They are in the Air

The team is in the air between Abu Dhabi and Chicago. They were delayed about 2 hours leaving Chennai, India. Fortunately they had a two hour layover in Abu Dhabi and Etithad Airlines held the flight. Their flight from Abu Dhabi to Chicago is 14 plus hours. They should be on time arriving into Chicago and then for their arrival around 7:30pm tonight in Kansas City.  The team must get their bags and clear customs in Chicago. Fortunately the process is fairly easy, although sometimes busy.

Keep them in your prayers as they work up enough energy to make the last bit of the journey. In a nutshell, the teams leaves India at 6:30am on Thursday, January 10 and arrives home to KCI at 7:30pm on the same day.......30+ hours of travel later. Having an extra 12 hours in a day is tough on the body. (they are flying American Airlines from Chicago, (AA 4041)

Short Message from Brother Henry

Recieved a short message from Brother Henry Bhasker in India.

"Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope you all are doing well. We are all fine at Good Shepherd Mission. We have been very busy conducting programs for Christmas and also with New Year Programs. Many beggars and gypsies have received food and clothing, these programs are because of financial blessings from people like you, and also many widows and children were also able to receive food and clothing. The Missouri Team is here with us now and we are conducting many programs. They will be here until 9th of month. "

One more Day!

The team is beginning their preparation for their return home. This is a time of mixed emotions, travelers have enjoyed the trip and have made many, many friends. The experiences have been awesome. Then at the same time our "delicate Western" bodies and emotions have taken a beating and we are looking forward to come home to family.

Past travelers speak of the crying as they say goodbye to new friends and to the orphans. The emotions of seening the kids smiles and seeing their waves can really tug at one's heart. Going home never felt so good, but they cry anyway.

Rev. Scott put it well after one of his past trips, "India was dusty and dirty, the travel was hard and arguous, your western sensibilities take a beating and ......I cannot wait to go back.

Safe Journey to our travelers, our prayers are with them.

Update from the team

From Vicki: "We are having one of the most God-touched trips ever!" Pictures have been difficult to get sent due to the technology issues.

The brother of Henry's late wife Viola passed while they have been there and a majority of the Mission staff has traveled the 50km to be with her family. The team was left "home alone" for the day. They used the quiet time to do some much needed processing. They read, journaled and knitted (Vicki, not Scott, Mike or Cooper).

The had the opportunity to watch the boys play cricket in the commons area. The team will be traveling to Kollodam, the village of Henry's brother,Prassad. There they will be attending church Kollodam and then also worshiping at the church built in memory of David Miller.

God is good and faithful!

Technology Troubles

The team has been struggling with technology issues on this trip. Internet and data access points has been much more limited on this past trip.

Suffice to say, the short messages we have gotten from them have been very positive.

Bags Have Arrived

The Team has reported that their suitcases have arrived. Yeahhhh!!!

Finally Computer Access, No Bags (or deoderant...ehhh)

Here is the Latest Update From Vicki Gentzel.

Praise God, I finally got to a computer at Rathna's house. We are doing very well. We have had some long worship services. New Year's eve was 4 hours & New Year's Day at the Lutheran Church was 4 hours! Makes ours seem much more reasonable!  

Scott baptized about 7 people at the HIV Serenity Pool on New Year's Eve! Then he preached at both services. It was very moving time. Michael & Cooper are doing very well. It has been such a blessing seeing our friends after more than 2 years.  

It has also been great to see Scott experience the changes that have occurred since he was here 10 years ago! Yes, the kids have grown some! Yes, we have a hospital! No, I was wrong, the roads are NOT better! We had our first medical clinic today. We saw 222 people & I gave 44 Hep B shots. I know 'cause I had to sign the ledger.

Now, for the bad news! We still have no luggage. It seems it is in Chennai, but we cannot find out why it hasn't made it to Good Shepherd! Henry is beside himself! Apologizes hourly. He bought the guys premade shirts & pants. Cooper is not "India" size. Henry says if the bags are not here this afternoon, he will have the tailor do "speedy project." Mary had the seamstress work all night to make me a Chudeedah. Hey, Susie, it is a cotton one! Hah!  

Henry got us some soap, shampoo & towels, but a couple more days without deodorant might not be pretty! We worship in a village tonight. I think I will speak the Word.

Hey, Linda, we had Iddlies & samba for breakfast! (...steamed rice dumplings with a spicy thin "soup" to dip into)

Hope the St Joseph weather is not too bad. It is delightful here! 

PS mosquitoes are eating me alive...bug repellent in my bag!

Sorry, no pics today!

 

Please post that God is Good! All the time!

 

Leviticus 15:27
Anyone who touches them will be unclean; they must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening.

Just a quick note from India! Here is a quote from Vicki!

We are having a wonderful time. I think our luggage is too, but it doesn't seem to want to join us! Keep us in your prayers! We love you all!

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.