At the time I am writing this, I have been in India for a little over one month! I can't believe it! For all those who have been patiently waiting to hear from me, I want to extend my SINCERE apologies for the delay in my communicating with you!! Internet is not always reliable here and it has been difficult for me to have time at a computer. All across our local area, we usually lose power twice a day, sometimes for three hours at a time. I have to confess, though, that I have not been missing "my technology" very much at all-"no phone, no computer, no problem"...something I like to say here, lol. =D
Life in INDIA...where do I start? I already have half a journal full (literally) of stories I wish I could share with you all, but in order to do that, I'd have to write a book! Hmmm, maybe someday I will, lol, but until then, I'll do my best to keep current with this blog and occasional emails. As I have the time and opportunity, I hope to post more pictures as well.
At this time, I am with friends on the Southeast coast of India, learning how to trust, obey and follow the LORD. Following the LORD is not always easy, though it is the only way to LIVE-He is the Potter, I am His clay; He is the Shepherd, I am His sheep; He is my Father, and I am His and "He leads me beside still waters" and quiets my soul daily. His rod and His staff are great comforts to me here. (Psalm 23)
"Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will He instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and His offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His Covenant." (Psalm 25:12-14)
It took a couple weeks to establish a routine, but I must say that things here feel surprisingly "natural" for me-the transition was pretty smooth, praise the LORD. I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is where I'm supposed to be. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! Praise Him for His faithfulness in bringing clarity into my life!
A rough outline of my daily routine is currently as follows:
- 5am-"Rise and Shine!...And give God the glory, glory"... hehe)
- 5:45a-Morning prayer with the other women I am here with
- 7:45a-Chapel (Monday-Friday) with the children at the Home I am visiting here. Occasionally, I am asked to share a message from Scripture with them :)
- 9a-10:45a-Time with the kids at school. At present, I am observing the Upper Kindergarten class =D
- 10:45a-11a-CHAI TIME!!! YAY! Delicious! hehe
*My afternoons before lunch are free to seek the LORD, pray, read, journal, etc. and catch up on things back at the Home...
- 1:30p-I tutor my friend's kids in Science-I am helping them with Anatomy and Physiology at the present time...fun stuff! (I know I'm a nerd, haha)
- 5p-Back at our Home, I help four girls who are in "2nd class" (2nd grade) with all of their homework for the night [usually consisting of English, Spelling, Math, Science, Telegu (other than English, this is the main language used in my area), and Hindi (also another language used in this area, but not as frequently)]. These girls brighten up my heart-they are eager to learn (for the most part, lol) and are so full of life and love.
*After dinner, I usually have an hour or two of free time before showering [yes, we have showers (Korean-style, hehe)!! And toilets for that matter...Yay!]. Not many late nights for me since I've been here, lol-my internal time clock has made a switch for the better, I think. :)
Things I have been learning here:
- How to be humble
- How to be submissive-in a good way! :)
- How to be long-suffering (patient) and forgiving
- How to be a "servant of all"
- How to LOVE
- AND A SURPRISE!!!- HOW MUCH I ENJOY TEACHING! lol
Teaching has brought me out of myself and opened up a whole new world that I have never known before. The children here are instruments in the hands of my God to "open my eyes and open my heart" to the wonders of HIS LOVE...they are my 'streams in the desert'. (Isaiah 43:19)
Thank you for your prayers and support!!! I hope to write again soon.
With Love and Gratitude,
~Cecilia
