SUNDAY

Today was primarily a day of recuperation, and reflection.  For many of us, our bodies and souls were longing for a day of rest.

We started out with heading to the 8:30 service and were even able to meet Hilda Buntane.  Together with her husband, they founded Mercy Ministries over 50 years ago which has grown to help thousands!  Her husband passed away a few years ago and even in her late age continues to travel and spend so much of her time with the people she here in India, whom she loves dearly.  We were able to talk with her a bit and I was blown away by her faith.  She told us a story about when her husband passed away several years ago… many challenged her with doubts about whether the ministry would survive.  Her response: If this is simply a Buntane ministry, you are right, it will fail.  But this is not a Buntane ministry, it’s a God ministry.  And since his death the ministry has continued to grow at an astonishing rate.  I felt honored to be able to meet, talk with, and simply hold the hand of such a inspiring, strong woman, grounded in her faith.

After church a group of us headed into town for a cup of coffee… let me tell you…. I forgot how much I LOVE coffee…. Note to self: bring coffee with me when I travel!  It was a refreshing and much needed treat!  Good news for all you Starbucks addicts…. Starbucks has partnered with one of the leading coffee chains of India so someday, if I come back… I will experience the spread of Globalization in a wonderful cup of Seattle based coffee.

When we returned to the volunteer center we were greeted with a few women who had stopped by to do Hennas…. We were so excited to participate in something that is engrained in much of the Indian culture!  Hours later we were all covered with Henna tattoos…. I elected to do only one arm though.

The day has ended early for me as I am sick again... this time with a very high fever. L This seems to be something different than what has been spreading through the group.  Please keep our team in your prayers as we all deal with both health and emotional related issues and  how to bring what we have experienced here home with us!