As I used the new windshield scraper my loving husband gifted me with for Christmas this morning, because being late to work for defrosting just isn't acceptable, I was struck with a revalation.
Here it is Wikipedia version:
Souther India: Climate:
The region has a very tropical climate with the monsoons playing a major part. This region also experiences cooler nights from October to March while the days are pleasantly warm.

Ah, to feel the warmth won't be half bad. Now it is just preparing for the 24 hour transportation to get there. Sitting here the day after Christmas I am having a hard time believing that this time next week I will be on a overnight flight from GR to Amsterdam and then on to Bombay. I feel like there is alot to do between now and then but know it will all get done. Step 1 was securing an appropriate wardrobe and for some reason Kohls and Target both had skirts on clearance tonight so that helped the cause. Step 2 and definately more important is working on some powerpoint presentations and more organized thoughts to share with the women we will be ministering to. I would like to focus on sharing from the heart lessons that I have learned about faith and trusting God's plan. Which ironically I am currently re-learning in my own life. Those are the thoughts tonight, thank you for your continued prayers!

Cuisine Test Drive, successful!

THE TEAM: Bruce, Vince, Rebekah, Lindsay, Ryan, Dug

ain't no rice and beans on this trip

Last Thursday night we had our team night out at Bombay Cuisine in East GR, cool place if you get a chance to go there. We ordered a whole array of appetizers, entrees and unknowns. Despite the looks and textures of some, it was all incredible. Linds and I had a hilarious time making up ridiculous jokes about "nan" the staple bread. Such as "nansense" or eat until there is "nan" more.Lindsay and her Nan- loved it!

The countdown is on and there are 21 days (3 weeks alone!) to go before we board that first flight. I am increasingly more and more confident of God's timing for me to be on this trip during the first few weeks of a new year. Part if it could be my personality and desire to set goals and have a fresh start to a year and the other part is just plain that it is a time desperately needed to view my life "bird's eye" if you will. enjoy the pics and more to come.

God's math

amazing how a group of 5 can boost up to a group of 8 within mere days. Oh, how we think we know what to plan and God inevitably ADDS more to it whether it be people or just a fuller experience. I was delighted to find out today that we will be having another female on the trip. I don't know anything more than she is 20 years old and that her dad is coming but I am hoping that she, Lins and I jive well together. On that note, Lindsay and I had coffee today which was a blessing. I have known her for almost three years now but not much more than small talk; I don't know what I waiting for. She is really mature 16 year old and I can tell that our friendship will continue to grow in depth. I would hate for us to wait until the end of our trip to get to know one another, after all we will be roomies and something about flying over that many time zones really makes you get to know people.
Thursday night we are all headed to East GR to a great Indian restaurant where I will get a snapshot of how I might eat in January! more then...

2 bandaids and some courage

I didn't think about the fact that when I went to visit the travel doctor today for immunizations that translates to "you are getting shots in the arm". I forgot how scared I am of those needles and felt like a small child as I eyeballed the jar of suckers wishing the nurse would offer me one to distract me. The glass is half full side says that I am now one step closer to my trip and I am happy about that. I was surprised as I spent some time with the doctor talking about safety and health precautions the anxiety I experienced. I have never really felt anxious about traveling before, maybe a little jittery but I think as I get older and become more aware of the great big world we live in, I don't take for granted the security I experience in W. Michigan. If I could ask for prayers over this anxiety I want to keep the awareness part but leave behind the nerves. I have submitted my passport by expedited mail and expect to see that back in the next 2 weeks in my married name, then only my visa and some snake proof shoes are the serious agenda items! 36 days and counting...

how it all came to be

From the beginning of my time at CapTrust in 2005, I had a heightened awareness of India through the Johnson family and thier experiences. Funny how God works because in 2002 during my time at TU, I had an opportunity to go abroad on Lighthouse and thought India sounded interesting. (PS. God had it for me to go to Kenya during that J-Term and I wouldn't trade it for the world). Fastfoward to the present; the idea of a trip with business professionals to support and encourage was our starting place and springboard for this trip.
Interestingly enough, only 5 have booked tickets and will make up our group. This is where the Spirit Led part comes in, we have lots of ideas of what this time will look like but know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it will take on its own life once we are there.
Here is an itinerary of where we will be:

January 2 depart GR
January 3 arrive in Mumbai, India
January 4-8 IPC Seminary: http://www.ipcseminary.org/, time will be spent encouraging seminary
students and their famillies
Janaury 9 visit Tuticorin, a smaller city
January 10-11 Kodaikanal, a mountaintop location where we will be staying at a resort
and spending time with families from CBMC India http://www.kodaikanal.org/
January 12-14 CBMC (Christian Business Mens Committee) http://www.cbmc.com/ conference in
Bangalore; sharing business insight as well as personal approach to business as
ministry. Lindsay and I will be working with the girls from the Phoebe home.
January 15 back to Mumbai for a business summit
January 16 begin the trek home

For me personally, this trip is a chance to meet and encourage other believers as well as see a new part of the world. I am asking God to be big in giving me some life clarity as well in these two weeks away.
I covet your prayers specifically in the following ways:
~To experience true unity with the Indian believers we interact with, despite language and cultural barriers
~for traveling and health mercies, we will have many flights, train, car, and maybe even rickshaws taking us to and fro
~our hearts in preparation; setting time aside to hear God's direction
~for Ryan while I am away

I invite you to participate in supporting me most importantly in prayer and if God lays it on your heart to support financially as well all contributions can be made payable to Fishhook International who is kind enough to work with us in this capacity so contributions are tax-deductible. Blessings and thanks for taking part in this journey already.