we can be motivated to grow by the most unlikely of people.




This is Anjali and B. Siddadha. They are brother and sister and have also recently moved to the campus. There story is a bit different in that their mother recently died from disease and their father, upon her death, disappeared and abandoned them at their home with no warning or explanation. They too have an amazing spirit that can only be explained by God's grace.



This precious gem is Mounika. I connected with her intensely the very first day I was here. She has such an amazing spirit and the joy she carries with her certainly surpasses understanding. The circumstances that brought her here were a raging alcoholic father and a mother that has been forced to do manual labor and other work in order that the father can drink. Not an ideal environment for such an amazing child with so much potential.



These are just a few of the many stories of the children at GCH which likely represent millions more across the country, and, while it is such a privilege to be able to help in any small way available, there remains the need for dedicated followers of Jesus to be willing and obedient to whatever part they may play in the lives of these people as well as all worldwide who need Him. Please continue to pray for Sal and me as we continue to have amazing encounters and conversations with people like the lunch we had with two Hindu gentlemen where we discussed several options for partnering together to serve this community. What an amazing experience that I will share in an upcoming entry.

Serving,

Jim

Hello from Dowlaiswaram, India!! I have been attempting to post the first blog but the unstable Internet environment has made it difficult. Now that I seem to have few minutes of connection time I am excited to share some things with all of you. Before I get ahead of myself the photo to the left is of Keerthi Grace, Jaya's youngest adopted daughter. This is the little angel that Craig dedicated in February of 2008 after her mother abandoned her, post delivery. She is a spark and a joy to be around.

For those of you that are not aware, this trip is not a "team trip" but rather one of the interim trips that I make in order to accomplish several things, most importantly continuing to develop an already amazing relationship with Jaya, his family, the CEM staff, the Children and GCH, and several Dowlaiswarians (my word). As there are several things to blog about this week I think it best to choose a topic or two for each blog, rather than attempting to shove a ton of information into one or two entries. One point of interest is that we arrived here to learn (or remember) that this week the Hindus are celebrating the festival of ganesh and the Muslims, Ramadan. For those of you that have been here, imaging the prayers from both groups over the loud speakers that take place throughout the day (and night) and multiply it times 6......Ambien is my friend :)

Let me first say that Sal and I are fully appreciative of the prayer and support of all who have been involved and aware of our trip. We have felt a covering and a peace about everything we have encountered to date. Moreover, we have been able to witness some amazing things that God is doing here through the faithful, diligent efforts of Jaya Sankar and the many committed staff members. Over the last couple of years they have become family to me and I feel (and am) so welcome here to the point where I almost don't understand it. After all I am no one special but these people certainly have a way of making you feel that you are.......

Of the many items to cover, I will first begin with the STS (Sewing Training School) program. As many of you know for years there has been a program available to widows and single women where for one year they are trained in the vocation of sewing/tailoring. Upon completion of the program they are given a new sewing machine in order that they can both make clothes for themselves and their families, and have the opportunity to earn an income to support themselves. There is much I could say about how widowed women are marginalized in society but suffice it to say that the opportunities to support themselves are few and far between and the need for programs such as this is great.

At any given time there are around 25 women enrolled in the program. Now the really cool stuff....presently there are around 60!!!!!!! In the ever visionary mind of Jaya, he has opted to open up the school to women outside the village and to offer those traveling from greater distances to take up residency on the campus and attend the school during the day. This has caused exponential growth in enrollment for very little cost, but that's not all. The program is now bi-vocational in that half of the day they are trained in sewing and the other half they are in a Bible program. The most amazing part about this is that all of these women are of Hindu upbringing yet because of the generosity of the program (no cost to them at all) they are open, willing, and wondering what this whole Jesus thing is all about. Way to go Jaya! I asked Jaya to have them line up for a photo today so that I could share with all of you this amazing thing that is happening here. As you look at this picture, imagine a nation of beautiful people (1.2 billion expected to reach 2 billion by 2020), and some of the most gracious people I know, a majority of which are suffering from a multitude of diseases, hunger, homelessness, prostitution, child abuse, and many other atrocities that make most of us uncomfortable to even talk about. As followers of Jesus we are commanded to honor some very specific directives if we are to call ourselves disciples of his; to love God and love others. Jesus, by example, gave us many ways in which we can love others. In particular Jesus had a special sense of mission to poor and oppressed people of which there is no shortage here.

Thank you for taking the time to read my rant and please continue to check for new entries each day until I return. (9-20)

Jim Mayes

Things to come in the next few entries: Hospital update, MTS, Some new ideas, etc.....

PLEASE PASS THE LINK TO THIS BLOG ON TO ANYONE YOU THINK MAY ENJOY OR BENEFIT FROM IT.

Heart Surgery

Each trip for me is an experience of Jesus changing my heart of stone into a heart of flesh that beats loudly and regularly for precious people he loves so dearly. Another chunk of stone was chipped away and although painful like any heart surgery, it in the end is so worth it. A hunch over woman who I have seen now for the last four years comes again for hope and prayer for healing of her backbone ravaged by years of skeletal flourosis. I layed my hand on her hardened back and could not speak any words. Instead a piece of stone was chipped away in my heart, sobbing I saw Jesus incarnated in this desparate woman's need. We not only take Jesus, we go to him. "In as much you have done it to the least of these.....you have done it to me". He is the motive and He is the end.


The Hindus' are a deeply religious people. They are sincere seekers of Truth. The problem is nearly all of them are consumed by their daily needs. They cannot afford to think, contemplate, read, listen to the Truth. They must experience the Truth in action. This is what will reach this kind and gentle people. The future hospital will be a game changer indeed with thousands experiencing Truth through compassionate medical care. Another chuck of stone chipped away and a heart beating with compassion for these honorable, courageous people.

Walking the Grace Children to school presented a surreal experience of suddenly realizing this is part of what I was made for. As many of you know as the result of Vita's MS condition we chose not to have children. Yet Jesus gave me a vision years ago that I would be a Father indeed to many children. I am a Father to the the fatherless. I deeply love my children. They are all very beautiful. Weeping as I held their tiny hands walking, another huge rock got chipped away. My heart of flesh beats wildly for my children would call me their friend, their brother, their father.

These are the thoughts and observations of one who has been honored to experience a kind of Heart transformation that only can be performed by Jesus himself. He is the only one who is capable of doing this kind of heart surgery. I trust Him more now than ever in doing His work on my heart. It is so well worth it.

Sal

On Our Way Home

We have just arrived at the Hyderabad Airport which is our first stop on our journey back home. Today has been an amazing day as we were able to walk the GCH children to school one last time before boarding the bus that would take us to the RJY Airport. Saying goodbye to all 210 children is always an emotional event, but I think it climbed a couple of notches on the cry-o-meter this time. We had some people from the team really connect with the children over the last several days, and this was painfully obvious as I watched them say their goodbyes. The children have a way of quickly working into your heart and when you say goodbye it feels like a part of your heart is literally being pulled from your chest to stay with them. The wonderful thing about this is that it serves as confirmation that they truly do feel loved by us when we make these trips to be with them for the week. I am going to leave the details of the morning to a couple others as I feel they will be better at relaying how they personally felt.

I do, however, want to take a moment to let everyone know how awesome the team was this week! I have been on a few trips to CEM both as a team member and a team leader and I can tell you that I was amazed at how well everyone got along, how wonderfully they engaged with the children and staff, how great the team meetings and interactions were, and how it truly defined the word team as everyone worked together for the good of the people and didn't let petty differences get in the way. It was also great that nobody got sick this week, which is amazing as it seems there is always one. Thank God for that!!!

As far as the ensuing travel, we have just completed the 1 hour flight to Hyderabad where most of the team members took a taxi into town to do some shopping. Some of us veterans (Sal, Dave, Greg, me) opted to stay behind and relax before moving on. We have about a 6 hour layover here and then we will board the plane for another 1 hour flight to Mumbai. After a 7 hour layover there, we will board KLM to take a 9+ hour flight to Amsterdam. Again we have a 3 hour layover and will board the last plane for our final leg to Detroit (except Megan and Marissa)which arrives on Saturday around 2:00 in the afternoon. Please pray that the remainder of our travel will go as well as the travel on the way here went. Thanks for viewing our blog this week and be sure to keep checking as we will post until we are home!!

This has been such an eventful week and everything seems to have culminated into quite a Thursday! I have already experienced such an array of emotion and it's only 2pm. I don't even know where to start- but I will begin with the way my day usually begins here; walking the CEM children to school. It is about a 1/2 mile journey where "journey" is the operative word. On any given trip I have been lucky enough to be attached to at least 4 small hands at a time and have also been attempting (poorly) to learn bits of the Telagu language while dodging small yellow taxis, bicyclists, piles of manure, water bufallo, open sewer systems and snakes on our way to both the middle and high schools. It is always an adventure for me but they seem to manage it twice a day. These children are amazing and they are definitely going to be the hardest part of leaving this place.

Today was unique because 5 members of our team (Lauren, Holly, Marissa, Matt and Myself) had the opportunity to recommit our lives to Jesus and had the honor of being baptized by Jaya, Jeff and Dave at a local waterpark. To clarify, waterparks are not a common occurrence in the streets of Rajahmundri, so I think we all felt pretty privileged. It was such an awesome thing to see the men of CEM's Missionary Training School (MTS) accompany us and pray and sing for us during the ceremony- it was truly a gift from God.

As we rode the cramped CEM bus back to campus following the baptizm we passed a Hindu burial ground for about the 5th time this week. The significance of what Jaya and the men and women of CEM are doing here was really solidified in that picture for me. It is so hard to look at a place that holds the bodies of so many expired Hindu lives and not feel an eerie sense of loss and frustration. The vision of the CEM MTS graduation ceremony from the previous night really stands out to me as a stark contrast and answer to this devestation. God is working in amazing ways in Rajahmundri and it is awesome to see Jaya sending so many strong men and women of God into the country to share his love. I can only imagine what he has in store for each one of these graduates and I am so blessed to have witnessed this picture of hope first hand.

As yesterday was the MTS graduation, most of the MTS students- who I have really grown to love over the past week- left this morning to head home with their families and continue the work God has for them in their home towns. We had a small chapel service and communion followed by tearful goodbyes, lots of prayers and lots of hugs and kisses. I am so glad to have entered into the lives of these people and find it amazing to think about how we will all be able to communicate freely (no language barriers) and will be "home" when we meet up again in Heaven. Amy

What an amazing day. God has really blessed this trip and I am in awe of what an incredible team he has put together. It's been very hard being here without my father, Craig Mayes. This is his first year not coming to India, and his first time watching someone in the family go without him. I think of him every moment because this place is filled with memories. They are memories of the battle we fought together in order to build a kingdom for God. It feels weird to not have him here. It was nine years ago, I was eleven, the first time we came. Since then I have really watched a kingdom grow in Jesus' name. What an encouragement.

This morning I had the opportunity of teaching at chapel. I was told the night before and was worried about what to teach. I am not great with the last minute thing. As I was laying in bed last night I suddenly knew exactly what to say. I gave them the message that my family, as one team, has been learning this past year. I believe my uncle Jim has as well. In John 9 there is a story about how Jesus healed a blind man. This is a beautiful and complex passage that has manifested into something very different for my family lately. The key is not in the middle or end of the passage, but in the beginning. It says: "As Jesus went along he SAW". The idea is that as we go through life we have the opportunity to really follow Jesus by SEEING people. Truly seeing something requires us to be looking for it in the first place. Jaya and his extended family already do that so well, and it has been a huge catalyst for what my family is now doing in NYC, and for what I believe a lot of great people are now doing in their lives. We are so blessed to have witnessed CEM grow.

After Chapel I went into town with Lakshmi, Jaya's wife, and Dave Droste. We went to run what I thought would be a few "quick" errands. To our surprise we returned at 1:00 pm. Dave and I laughed every time Lakshmi would stop the jeep at yet another store or tailor. Like..."Are you kidding me?" It was hilarious. However, going into town with her was a great experience. Standing in the street in the city of Rahjumundry is overwhelming. The flood of people that surrounded drenched me with emotion. How could there be this many people all surviving, feeling loved and cared for? The answer: they're not. Although their faces are painted with smiles, the density of this city is too much to bear at heart. The encouragement came from watching Lakshmi walk down the street and wave to people she knew working in the shops. She conversed in the stores she is a regular at. I began to think: If Lakshmi can intervene in lives like this, and the growing body of Christ here can as well, then this city becomes smaller. Our God is the God of the impossible.

This evening was the MTS graduation. I have attended a number of these in the past but none of them have measured up to this one. Bottom line: My uncle Jim was dressed in a sequence-like purple gown and had to sit on stage during the whole ceremony. To Jaya's dismay our team had a bit of hard laughter tonight. Many comments were said to the effect of:"Only in India". Bugs were flying in our noses and out our ears, the speakers were buzzing and deafening and yet they expect us not to laugh. This, my friends, is India. A million noises can be coming from every direction and no Indian will blink. They have cows in the middle of their highways.

They asked us to sing a song at the end of graduation and we obliged. Jeff led us in: "How Great is Our God", a song that only half of us knew the lyrics to. As we stood in front of the microphone and began, every musical note known to mankind poured out of our mouths. The sound was atrocious. Jeff Petherick and I began to shake with laughter. As our laughter grew our singing became broken and soon the only ones left singing and not laughing were the ones who didn't know the words. Figures.

Amidst all of the laughter, there was a serious joy. I was invited to stand on stage and help hand out the diploma stuff. As the MTS graduates passed me by, I thought of what is to come for them. I thought of the battle they have to face. They are going to a serious war. There were at least ten women who graduated. WOO HOO. They are all precious and I got an opportunity to hang with them in class the other day. They have great hearts, and some of them are my age! There faces and names are imprinted in my mind and I will be praying that God will bless their ministry.

Ever since we landed here I can't stop smiling.

-Megan Mayes