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Boy, was today an adventure!

We had a great late night last night - the Orissa church put on an amazing cultural program, and following that was a late supper (10 pm) at Bijoy's! We said lots of goodbyes and went back to our hotel to pack up, since we had an early flight this morning to Mumbai followed by our flight to Goa.

We got up way before anyone cared to, loaded luggage, took the hour car ride to the airport.... and got there to find that our flight had been delayed by several hours. Enough hours that we would miss our connecting flight to Goa. We were a little sad, since we're anxious to get to Goa (and would love to be sleeping through the delay time!), but it turned into quite the adventure!

After eating breakfast in the airport, a few of us came out of the restaurant to find Chris and Erin on the other side of the gate (further in the airport) - they called us over and told us they were asked to be in a film about terrorism! They pointed out the snipers and gunmen tucked around them, and we watched in amazement and disbelief as men armed with firearms ran around them or crawled on the floor. None of us have ever had such an exciting flight delay! (yes, that's a real gun -loaded with blanks- pointed at Chris)!

Things settled down a bit as we checked our luggage and moved on to the next waiting area but, shortly after being seated, they came up to us again, asking if several of us would be in "the film" - we volunteered and they moved us through security and filmed as we all ran out of the airport toward the runways acting as though we were being chased by terrorists! They especially loved the part where Nathan is helping Carol along as we are running!

They had fun showing us the footage they had taken and explained to us that they were going to make a short clip for tv (a sort of public service announcement) that would talk about airport security. In short, we're now Indian movie stars!

Since we missed our flight to Goa and were unable to get another one before 5:30 tomorrow morning, Ken arranged for us to stay at a great hotel here in Mumbai. We're resting up and looking forward to getting to Goa tomorrow!

Goodnight from Mumbai!

(click any picture to go straight to our photo album!)

"There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (ephesians 4:4-6)

The following day we loaded onto a bus, with the wedding party and families, and took a 2 1/2 hour bus ride, through Indian villages and countryside, to the sea beach in Puri. There we dipped our toes in the Bay of Bengal, rode camels along the beach, and continued celebrating the bride and groom with family and friends.

Upon returning to Cuttack, we were taken to the BIC Zion Boys Hostel. At the hostel, we were greeted in song by over 50 boys who live there, receiving an education along with nurturing in their Christian faith. What a neat piece of the body of Christ! We had so much fun hearing their songs, passing out blankets, being shown around the hostel, and seeing how these young men are growing in Christ. It was an exciting and encouraging glimpse into the future of the church in India!

The celebration as a body of Christ continued this morning as we joined the Orissa BIC church in their weekly worship service. We were glad to see the boys from the hostel again - they sit on the floor in the front of the room for the Sunday services.

There was much singing and clapping - some songs in hindi, some in oriya - and much sharing. We heard from Ken, Chris, Nathan, Rev. Dr. George Lucas (Manju's father), and some other pastors who were here for the wedding. We were well challenged (in three languages!) to seek Christ first as we head into this new year.
The service was followed by a wonderful luncheon for all at the service. (served on plates made of banana leaves sewn together - the Indian disposable plate!)

We have truly known the unity in our one Lord, our one faith, our one baptism; and we have been richly blessed these days to join as one body in praising and lifting high our one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all!

(Click either photo to view new album)

As I post this, it is the new year here in Delhi!

After more than 24 hours of travel, we met New Delhi, India around midnight last night and headed straight for bed.

Since waking this morning we have:
eaten curry for breakfast,
ridden through the tight streets of Old Delhi on rickshaws (holding on for dear life!),
been amazed at the creativity in electrical wiring here,
learned how to barter,
seen stray dogs, cats, cows, goats, and even monkeys on the streets,
eaten more wonderfully flavorful food,
learned how to barter lower,
and seen countless beautiful colors and textures!




It was truly a day of regaining our balance in a different place. As we sat around the dinner table late this evening, we were recounting our gratitude for this day of adjustment. Upon arrival, some of us were feeling a bit wary of the "adventure" ahead of us these next two weeks, but some sleep and a day of experiencing Delhi and the beautiful people here had us feeling much more energized by tonight.


It has been fun to watch as Ken amazes the locals, time and again, by breaking into his fluent hindi to get us where we need to be or to help us barter in the market place... boy, are we thankful for Ken!
(really, REALLY thankful!)


We were also happy to share in celebrating Eldon and Marilyn's 5th wedding anniversary today!


We have taken in a lot in our short time here, and so with full tummies and grateful hearts we are turning in for the night to rest up for our day of travel to Cuttack tomorrow to meet our friends for the wedding reception.


Good night and Happy New Year from India!

(Click on the collage to view our photo album)