So far!

We are now on month two here in India, which feels strange to think about. It feels like such a greater length of time than that, and at the same time doesn't feel at all long enough for this season to be over halfway through. While my body has not been satisfied and my mind has been confused, my spirit is at total peace and love.

Being over halfway through this summer of India, I've been thinking about some of the memories and times which have remained vivid in my mind. Knowing that God wrote them all for me, I would love to share them with you all. These are memories God crafted and illustrated, for us to share with one another here on His kingdom. These moments are just as much for me as they are for you. That being said, here are my top 3 sentiments thus far, in no particular order.

1. Waterpark Day. A few Saturdays ago, five of us jumped on the opportunity to go to a waterpark with a bunch of the special needs children here at Sarah's Covenant Homes. It was a three hour drive to get there, in a hot van without AC. Rushing past us was the Indian countryside, dusty and temple-filled. There were around 25-30 kids with us, each of which required some assurance. I stuck with two girls throughout the day, who we'll call Ribka and Lakshmi for their security. 
Ribka is one of the most cheerful girls you'll ever meet, around the age of 13. She cannot walk and has been diagnosed with MR, but is always smiling and replies with laughter to most everything and anything. It was my joy to push her around in her wheelchair for a good portion of the day, and help lift her into some of the rides she couldn't get into herself. But truly the most amazing part of the time I spent with her was when we got in the shallow pool. While I was expecting to carry her the whole time, Ribka came alive in the water, a place where her legs were not necessary. She pulled herself around on her hands, laughing and smiling and splashing, totally independent. To watch her move about so freely was one of the most moving moments of my heart. 
Lakshmi is another sweet girl, full of laughter, around 7 years old. Unlike Ribka, she can walk, but has difficulty due to her blindness. She cannot see at all, but rather feels her way around. The ground at the park was very veru hot (because India…) and Lakshmi didn't have any shoes, so I was very blessed in getting to carry her to the big wave pool. Sarah and I stayed with Lakshmi in the pool, and just as I had with Ribka, watched her come alive. She threw herself around, nearly drowning out of excitement. She couldn't see the water, but she sure could feel it. All in all, indescribable. No words to fully sum it up.

2. Prayer walks! On days here in India when we don't have much to do, our team splits up into groups of three to spread out over the city and do whatever we feel God asks for us. This can be prayer, singing, talking to people, whatever we feel led to do. On one occasion of this, our small group took an auto to a busy street, got out, and walked onto streets we had never seen before. We worshipped God as we walked past massive Hindu temples, singing to God as we continued down streets with people staring at us all the while. Eventually we ended up meeting three women, one of which invited us into her house which consisted of one small room with a bed, a small stove, and a dresser. With nothing else to give us, she eagerly showed us her wedding album and we looked over the photos excitedly. We were so honored and humbled! Many other women crowded the doorway to see that yes, indeed,  there were white Christians in the house. They all came to us and asked for prayer, and we ended up talking and praying with many other women who they introduced us to on that street. Again, an indescribable moment. You never know what each day brings, who might bless you!

3. Tuk tuks! No memory in particular sticks out to me about the tuk tuks, I just love them. Also known as autos, the tuk tuks are the Indian equivalent of taxis. Much as I imagine taxis would be in New York, the autos are EVERYWHERE. Three wheeled, no windows, no limit on capacity, completely fantastic. The group squeezes in as tightly as they can and go! My heart is so happy in them, seeing India streets rush by but feeling a part of them at the same time. Sticking my head out the side only to be smacked by a cow tail. Indian wind on your face, so many people in such a short time. Dirt roads and tons of speed bumps. No traffic laws. People staring, yelling at us from their motorcycles. I just love them. 

I would write more, but my Internet time is almost up. I would post pictures, but my iPhone won't allow it. Regardless, these are my Indian moments so far, and I'm happy to share them with you all! Month Two is well underway, and we are ready to make the most of it!