5/13/10

And now I will talk about the day in reverse. After conversing with Jayson (one of the staff of Freedom Firm and Tarrah's husband) I found out which room was Amy Carmichael's room! Eventually I will sort through some of her photos and I am determined to find the book that has her signature inside! How cool is that?! She was basically my first missionary hero! I remember studying her in Mrs. Bergstrom's fourth grade Sunday School class, and Leah I I even wrote a research paper about her on the way to Vogel State Park one year! From what I can recall, she was (one of) the first to rescue girls from being sold and prostituted into the Hindu temples and has quite a riveting biography!

I just had a delightful dinner with the "Palm 6" (Tarrah and Jayson) and Anne (who runs the horse therapy program at FF). I really believe having that root in the Lord allows for a genuine comfort among people who are otherwise strangers; there is this unspeakable harmony that I believe he creates and forges over any time that would normally produce awkwardness or discomfort. . . It was also so great to be around kids and even eat mashed potatoes! The kids have such extraordinary imaginations; one of the girls Sydney (the three- year old) insisted we "go outside and catch fish and foxes and kill them and eat them with sugar and salt"! Where do they come up with things like this?! This was the same girl who made me a "fashion purse" ( a drawing on a sheet of paper) and made demanded that each day I "put things in it". (Mom, how did you she already know I liked "purses with things in them?!) I also found Sydney and Jovi (means "joyful") on top of her closet shelf sulking that she didn't know "what dress to wear because she didn't know what was pretty".

Conversing with the adults afterwards was great too; I was baptized into the the world of chai--black tea, milk and sugar! We feasted on a sugary dessert containing a whole stick of butter, a cup of sugar, and condensed milk...Oh the scale is going to hate me when I come home!... It was great brainstorming with Jayson and Tarrah about how to present and bring awareness in the U.S., and I felt very honored that they listened to what I had to say and were genuinely interested! I felt needed, as part of their team, and felt I contributed something of importance. I also found out I won't be going to the Avalanche Camp (an annual camp for the girls) but i feel okay knowing I am really needed and can assist Mala elsewhere. She is preparing to go to the States and there is a LOT of organization and inventory that needs to take place in regards to the girls' jewelry- making, so thank you Lord for an opportunity to effectively serve! I pray You would help prepare Greg, Mala, Jayson, and Tarrah as best as possible before they depart for the States. May they have a true sabbatical, and may you multiply their fruit(s) and effort(s) with ease.

Praying with the team this morning was dynamic. (Every Thursday morning there is a prayer time for all the FF staff.) Thank you for the hearts and transparency of the staff. Thank you that in you, Jesus, there is unity in the Body. May what they sow come to fruition. I pray I would truly bless them and assist them in their efforts in my 50+ days here.

I only spent 20 bucks today at the grocery store and got a ton of food! Looks like Kroger has competition for my affection after all! I also met with Tarrah and Anik (the coordinator for the Aftercare program) today and felt good having more discussion about FF and how to interact with the girls. . . of whom I meet TOMORROW! . . . Calm my nerves, Jesus. Help me to be me and exhibit your peace, joy, love, grace, mercy, tough love and so much more. . . I am mainly observing school tomorrow and then going to the annual flower show with them! (Ooty has countless lovely flowers!) I also "brave" the shower tomorrow (which I am thankful to have because I was told I would only have a bucket of water to bathe in)! And yeah, I like foreign diet coke all of a sudden (Yes Andrew, I can't believe it either!) Strange indeed.