Incredible

Driving into Ongole on Sunday 31^st was on of the most eye opening and overwhelming things ever. Wild dogs, trash all over the place, burn piles, heavy dust, buses that looks like sheet metal stapled together, so many people peeing on the road, crowded streets, families of 3 with luggage squeezed unto motorcycles and mopeds..these are only some of the devastating scenes of poverty that have crossed my sight. It’s so sad. “How can I ever change this much poverty? Impact this many people?” Thousands more questions running through my head as we passed through this strange but marvelous new place.

Then there is every color imaginable painted throughout their culture, clothes, buildings, cars, road side stands that line the streets, decorations, accessories, everything! So many beautiful people and they were all excited to see us, or probably just the fact that were white. They would look at us once, double take, eyes widen and turn to tell their friends then they would both face us with huge smiles and wave. It was funny to see their reactions, but at the same time all their reactions overwhelmed me all the more. I felt like a celebrity, which from this experience, I have decided being famous is not something I want to be. This whole culture stills seems unreal to me, but I’m starting to get the hang out of things.

As we pulled up to our new house, I felt incredibly blessed. All my anxiety and worry disappeared as I walked through into the apartment. Theresa, a lady from Virginia whose been here for a year now, explained how this church building has been here for many years and has never had a problem with vandalism. I was worried I would have to carry my bags with me everywhere, God changed that. Living in a full apartment with 3 bedrooms and fans doesn’t seem like we’re roughing it, but I am eternally grateful for our arrangements. It is so perfect and only God is to thank for that. We don’t even have to use squatty potties. Hallelujah! I know God did this for us, for me and my scared self. He’s protecting me.

It’s hard to summarize a very full week of activities, so I’m just going to tell you that God has showed me how to pray many powerful prayers in one day, how to love and care for challenged children, how to be okay with being dirty (that’s one thing you cannot avoid), how to feed very hungry village children, how to speak in front of people without freaking out because I’m nervous, how to pick out one sahari out of literally hundreds in one store, how to hand wash clothes, how to fall asleep with “beep, beep, BEEP!!!!” in the background, how to be open with what I’m thinking, and how to listen to Gods voice. One thing I noticed right away about their culture is how heavy the spiritual oppression affects me, and the whole team. But it wares me out so much and seeing all their god statues and symbols just gives me the creeps. It’s awesome to know even though those feelings are so powerful, we are even more powerful and can rule over anything with God on our side. That’s definitely comforting! God has showed His protection over us and, though some of us have gotten sick, He has brought us through it and everyone is healthy now.

Over all, the first week in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh has been crazy and exhausting, it’s been blessed! Seeing the passion for life as I looked into the children’s eyes was inspiring, know how extremely little they have, yet they have overflowing joy and continuous smiles on their beautiful faces. It truly does amaze me. I’m just glad I can share it with them and show them Gods love through my actions.

Health, finding comfort in God instead of missing home, and spiritual protection are my main prayers requests. Thank you so much for your prayers, I can feel them!!