here we go.

A bit of a longer post… feel free to skim it-I won’t hate you.

Hi guys…

I don’t know really how to start this post or what it will include. It feels as if I have been living in this country for months now, but as I recognize the date of my last post I am shocked into the reality of only having been here less than two weeks.

India.
Clothes are comfy like pajamas. Everyone has a bottom bunk. We still like bucket showers. You will be fuller than full if you have one dollar. A rickshaw for the first time is similar to a ride at the theme park.
India.
Beggars claim every corner. Men stare unashamedly. Incense to gods invade each breath, the call to prayer, your silence. The battle of the mind is unending. To leave the busyness at the door is victory. Women draped in black gowns, men in white.
India.
Take the city. He has said. Reclaim what’s been stolen. Be yielded. Be obedient. Guard your unity. Fight for the team, together.
Do not come under these strongholds.
India. Here we are.

So there is just a bit of a summary for you. It kind of came out like a poem.

We are living at a Pastoral Centre, where they have conferences frequently. They are interesting and draw a unique bunch of people each time. So far there has been a conference for the deaf (one of the girls was confused the first day and thought they had all taken a vow to silence), one called “Women for Secularism” and this week one on the H*ly Spirit. In the mix of all the strangers we have our hideway home just a staircase away. There is also an amazing rooftop, perfect for wors*iping, breaking off strongholds of the city and enjoying the view. Our life kind of takes place in our bedrooms, we meet, sometimes eat and sleep in them.

We started at the government Maternity Hospital this week. Yes, a hospital only for women who are pregnant…they need it. I keep thinking that I need to take a little video to show how many pregnant Indian women exist. They are neck and neck with the amount of deliveries per day as in Tanzania (T:60-80, I:60) but they definitely see many more pregnant women daily here.

Spi*itual warfare is constant. The battle within your mind is relentless. It is necessary to often ask someone to p*ay for you or you get in a maze of anger, miscommunication, lust, greed, anxiety, intimidation, you name it, and the rest of the day you feel bitter towards people who have done nothing to you. It is simple to just think, “oh, I will get over this”, man but the enemy will get a hold of you and yanks your chain. I am learning more intensely about the authority I have. With the name of Je*us, I don’t have to come under this, I can be free, I’m not a slave to this. Of course I still do. But this is the place to learn authority. I am buckled in for the ride. We have seen the unity of our team takes some hits here and there. When the enemy is allowed our unity, we will be useless. It is something we are actively on guard for.

I have decorated my new little home…photos and art that have been sent to me. Everyone has their little space and we are all thrilled at the convenience of having our own bathroom. I appreciate that so much. There are no bunk beds so we all have a place to sit, so welcoming.

I have been bombarded with the need of beggars. Asking big questions, not wanting to get hard, but still getting feelings of resistance to walk when I know I will be faced with one. Easily you see three or four just on the way to the main road in the morning and it is pain free to avoid…
bleh, not what G*d has called me to.
There have been moments of exhaustion these past couple weeks. Once again traveling was tiring, starting from “scratch” here, adjusting to a new home. Several times Melisa and I needed to remind one another, that this is exactly what G*d has called us to for this time. The team is incredibly gracious, as we have learned how to lead here in India, a place that both of us are very unfamiliar with. Hollie and Rach, our new staff that we are leading with, are experienced and so supportive, they have brought such a fresh breath to Melisa and I and the team.

Tomorrow we are singing at a church as the birth attendant choir, it is “Medical Sunday”. I will be singing soprano. Watch out Dale.

Okay, that’s enough for now. I will post again next week.