Sunday, March 23, 2008

Namaste!

Namaste or hello from India! I am here!!! Thank you for all of your prayers. The travel went so smoothly, and I am right now sitting in the living room of D's parents' apartment. It is currently 3PM here, and we have just finished lunch. This morning we went to a small church in the city for Resurrection Sunday celebration. What an encouragement to know that there is a small fellowship of believers worshiping the risen Savior in even such a dark place.

Before church, S and I went for a walk this morning around the apartment complex and saw a man praying to a tree in the middle of the road. As we passed by I thought how ironic it was that he should be praying to a tree when we are today celebrating that the Lord is no longer on a tree but risen to life. It was a sobering yet all too commonplace moment. "The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel" (Acts 5:30-31). They truly are in need of a true knowledge of the risen One who has died that they might have abundant life in His name.


This afternoon we are resting up for tomorrow long journey to the village. We will leave for the airport around 2:30AM for our 5AM flight. Please pray that all of the luggage and us foreigners will have no trouble making the flight. The flight will be about 2 hours, and then we will begin our 8 hour drive to the village. This time is when we especially need prayer...I believe it will be about 9PM Arkansas time when we begin the drive, so please pray for us as you go to bed and as you wake up throughout the night. The biggest prayer request is for safety...for the elements but mainly that anyone who would want to stop the car for evil purposes would be hindered by the Lord.


Again, thank you for your prayers! I am having a wonderful time and really enjoying being back. The P's keep asking me if I am experiencing culture shock, and I really haven't...no jet lag either. Praise God! Looking forward to telling you more as we get to the village! Have a very joyous Resurrection Day...celebrating the Savior who is no longer on the tree! The Lord is risen...He is risen indeed!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey, Sarah Belle, glad you had a good Easter. Everyone was here at the house including Scott, Lisa, Madison, and Haydon. The kids had such fun hunting Easter eggs. Uncle Tommy put out four eggs with a dollar in two of them, 5 in one, and 20 in one for the big kids...Micah, Ryan, and Caitlyn. They had a lot of fun. Food was great, but you were greatly missed. Love you and we are praying for a safe trip. Nana & Pawpaw

Anonymous said...

Well, it's 7:20 am here so you should be arriving to your destination soon. Get a good nights rest. I'm sure Tuesday will be a busy day for all of you. Love, Nana

Ray said...

We have been praying for you - since you began thinking and praying about going back for a month which is now reality. Safe travel for each one of you (as well as everyone's luggage) and hours of travel with two little ones on a plane and then in a small car has been prayed fervently. We are also praying for joyous celebration at the P's return. It will probably be extra busy there, and your presence and medical experience will be much appreciated as well as your love for children and help with the little ones. We are praying that everyone's belongings arrive safely and completely in tact. Our community group is praying for P's and for you also. Sleep well, dear one. Working the night shift has its advantages when you travel to another country where the hours of your sleep habits are pretty close to theirs. All our love and prayers, Mom, Dad, and Micah

cara said...

I really wanted to call you before you left, but obviously that didn't happen. You know how life gets away from us sometimes. I've thought often about how much I've learned through our friendship - even after you moved to LR. I'm guessing that the p word is ok here, but I hesitate at writing it. But know that you and the ones you work with are in my p's.

Anonymous said...

As we begin our day, you are busy finishing up yours. I know you are being a blessing to all there, just as you are a blessing to us. I was reading today of how He gives us words to speak and pray He is giving you His words as you work. Listen to your body and rest as needed. We are so proud of you and thankful for who you are. Nana and Pawpaw

Anonymous said...

Hey girl! I am so thrilled for you--and jealous. However, it is so exciting to be able to visualize where you are and how to pray! I truly hope that He not only gives you the desires of your heart but shows them to you as well. May he bolster you during this time. Love and miss you so much! Mexico was wonderful.

Anonymous said...

ahhhhh it worked!!!!!!!!! haha thank you sarah--i did not need the computer whizz people. Are you there yet?

cjsmomx6 said...

thanks for the update. Will cont to pray for all.
love, janet