We are in the airport and have 75 minutes til we leave (not sure when we board). The airport has really changed since our last trip here. It is a bit more comfortable. Pray for safe travel.

Mike says good bye to (l-r) Bosha, Prem, Paul, & Rathna

Jeanette and Kayleen say good bye to Henry.

Kelly, Erin, and Kelsey spend time with Anita

Sam charms Julie, Beth, & Michelle while Praveen watches

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. -1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

We are at the Chennai airport.

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. -Psalm 25:4 -5 (KJV)

Standing in front of an anian tree which is 150 years old located on the mount of St. Thomas where St. Thomas was speared. We didn't have time (due to Chennai traffic) to go to the Basillica (only 10 km away) where he ran to and died.

My angel will go before you to the place I have prepared. Exodus 23:23

Before we head to the airport, Kelly, Mike, & Helen head back to Spencer's mall in an auto rickshaw. It costs us 60 rupees ($1.50).

Continue to live in [Christ Jesus], rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. -Colossians 2:6 -7 (NIV)

Our limo to Chennai (2006 trip had a purple bus). We are now in Chennai and at our Hotel. We now have hot water and pressure for showers.

We had breakfast at Vijay's and Grace's house. Everyone was there--- Ma, Grace's sister, Winnie (home on holiday from studying at the university) & Minnie, Paul, and Ravie. We had a feast--the spring rolls were out of this world.

We said our good byes with many tears. The people of Good Shepherd work so hard and have such faith in God. Please keep them in your prayers.

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. -Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Praveen gathered us for the Evangelists and their families to thank us for our work we accomplished during our stay and to pray for us and our families. What an honor!!







What a way to spend our last day at the mission. We wrapped gifts for the Evangelists(material for white shirt and pants) and staff(shirt & pants or saree).






The children treated us to a talent show. Lots of dancing!! Afterwards, we passed out the gifts.






We served over 400 staff families and orphans in gratitude for the work they do and for taking such good care of us during our stay. GSM is so lucky to have the good hearts of all these people.






Even though it was a day of rest for the staff, staff members still helped the hired cooks for today's meal.

Our little helper, Padma, enjoys a BIG helping of food under the careful eye of Henry's brother, Rathna. Padma took good care of us with serving of meals, helping with our clothes, getting the wash to the dobi, putting flowers in our hair, shopping, and most of all the henna decorating.

Jesus said, "If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." -John 13:14-15 (NRSV)

Sunday

So we didn't shave our heads for a blessing at the Temple. This morning in church, we sang Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord and Amazing Grace. The service was wonderful in both Telugu and English

We worshipped at St Paul's Lutheran Church. The girls sang Beautiful Words, Wonderful Words (not the correct title)

O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. -Isaiah 64:8 (NRSV)