Erin and her mother Maureen traveled to Northern India by plane to see the Taj Mahal. They will be returning home on August 6. Erin will spend this last week helping Brother Henry with correspondance and Maureen is very busy in the physical therapy clinic. Erin writes about the Taj.

"We left the Mission Monday night and drove to Chennai where we crashed at my Uncle's house. We got up at 2:30 that morning and slugged into the airport for our 5:00am flight to Delhi. It's only about a two and a half hour fligh and by 9:00am we'd collected baggage and were greeting our first Delhi friend: a man who would drive us to Agra and back. The drive to Agra was a painful 5 hours but we arrived to Paradise - that is, a Holiday Inn. I know, right? And onwards, to the Taj. It is, yeah, everything you hope it is. You're so caught up in the bustle of it all - dog tired, and pushing, shoving tourists (Yeah. Westerners. I think I actually said, "Look Mom - White People!) and kids peddling Taj Mahal snow globe key chains (you think I'm kidding?) - and then it hits you: THIS is the Taj Mahal. This IS the Taj Mahal. This is THE Taj Mahal. This is the TAJ MAHAL.Par la grace de Dieu, we arrived exactly two days before the birthday anniversary of the emperor who built the Taj, which meant that we were there on the first of a 3 day celebration which included free admission to the monument. A day earlier and we'd have had to pay, a day later and we'd have been in the throng of Now Aware tourists. It was perfect. Better yet: The Taj was constructed as a monument and burial site for the emperor's wife. They are both buried in an underground room that is sealed to the public but because we were there on this special day, they allowed us to go down and put flowers on her grave. Unfortunately photography isn't allowed inside the building. "

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. Acts 17:26 NIV

The teams flight left Chennai at 12:15AM Wednesday, July 23. Their flight to Brussels was eight hours. After a three hour layover they left for Newark, NJ arriving there at 11:30AM on July 23 having been in the air for 16 hours.

It was with some sadness that the team had to say goodbye to Helen Hartman (from Reading, PA) who was picked up by her husband Jim at the Newark Airport. It is a two hour drive from Newark to Reading, PA. Unfortunately, a severe weather system grounded all Wednesday flights out of Newark and the rest of team was forced to spend the night sleeping on the floor of the Newark Airport. This was definitely pushed the "flex and flow" motto of the team. It was difficult to be a 3 hour flight from home and being forced to stay put.

The next morning Jeanette, Peggi, Mike and Kelly caught the 6:15AM flight to KCI. Kelsey and Kayleen were able to catch the 2:45PM and Beth arrived home at 2:00AM. Juli, Beth, Vicki, Linda and Michelle were able to get a hotel room on Thursday. They were able to get a shower and a reasonable night sleep before catching the 6:15AM flight on Friday morning. What a way to end the trip. Amazingly, ALL of the luggage actually arrived in KCI before the team members.

Most of the team was in church on Sunday and the joy of being home seems to have blunted the tough wait in Newark. All are celebrating what the Lord has done through them at Good Shepherd.

Erin and Maureen will return to St. Joseph on August 6.

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!" Psalm 40:16 NIV

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)

Saturday Adventure

Our trek began with a one hour drive to Turipathi. What a huge city!!

After clearing the toll booth regulations (not sure who they were looking for as we had to get out of the vehicle) we began the 22km drive up. The mountain is about 8,000 feet or be one of the adventurous who walk up--oh my gosh!!! On an average day(& we were average), 40,000 people come to the Temple to give sacrifice and pray to the God(& often upwards to 100,000). 12,000 people work at the Temple. This shrine is said to be the most visited in the world even more than Jerusalem. The top of the mountain had so many dormitories and cottages for people to stay. A ticket is for 3 meals and a time in line to go through the Temple. No Disney fast passes here.




We finished our trek to Tiramula with lunch at Hotel Bliss. First thing, what else---diet coke

Everyone kept watch over Maureen so that she didn't step off the curb oand break her ankle. You know, Paris all over again. We tried to convince her to shave her head and give her hair to the God for a blessing but she declined. She is NOT a team player.

You are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. -Nehemiah 9:17 (NRSV)

Friday Night Vespers

Evangelist John singing at the service.






Praising God






Praveen interprets Vicky's message on the Power of Protection taken from Robin Roberts from Good Morning America. She told the viewers that she begins her morning with this prayer.
The light of God surrounds me
The love of God enfolds me
The power of God protects me
The presence of God watches over me
Where ever I am, God is







Following along with the scripture reading







So here we are before the blessing!! (go team!!!!). You will have to wait to see what we all look like when we arrive home!!

The psalmist wrote, "I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." -Psalm 9:2 (NRSV)

Today was a day of rest. We were so tired from Kolladam yesterday. Henry says it is unusual for the weather to be this hot. We spent the morning watching eye surgeries AND a baby girl born by C-section.WOW!! She is the second little girl born while we were here. Yesterday we stopped before leaving for Kolladam to see the 1 hour old baby. We all got to hold her. Her father just watched all of us women with a huge grin on his face.


Kelly writing with some of the girls




We can't believe that there are road rules in India. But dont worry, our driver, Bosha, is the best. He takes really good care of us.

Jesus said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." -Mark 6:31 (NIV)

One of the most beautiful dedications was held this evening in memory of David Miller. The beautiful church in Yanadivettu near Kolladam was charged to Prasad, Henry's brother, to help with the building of the church and in mentoring the Evangelist with his ministering.

Michelle leads us in prayer inside the church.

Michelle opens the curtain to display the plaque

Michelle is speaking with Prasad, Henry's brother, before the service begins

The King will say, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." -Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

We had a medical camp in a very small poor village, Racheralla, near Kolladam. We saw and made many children cry. We also played with the children. The dentist came along to the medical camp and had at least one tooth extraction. Peggi saw several people--high blood pressure, reflux, diabetes, and joint pain. Maureen explained to a woman how to stretch keloids(scar tissue) caused from burns suffered on her arm and legs three months ago. As a result she had very limited movement in her elbow and leg. If she does not break down the scar tissue soon, she will have limited mobility for the rest of her life.

After the medical camp, we were served a wonderful lunch in the church at Kolladam.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. -Luke 17:15 (niv)

Last night we distributed gifts to the children at the mission. We brought these gifts along with us from the US. The children were so excited and appreciative. They were hesitant to take more than one item. We had so many things for them.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. -James 1:17 (KJV)

Comment from Kelsey:

Giving clothes and food to the poor and needy was an unexpected overwhelming experience. Never before have I seen people so grateful for one new outfit and a plate full of food. As I walked around the room helping serve food, I noticed that I was tip-toeing around the water and food spilled mess of a floor. Being a fan of socks and tennis shoes, I cringed at my food crumbs and dirt covered feet. How selfish of me to feel dirty after walking barefoot for maybe two hours, when these people go without shoes all the time. As the night went on, I stopped watching the floor in front of me as I walked and instead stepped through whatever was in my path, because I know that no matter what lies in my path and no matter what I go through, God is right there with me through it all.

Boys preparing a type of salad --------------------- Mixing Stew

Mixing a cake for Paul's and Babalu's birthday

Mike with Sam

Kelly working on Henry

Jesus said, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." -John 13:14 (NIV)

Comment from Linda Swope:

It was amazing!!! Each Evangelist of the Good Shepherd Mission picked their poorest men and women to receive a new outfit (saris and dodis). Some men and women were brought in vans while several walked.

One woman arrived early Tuesday morning so she wouldn't be late. Many limped, many used sticks as canes and crutches, many were blind some with cataracts that clouded their eyes. As the lines formed and clothes were passed into their worn hands the people were so grateful.
I could feel God's presence in the room. They couldn't say "thank you" but I knew they meant it by the spark that lit their eyes and their body language of folded hands and bowed heads. One woman even kissed the palm of my hands. My heart broke.

This will be the only clothes most of these people will have for about1 year. Their old one was worn and thread bare. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve God's people in this way.

Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. -1 John 3:18 (KJV)

Comment from Vicky Gentzell:

Jesus said "if you love me, feed my sheep."

Jesus was telling Simon Peter what was expected of him after Jesus was gone. Now, Jesus didn't actually have sheep! He was talking about those people who followed Him. The people Jesus cared for, the ones He loved...loves. Even now Jesus is calling us to feed His sheep.

My mother and father were believers in this scripture. Moma would say, "we'll all just feel better if we just eat." Daddy would say "feed these kids some real food." They fed us four girls as well as any stray family or friends who needed a meal.

On Tuesday evening July 16, 2008 we "fed His sheep". They came from Puttur as well as from surrounding rural villages. They were the poorest of the poor chosen by the evangelists to join us for a meal and clothing distribution.

The Good Shepherd Mission staff had prepared the meal. Each person received a "plate" made of "eating leaves" which were about as big as your hand. The leaves were stitched together like a big round placemat. On this plate we placed two giant scoops of seasoned rice. Then a meat stew-like soup was ladeles on top. There was also a mixed veggie cole-slaw like salad, banana, and "sweet". Everyone ate their fill-some with seconds and thirds. Glasses of clean water to drink. It was marvelous.

Feed my sheep! It would have pleased my Moma & Daddy and I know it pleased Jesus!

He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. -Isaiah 40:11 (NRSV)

Comments from Kelly: "the big , beautiful brown eyes of India tell their story. The eyes of the mothers and fathers from the villages show times of hardship and desperation and a hope of a better life for their children. They eagerly hand over their babies for vaccines or to the mission for a better life than what they could provide.

The eyes of the children at the mission are full of hope, graciousness, curiosity and strength; but most prevelant is love. Their love is an overflowing love for others, God, and life. They know the true meaning of being God's servants to others. I've never seen a happier group of children, beaming with smiles and laughter. They have learned this kind of love from Brother Henry's example. He has shared his love for God with the children and opened his heart to them. I have never met a more humble, compassionate and generous man. His eyes shine with God's love and he is truly a generous man. His eyes shine with God's love and he is truly a man of God. What kind of world would we live in if everyone had a heart and eyes like his?"

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. -Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)

Food Glorious Food

The sleeping/living/eating area is on the second floor of one of the mission buildings. There are three rooms with multiple beds and the porch to these rooms has a built in table for eating etc. The meals are prepared and served by Mission staff and children. Breakfast occurs at 8:30, lunch at 1-2 and dinner at 8:30. The pictures above are left to right, top to bottom:

Dining area

L to R. Parma serves & cleans up, Mary cooks, Rathna Kurani serves tea every morning in our rooms and also helps serve and clean up

Ajay helps serve and clean up

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Give thanks to the LORD. . . who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. -Psalm 136:1, 25 (nrsv)