monkeys and hills and horses, oh MY!

Too many words to fully express the beautiful women we encountered yesterday at the home for the elderly. There were 6 women between the ages of 40-75 but looking at them you would believe them each to be 80+. They were small and fragile from life on the streets but their joy for their life in Christ radiated from the eyes of even those who are blind. Easily one of my most cherished times thus far on our trip.
From there we had a tour of Madurai hosted by the wife of one of the business men we came to encourage. She took us to the second most famous temple in all of India, check it out!



It was hard to believe that it was real, the intricate design and colors were incredible. We also had a chance to do some bartering and get some really beautiful things! From there a night in the Hotel Germanus and an early morning bus ride to today's destination: Kodaikanal. A hilltop village like nothing I have ever seen although the ride was a little nervewracking. I couldn't decide if it was better to look intently, close my eyes and jam to my ipod or just pray. But as we got up the hill more and more, the small town hub-bub including what looked like a petting zoo every few miles until we had a chance to stop at a lookout and see monkeys up close and personal. 40 kilometers later...seemed longer than a marathon :) we arrived at the Carlton just in time for a breakfast buffet of some our new favorites and even more favorites are things we could recognize.
http://www.hotelstamilnadu.com/kodaikanalhotels/carloton/index.htm

We had such a relaxing and rejuvinating day hanging out on our balcony while the men went to share thier golf ministry with some of the CBMC guys who will be joining us for dinner soon. I also faced of my biggest fears and rode a horse led by a man on a bicycle around the lake here. A big trust lesson for me and I was happy he knew the words "slow" and "scary" Blessings for your Thursday, I hope it as blessed as mine has been!