New beginnings!!!

Following my return from India, there was a long period of wrestling with God about what was next.  To make a long story short, He has led me down a path that I did not expect and I now find myself in Kansas City, MO getting ready to start classes on Monday.  I am a new student at the International House of Prayer University in the Forerunner Music Academy.  I am really excited about this new season of my life and all that God has for this time in Kansas City.  It promises to be an interesting journey!!!

Home Sweet Home

The flight to Chicago was not full so the lady next to me moved giving me room to stretch out which allowed me to get some rest on the flight.  There was snow on the ground when we landed and the Christmas decorations throughout the airport built up the excitement of getting home.  Seeing my mom, sister-in-law and 5 month old nephew in the baggage claim was so great!!!!  I couldn't wait to get my hands on that baby, but he'd decided my arrival was the perfect time for a nap so had to wait a little while.  We picked up my brother and headed to lunch where my sister met us and then we went to visit my cousin's family!  It was so good to be with them all again!!! 

And we're off..

Did a little running around this morning before having lunch with Prabhudas.  It's amazing how fast everything happened once we got to the airport.  One moment we were pulling up and the next I was on my own inside.  I got checked in through security and wandered off to a little coffee shop that had some comfy seating.  The milkshake I ordered was very good and worth the price to spend a few hours sitting in the nice chair I was able to claim.  I did a lot of journaling and reading before seeing on the nearest board that my flight was being delayed.  I decided to give up the comfy seat and go to the gate to check on the status of my flight which was a good thing as we boarded a minute later.  I was able to find my way through the Delhi airport and again claimed a comfy spot for a couple hours while I waited for my flight.  In both Hyderabad and Delhi, as I sat in the airport, I was sad and fighting tears at the thought of leaving India, but as soon as I started walking toward the plane to board, the excitement of going home made me feel kind of giddy!  



My view at the Hyderabad airport.



The journey home begins...

We left early this morning to get to Hyderabad.  I fought tears as we pulled away and even further down the road as I watched the sun rising in the rear view mirror.  Ruth was not feeling well so did not come with us which meant I had just a couple moments to hug her good-bye this morning.  We stopped for breakfast on the way and I started feeling car sick a little later.  We did a little window shopping when we first arrived in town and then went to lunch with a couple of Ruth's nieces.  They kept me company in the car while Prabhudas was doing some Christmas shopping.  I had taken a Dramamine when I'd started feeling sick so found it difficult to stay awake on the way to the house.  We did a little work and then went to dinner.  It still amazes me that I leave tomorrow!!!

Heading home!!!

So, this is my last night in Chillakallu, India!  In about 7 1/2 hours, we will be heading to Hyderabad for a day of shopping and an office appointment Wednesday morning before heading to the airport.  It's going to be a LONG day getting home, but I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends!  It's been great seeing their faces and hearing their voices on Skype, but it will be nice to once again be face to face in the same room - especially to get my hands on the little ones in my family for lots of hugs and kisses!!! And I'm getting excited about Christmas just over a week after I arrive back in Texas!!!  Last week was cooler than it had been in a while and I was ordering gifts online while listening to holiday music which has really helped me feel more festive! 

But all that means I have to say good-bye to all the ones I love here in India.  That process has turned into a 4 day event that started with the church yesterday, included some time with the Children's Home kids last night, the school kids this morning and the CH kids again tonight.  I'll say good-bye to a few more people as we head out at 5:30 tomorrow morning and then the last, really hard good-byes at the airport on Wednesday!

Another hard good-bye!!!

Went to the school to say good-bye this morning and was presented with a trophy in the shape of India.  I came home and cried!!!  I will so miss these kiddos!!!!!!!  They are so precious and I truly love each one!  I just hope I'll be able to return soon! 


All my sweethearts!



My girlies!

My guys!

My new friends and coworkers!

Last Sunday

What an emotional morning!  It was my last time in the Chillakallu church before heading home.  Ruth "decorated" me this morning in the fancy purple sari she wanted me to wear when we were going through her wardrobe a couple weeks ago.  At one point, I was called up on stage to sit in a chair.  Prabhudas had the boys and girls from the Children's Home come up and one of the girls put a garland on me while the boys draped the beautiful shawl over me they were giving me.  Then Prabhudas had a lady come up and put another garland on me from the church, elders and women's meetings.  I was handed a microphone to convey my thanks and say good-bye before Ruth and Prabhudas prayed for me.  It was very special!!! 

I have started my packing which just seems unreal that it's time to go already!  I am spending some time with the kids tonight, passing out some candies and watching a movie with them.  It will be so hard to say good-bye!!!