read it!

You must read this book. It is nothing short of amazin and is my new favourite book. I ate it up in 2 days. It was that good.

amazing song!

So I recently stumbled across this amazing song by Phil Wickham. I love it so much that I wanted to share it:

Heaven Song

update

Well, it's been awhile since I blogged. So a brief update of now is in order I supposed. You may now call me a city slicker. Just  kidding! But I did move to the city! And got a job waitressing at Salisbury House. What can I say, the tips won me over...

In other news, I read an interesting article the other day...

how to read your Bible

So starting today, I am challenging myself to read the Bible thru in a month. This is not intensive study, or pausing to underline every interesting bit. This is simply reading, and trusting the Spirit will give me remembrance of the word as I need it. So of course, that means I don't have time for a lengthy blog update. That is all.

Chaos

I've decided that is the one word that sums up India. Well, from Hampi we headed to Kolkata and volunteered at the Mother Teresa house. Me and ML were stretched working at the orphanage with the handicapped kids, and the guys worked at a home for men. It was exhausting but good-for-us work. Kudos to all mothers out there-you guys are amazing for all you do. 4 days of it is enough for me! We also met a brother from Toronto working in Kolkata for a year, and hung out with him and friends. We also got to go to their church which was cool. With a bunch more quotes (mainly Mother Teresa) added to my stash we caught the train (a means of traveling which I've thoroughly enjoyed) to Varanasi, where we enjoyed some peanut brittle and got to touch base with friends from Arambol. We also got to meet Kent's friend from last year and enjoy a nice team dinner together looking out at the ghats. From here we trained to Agra, where we packed in a day of the Taj, Agra Fort, and enjoyed a hotel involving luggage boys, a door man, and a hot shower. After a few hrs of sleep we-you guessed it-trained to Mumbai which is where I write this from. The last day. It is bittersweet, I'm excited to see everyone again but sad to leave India and the good times we've had. It's not over though, this is a lifestyle that I hope we all carry out wherever we go. I am very thankful for India/backpacking and the appreciation it gives me for seemingly ordinary pleasures which are known as luxuries-a hot shower, a washing machine (I haven't washed my jeans in 2 months-my mother would be proud! Jk!), a comfortable bed, silence, toilet paper, clean washrooms,...the list could go on and on. But, I am out of time so I will say adios, next update coming at you probably from NZ. Hey, have an amazing day!

An Overdue Update

Well, I am still alive and well in India. To be honest I don't even know where to begin. I often find myself thinking of how I could possibly describe India to those who haven't been, and still find myself at a loss for words. I think it's somewhere you just have to see yourself to really know. In brief...  my team spent the first 3 weeks down south in Arambol which is a huge tourist spot. From there we overnite bused it to Hampi where we've been a week. After a few nites here Kent actually ended up meeting a pastor who runs a cafe (though it's currently closed) and he is blessing us with accommodation. Crazy how God works eh? This wknd we got to experience the local train and headed to his hometown to attend church. It was a day and a half affair and his family warmly welcomed us into their home, feeding us an abundance of good food, borrowing and giving us clothing, and even doing our laundry for us! We attended 4 church services and are slowly but surely getting our singing act up to par. We also got to pray for a bunch of people, including praying for a few healings which was really cool. I'm really touched by how hospitable the people here are. Ok, this update does not do these last few weeks justice but it will have to do for now, I'm outta time and I have more of India awaits! I'll leave you with a quote I stumbled upon:


"Success is failure turned inside out."

India

Ive made it to India where speed limits and signals mean nothing and horns mean everything. FYI a 10 hr taxi ride is not smart for weak stomachs. Slowly adjusting to heat. Loving the pol here, locals and travelers alike. God definitely went ahead and prepared the way as we face open doors and meet pol really easily. A highlite for me wad blessing 2 indien children with Hacky sacs and planning with them. Merry Christmas all!

which hand?

So. In 5.5 hrs my team and I leave for India. Our first bit consists of a van ride, 3 flights, a long layover, most likely crashing in an airport, a 5ish hr train ride, and then who knows. I'm so so so excited to go bring the light that is Christ to these people and just pour out His love on them. I've been eating with my hand nearly all week in preparation, and just cuz it's so fun, and contemplating whether or not it's possible to go 8 weeks without toilet paper (some of you may be shocked to find out the left hand is quite useful for wiping in India. And even more shocked to know I'm so going to try it!) and cutlery. I shall find out shortly.. .more seriously though, my team has been having some sweet prayer times together. Some things we've been praying is that we're really spirit-led and that God gives us enormous hearts for India. I'm stoked to see what God has in store for these next 2 months and can't wait to hear everyone's stories when we get back to base in February. Next update coming at an unknown future time from another country!

But first, another bone: "I finally understood what true love meant…love meant that you care for another person’s happiness more than your own, no matter how painful the choices you face might be."