numbers

"Never worry about numbers. Help 1 person at a time and always start with the person nearest you." Mother Teresa 

Today has been India day it seems. We had our official conference call with Missions.Me and then got to enjoy an authentic Indian dinner hosted by a family at church. They spent years upon years in India sharing the gospel and wanted to give us a heads up on what its like. We were also given a few authentic Indian garments to try on and take with us on the trip...I may post a picture...well see :) 

With all this information its easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many cultural things to remember like which hand to eat food with (the right one ONLY), the way they nod yes, or safety issues about passports and pick-pocketers...its just a lot. But I read this quote from Mother Teresa and it really helps me focus. All the logistics are great, and quite necessary, but I have to remain steadfast on my purpose above all else. I'm going to India not for the experience, the cultural awareness or because 112 degree weather sounds really enjoyable. We all signed up for this trip so we could touch someone, they just happen to be more than halfway across the earth. 

I think this remains true in everyday life too. It can be discouraging when you think of the need in this world- India alone has over 1.2 billion people-People who have nothing, whether through poverty or because they don't know Jesus, or both....its easy to feel outnumbered.  But here I'm reminded that the numbers don't count...1. because Jesus already overcame the world and 2. because well I mean she's right. I'm one person so chances are I can really only help one person at a time, and that's ok. So this week as we all prepare, I'm going to keep this in mind- I don't want to wait until I'm in Asia to start helping people. I want to be aware now of how I can help others, especially my teammates. And then next week when I just happen to be in India and the nearest person to me is an Indian orphan I can help them too. It seems simple, probably because it is. 

Continue to pray for me and my team. We found out today we will be in Patna in Bihar,which google maps tell me is right here:                                               

                                                                      

Day 1 and 2 of our trip will be spent at a Women's Conference followed by a Youth Conference, both of which I am extremely thrilled about. The rest of the week is dedicated to opening at least 1 new orphanage a day. Yay! In the meantime I'm trying to get used to eating pb&j every day for lunch so pray that I learn to love that too. Good news for you just in case you are wondering- Missions.Me will be posting updates and info about our trip and pics all week 

          right here at http://www.missions.me/team.html

That's it for now. As we get closer I'll have more to update! I just got my malaria pills so I'll start taking those soon- now I just need to go shopping with all the money you donated! So thanks! 

[Countdown to India: 9 days]