It’s Leap Year (47)

From Charles
February 29, 2012 
How do you evaluate a day? . . . . How compare one day in India with another? . . . . each new dawn brings new experiences, different circumstances, unexpected opportunities . . . . of all the days thus far on this trip, yesterday made the biggest impact on this team member . . . and it was the preachers . . . . they were among the first to greet us when we arrived in a Thanksgiving Service and they will be there to bid us farewell as we prepare to leave . . . . they were evident in force at all the events . . . the preachers are the life blood of this ministry . . . . after the Paul family it has to be the preachers . . . . they are the Gospel Proclaimers in the villages . . . . day after day . . . week after week . . . . from year to year . . . . each time I come I continue to be impressed by their faithfulness. . . . I met some of them years ago when they had dark black hair . . . . now I greet them with their graying heads . . . . veterans of ministry . . . . leaders with respect in their villages . . . . and last night we graduated a new “batch” as TB puts it . . . . already interning in a village . . . . some preaching and ministering in the village where they ran through the dust and debris as children . . . . little formal education in their youth . . . . but now having successfully undertaken an intensive six-month course in the Institute of Christian Studies . . . . one of the most significant aspects of NACEA . . . . where the soldiers undertake their basic training . . . . and are sent out into the field to wage war against sin and Satan . . . . in my scheme of things . . . . on the 1 to 10 scale. . . the preachers are a 9, second only to the Paul family. . . the ICS has a prominent place in my future with the mission . . . . my family (brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles and other members) were privileged to be able to raise the funds for this facility. . . . and as a result the Board of Directors named the preacher training school after my father . . . . it was dedicated as the Frank A. Grubbs Institute of Christian Studies . . . . he was an evangelist and minister . . . . at one time vice-president of Dallas Christian College . . . . had a heart for preachers . . . . so where is this going? . . . . I have made a decision that my contribution to this ministry will be to come each year that I am able, probably in January or early February when it is little cooler (not quite so hot) to teach advanced courses in the Institute.  That’s my goal.

Tim, February 29, 2012
Mary is still feeling the cruds. So am I.  Packing for the Big Train Ride.  Marc and Rakesh went to get a new guitar.  Charles and Mike went to a village.  Rani gave us all locally dyed sheets.  Very beautiful.  No guitar available.  American dining at Rakesh’s.  French fries, lamb, baked taters.  Great grape ‘welcome drink.’  No medicine for Mary.  Departure: Rose crying. 

Kathy, February 29, 2012
It’s Leap Year Day!  I’m not sure there is such a day.  It has been a good day.  Charles, Mike, T.B., Krystal, Michael, and Richie, and I went to the village where they have started the CHE training.  Rakesh is heading this endeavor.  Their first projects is placing concrete containers in the village for trash collection.  Now everyone just pitches everything out around their house.  They are just beginning, but we were told the village elders are in favor of this, plus we have a church there.  Apparently we were there in ’09, but I don’t remember.  The village is right on the beach, so we went there for a little while—found some shells.  This is the beach where I found my perfect star fish the last time.  So we feel better about the CHE program.  It was really hot and humid today.  I tried to take a nap but it was futile.  The “girls” and Dylan got a henna tattoo kit and Rose drew on each one’s left hand.  Apparently it is an Indian tradition.  It wears off in about a week.  We left to go to Rajesh and Minnie’s for supper.  They live in the house that TB and Rani lived in when we were here last time.  They had fixed “American” type food.  It was very sweet of them.  I think Rajesh cooked most of the food.  We also gave Minnie her gift. As we had extra money left over, everyone agreed to give it back to them – Rajesh and Minnie (for Rajesh’s last week’s wages) Rajesh and Rose (for help with Rajesh’s school tuition and help with Rose’s nephew and niece that they are caring for); TB and Rani (for wear and tear on vehicles and tires); and Susan for help with her tuition.   Now that is the thought.  I am sure they will use it wisely.  We went back to TB’s.  I heard the children singing in the church so I had to go over and see them one more time.  My heart just broke.  Then I walked back over and saw Rose and we had a good cry.  I’m going to try to e-mail her regularly.  It’s so hard to leave people you love – the whole Paul family.  

Krystal, Februay 29, 2012
Today a few of us will venture once more into a village; this time to observe changes made through the CHE (Community Health Evangelism) program. We went to a village by the coast called G. Pedapatnam and met with the preacher and village elders. They then took us around the village and showed us the trash receptacles that had recently been put in (people frequently throw their trash and food scraps anywhere convenient; this causes unsanitary conditions and contributes to a high mosquito population). They currently have 6 receptacles in the village.  They also took us into the church (the church is on the beach) and told us about their efforts to reach people in the community. Before we left, we went down to the beach and were able to stick our toes in the water.  Back at the colony, Rose gave some of us ladies (temporary) Henna tattoos. We spent the rest of the afternoon/evening packing and then went to Rajesh and Mini’s for our farewell dinner. All too soon it was time to say good-bye and pack up for the train station. While I was happy to be going home to see my family, I left with a heavy heart. Will I ever see my new friends again? Will I ever be able to come back? It is my prayer that the answer to both of these questions is yes.

Gretchen, February 29, 2012
I’ve been blessed to not just ‘meet’, but to get to know and love the Paul family. Each time Rajesh calls me “Mom”, my heart melts. When T.B. thanks us for being there, I want to thank HIM for being in my life. And when Rani came into our room to wake me up on my birthday, to give me a sari, I wanted her to know that she has a special place in my heart always. Soujanya, Rakesh, Rose, Martha, Susan, Sikinder, Richie, the babies. Gratitude overwhelms me when I’m in India. In so many ways.  Surprise to me! When it came time to leave Machilipatnam, I found that I had most of my food stash left. I didn’t eat nearly all of it. I hope Rose and the children have fun with it. 

Krystal, February 29, 2012
The ride back to Vijayawada was again, interesting. I was not in the best seat and I was sent flying on multiple occasions (seatbelts, anyone?). I think I got out with bruises, as did a few others. Our train does not leave until after 1 AM, so we have some time to sit here and wait (we had an air-conditioned room). One step closer to being home.

Kathy, Februry 29, 2012
On the road trip to Vijayawada there were about 15 weddings taking place.  We know this by the beautiful lights strung up to make an aisle towards the wedding spot. According to how wealthy they are, more lights are put up so that it looks like Christmas lights everywhere.  We were told that people check dates, astrological charts, and all kinds of things to find out the precise timing for a perfect wedding.  I guess last night was prime! 

Michael, February 29, 2012
Today we went to a beach side church. The church was dedicated in 2007. Now there is work to educate the village on healthier ways of living. We walked over the sand dunes to the beach. I went with a new found friend, Richie. We were the only people on the beach. No other people and no sight of any buildings.  The only thing is a few fishing boats out at sea. Here is a quote for you. We plan the future and know the present and God knows the future and plans the present. We are sitting in the “air condition” waiting room because we will be in an air conditioned car.

MT, February 29, 2012 
Ate breakfast, then started packing.  We had planned to still try to go to the hospital a little bit, but we ran out of time.  We just hung out for the most part.  Holding the baby, talking with the young girls.  Love them.  Rajesh and Mini served us an American dinner.  Very good.  Then we went back to the house to get our stuff loaded.  Took vehicles to Vijayawada to get on the train.  We just arrived at the train station. Our train then left at 1:00 a.m.  Once again in a car by myself, but it was ok.    Goodbyes to Minie were very hard.  Did not get official bye to Rose or Rakesh.  Since the train ride starting to get pretty anxious to be home.  Arrived in Chennai by 9:00 a.m.

February 28, 2012 (46)

From Laura
I’ve learned nothing is ever as it should be in India.  Time is of no concern.  If they tell you a time to be somewhere, tack on an hour or two.  No need to rush.

Preparing for Graduation Services

From Michael
Today has been restful. We had to stay in due to a day long strike across the nation. The strike is to rebel against the rapid inflation. Some things are inexpensive while other things are expensive. Gas is around $6 per gallon. However they do not have a dependence on it like we do. This evening we are attending the minister’s graduation. Other things I don’t want to forget is the daily loud speaker Muslim prayers. This morning I put my jacket on. I guess my body is beginning to adjust to the high heat.

From Tim
A labor union called a nationwide strike for India.  We heard a lot of speakers the night before on the square.  6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  It is a lot like the Occupy Wall Street movement, the mom and pop stores close the day and lose their $4-6 income and the government continues on.  The protest was to lower gas prices and food prices, but the real wastes aren’t addressed – subsidies for the landlords, subsidies for kerosene, which is hardly used.  Sewing and preacher graduation tonight.  I made it halfway through, went to check on Mary (down) and I went down.  Met Rajesh on the way in.  He told me Mary Beth would be fine.  He would bring back medicine.  No show.  Ordered in the morning.

From Kathy
Today was mostly a mellow day.  One major thing that was done was match up the children’s names with the pictures Mike had taken.  Rose and Richie went through the pictures and gave us the names. Then Rani (and girls) gave us names also.  Mike doesn’t think they all match but pretty close.  Oh, well, that’s more than we had before.  We gave Rose her envelope with a little money and a note.  It was humbling to see how thrilled and grateful she was.  She cried, we hugged.  I think she really loves the interaction amongst all the ladies.  I think she is a bit lonely.  All of her family is 3 days of train riding and one day of bus riding north of here.  We also gave envelopes to Rani for Susan and herself. Around 5:30 p.m. we went over to the church for the graduation/ordination services for the new ministers and graduation for the ladies tailoring class.  Lots of singing.  Mike, Bob Sheffler, and Charles all spoke to the preachers.  Krystal said a prayer for the sewing ladies.  All in all the service lasted about 3 hours, but it was a momentous occasion.  All the preachers wore robes, hats and ribbons (around neck).  They looked very scholarly!  The ladies [from the tailoring school] all
wore clothing they had made.  They looked so lovely.  We ate super around 9:30 p.m.  Then it was time to just sit and talk and read.  It’s been pretty hot today.  Tomorrow’s the beginning of “going home” day.

Strike in India today.

From Krystal
We did not get to do much today. There is a nation-wide strike and the possibilities of rioting in the streets between political parties. For safety, we all hung around the colony most of the day and prepared for the graduation services tonight. Again, I am to make an address and I have no idea what to say.  This evening we graduated 11 preachers and about 40 women from the sewing school. I was up on stage with TB, Rani, Charles, and Mike – all of us in caps and gowns. Mike addressed the preachers and then gave out their diplomas; I addressed the sewing school graduates and gave out their diplomas. My address was summed up by a prayer from Pascal:  “Lord, help me to do great things as though they were little, since I do them with your power; and little things as though they were great, since I do them in your name.”  This was my prayer for this trip; that I remember I do all things through Christ and for Christ. Tonight is the last full night in Machilipatnam; tomorrow we begin our journey home. How could it have ended so soon? 

From MT
Well today there was a national strike, all over India, so everything shut down, everything.  We were to get landscaping stuff to finish at the hospital and were not able to do so.  We were not allowed to leave the compound due to the strike so we had a very simple day.  Breakfast, lunch.  Pastor school graduation (3 hours), then dinner.   For the first time today able to get to a working computer with internet.  FB messaged briefly.  Able to check e-mail.  Got to play with the baby a bunch, and hung out with Rose who I love immensely.  Rakesh’s wife is Rose.  My heart connects so with Rakesh and Rose.  Such gentle, humble souls.  Tonight all just hanging in the room.  Almost felt a bit nauseous again – but am doing some better.  Well this is our last night.  It will be extremely hard to leave.  But I am so looking forward to seeing my babies.  Talking is good, but I miss them so, so much.  I hope I can honestly say after this, Lord, my family is my life.  I hope truly Lord you are first.  My family is my heart.  This trip has reminded me more than ever how important they are to me.  Curious to see how some relationships will be when I get home.  All is well – heading to bed in a bit.

Energetic Kids and the Simple Life – (46)

Interacting with the children was a blessing!

Krystal, Monday, February 27, 2012
Today was another day in the villages. We went to a village where NACEA is currently constructing a church. Again, we were met with drummers who paraded us in. All of us were served a split-open coconut (to drink the milk). Once we finished, they treated us to ox cart rides over the dry Krishna River bed (we could see what is left of the river in the distance; this is their dry season so all the water is low). That ride was the experience of a lifetime. Our driver thought he was quite the ladies’ man and kept trying to impress us (there were 6 ladies on his cart). At one point, he dropped his whip and had to jump off the cart then chase us to get back on! After the ride, some of the village children sang and danced for us. Then, we again split up; some with the medical camp and some with the children. Today we saw around 65 people; several of whom were children. The kids looked at us with huge eyes like they were terrified.  After dinner, a few of us went with Rakesh to get a cold Coke and for a brief tour of the docks. The smell at the docks was very pungent…you could tell we were close to dead fish; lots of dead fish. We were also close to some British ruins but could not see them due to the time of day. 

MT, Monday, February 27, 2012

Preparing the evening meal

After breakfast we headed to another village.  Took one and a half hours to get there.  Very remote.  But not in a rural kind of way.  I can not explain it.  In the village the children sang (always precious).  Then while the medical team did a medical camp we did a children’s program.  Singing, story, games. Love, love, watching them.  But truly great – we went for a cart ride with bramha bulls.  Pretty fun! They took us to see the river “Krishna” which was dry right now.  It only has water July to November. Travelled back around 5:30 p.m., had dinner, then rested and relaxed until bedtime.  How is this trip going to affect me long term?  I am curious.  Two weeks without much communication with my precious family, two weeks without any communication with my circle of friends.  No TV, no e-mail, no cell phone.  Plus life is sooo simple.  You get there when you get there, so it goes.  And a total faith and belief system of whatever you are going through is the Father’s plan for you.  Total trust in God.  Total.  Materialism is unheard of “Things” are not necessary.  Only what is usable is of value.  Does for sure give me the desire to simplify my life in many, many ways.  “Lord, I want this to change me.  Don’t let me go back and snap right back into old ways.  Change me.  Lord, for the better – please.”

Village Programs (44)

Welcomed by drums

Michael, Monday, February 27, 2012
Got access to a computer in India. Things are going well. Thoughts today – narrow roads some paved with asphalt some with concrete, others are dirt. The cars play a tune when in reverse. Michael Jackson is a big hit with one of the boys of our host family. Things are going very well. A few moments of not feeling my best, but all and all I am good. Today we went to a country village and held a medical camp and played with the kids. We also took a ride on an ox cart – pulled by oxen. It is odd to see food prepared by women sitting on the floor and kids studying and eating while sitting on the floor.

Krystal and patient

Laura, Monday, February 27, 2012
It’s been a rough start today.  I have been a little under the weather, but not going to miss today’s adventures.  Went to another village to set up medical camp and children’s programs.  We were greeted by a group of men and boys playing drums.  They put on a little show for us.  Very loud and very fun.  But, the big surprise was a ride on an ox cart.  OH MY. . . seriously. . . Only in India can u ride an ox cart through a dry river bed, with the driver running behind the cart.  Yes. . . our driver isn’t even driving!  The medical camp was a success.  They saw about 65 people.  We taught approximately 70 kids.  Kathy taught the lesson today.  I have never found David and Goliath to be as interesting as I did today.  She was excellent.  Captured the attention of adults and children.  lol

Experiencing India (43)

At home in India

Krystal, Sunday, April 26, 2012 
Today all the ladies are wearing their new outfits to church. All the kids here keep smiling at us and saying, “Super, Auntie.” Mike, Kathy, and I went over early to help Rose out with Sunday School. We taught them two songs and told them about the children from our churches who are praying for them. The church service was much like our services at home (except the Telugu). There was a time for worship, testimonies, communion, offering, and a message. After church, we all changed and made our way to the Machilipatnam beach (Machilipatnam means “city of fish”), part of the Bay of Bengal. We first stopped by a village where they are in the process of building a church and school to check the progress. Some of us got to ride in an auto rickshaw and that was a blast! The beach was very relaxing. Much of the area had been destroyed in the 2004 tsunami and the damage was still evident; the landscape was very barren. The water was warm, but the breeze coming off was cool. The sand was brown, black, and silver. We saw a few crabs and picked up some seashells. On the way back to the colony, we stopped at an ice cream parlor called Colours.  I was so happy to get a cold Mountain Dew and chocolate ice cream. Plus, it was an air conditioned building, so basically a trifecta! When we returned to the colony, the CCH kids put on a talent show for us – complete with games, singing, and dancing. It was adorable and extremelyfunny at times. 

Entrance to the beach at Machilipatnam

MT, Sunday, February 26, 2012
Slept well – took Nyquil – coughing and coughing.  Do not feel bad though, just a teeny bit off.  Had breakfast then put on our “Punjabis” getting ready for church.  All the women look gorgeous.  Like the women here with their dress all look like “jewels”.  So colorful – everyone is so gorgeous.  It truly is an experience.  I will never forget – both blessed and thankful for the adventure and the Father working it out for me to come.  Side note for Sunday – went to the beach and to an ice cream shop.  The beach and the water were beautiful (no trash on the beach or around the water).  This is the exact beach where the tsunami hit in 2004.  Here in this area there was a Hindu festival taking place on the beach and lives were lost.  So sad. 

Tsunami

Posted Wednesday, April 26, 2012

All in a Day’s Rest (42)

Sunday worship in newly dedicated facility

Kathy, Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sunday a.m.:  Worship day!  All of us ladies (and Mike) dressed in our new Indian dress.  We all looked lovely!  Bryce wore her saree, which fit her to a tee.  Mike, Krystal, and I went over to where Rose taught Sunday School.  We were able to hear the singing portion.  The children sang so sweetly – and loud, and were so well-behaved. Rose does a super job with the kids.  We then went upstairs for worship service.  It appears the primary people that worship there are the orphanage children and older folks, and the family.  Mike did a good job preaching.  It was 45 minutes, with translation.  After service we took pictures of each of the children.  We’re hoping to match pictures with names to take back home.  Bill was pretty ill today.  They called in a doctor (Rajesh and Minnie were away for Minnie’s test).  They put an IV in, so that should help.  We were tourists this afternoon.  We stopped at a site where TB wants to build a church and school. Then we went to one of the beaches where the tsunami hit in 2004.  Over 2,000 people were killed just in that one area.  The water was really warm.  The beach was very flat and smooth.  The locals all go into the water with their regular clothes on – no bathing suits.  There were some men who wore the equivalent of underwear!  We just waded and walked and enjoyed the warm water.  Then we stopped on the way back at an ice cream store.  It was quite nice.  The ice cream tasted great!  I think we overwhelmed the waiters with one big group.  Mike had a banana split without the banana!  By the time we got back I was completely done in, so I rested. The kids were giving a “talent show.”  Mike watched for a while.  I guess it was a hoot!  I’m really sorry I missed it.  But Roselyn came in and we had a good talk.  We hadn’t had one for a while.  All in all it was a very good day. 

Wading in the Bay of Bengal

Gretchen, Sunday, February 26, 2012 
Wasn’t able to go with the team on sightseeing day because Bill was sick. No regrets. I needed to stay with him, and I’ve been to the port, the beach and the ice cream shop. It would have been great fun to watch the others have fun on the beach. AND we got to share a gallon of ice cream at the end of the day! Couldn’t get much better. 

Yum!

Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

A Day of Worship and Rest (41)

In their "go to meeting" clothes

Michael, Sunday, February 26, 2012
We went to church. Sunday school started at 10 am, service started at 11 am, and ended at 2 pm. We went to a school and church that is under construction. Then went to the beach. The sand is dark and the waves low. But it was warm and it was good to be on the beach. They swim in their clothes.  We then went for ice cream. We had home made French fries for dinner; plus, rice. The kids are now entertaining us. They go to school 6 days each week and have to take their lunch plate with them. School is from 9 to 5. 

Tim, Sunday, February 26, 2012
Bill is down with the plague.  Marc’s devotions were very moving although I was late.  Mary looks stunning in her Punjabi.  Sitting in the shade with Charles and he told Mike H. that the song the preachers have been singing is Psalm 150.  Wow!  Great church service.  We arrived early and watched the children practice singing and dancing.  Mike H. preached a good sermon.  When the greeting portion was in progress all the local folks politely shook our hand and bowed.  The last lady (about our mother’s age) approached Mary and gave her a big hug.  What a display of love.  Went to the sight of a new school.  The village was or is 4 km from the bay.  The tsunami left fishing boats in the village.  The beach had dark, almost muddy sand.  The water was warm, no shells.  Stories of the tsunami: the water receded from the beach and the Hindus ran into the bay not knowing what was about to happen.  The animals ran the other way.  Bodies were covered with sand, to be discovered by the dogs and wolves.  Fishing was stopped because the fish were feeding on the bodies.  Eight years later the disaster is still evident in the few structures remaining.  Van was stuck in sand.  Kids helped push, asked for a dollar.  Marc threw one American dollar in the air.  The kids were ecstatic.  Surprised with ice cream on the way home.  Sundaes and shakes nice.  Came back exhausted, but the kids were having a blast playing games.  Joyful noises of laughter and clapping. 

Getting our feet wet in India

Laura, Sunday, February 26, 2012
The ladies were looking good today!  We wore our new saris and Punjabis to church (which lasted about 3 hours).  Rose and the orphanage girls nicknamed Bryce ‘Barbie”.  Perfect! lol  We also went to the Bay of Bengal.  It was interesting to see the Indian women swim in their clothes.  They don’t wear suits.  The water was warm and I love smelling the salty air!  The sand is black here!  It’s also very silky and has little flecks of silver.  Pictures can’t capture this experience.  The perfect ending to this day: Rose made us home made French fries!  Love her! 

Posted Monday, April 23, 2012

Saturday Night Live (40)

Children dancing at dedication of new addition to church building

 

Krystal, Saturday, February 25, 2012 
Next was the dedication for the colony church (it had recently been remodeled/added onto). It looks very different from the first day we were here. The old sanctuary is being used as a classroom now while the sanctuary has been moved to the second floor. This gives them a lot more room. Today was also Gretchen’s birthday so they had a surprise cake for her at the dedication and the entire audience sang to her. There was also special singing and the kids had dancing. 

MT, Saturday, February 25, 2012
Had breakfast – tried to call Johnathon twice – no answer.  Last night we went to the shop to pick up our dresses – they were not ready.  Then went to a bangle shop to get bangles for friends.  They were closing so we are to go back today when we go to get our dresses.  A dedication (again), then activities with the children.  Looking forward to that.  We now are just hanging out.  Went into the town again to pick up our “Punjabis”.  Mine was not yet finished.  Did get tops for the girls and bangles for friends.    Attended another dedication – 3 hours – then dinner, then passed out treats and trinkets to the children.  Oh, the children are so, so precious.  Great big eyes – great big smiles, so well-behaved, so sweet.  I would love to take them home.  Ali and Alicia, Johnathon and Anna would love them too, I know.  As we walked through the colony earlier in the evening, a young woman saw us and was so, so, excited she invited us into her home.  She is to be married next week.  She had been very sad about this because she will have to leave her mother to go to live in a village far away.  After she saw us she was extremely excited.  She was a precious young woman.

Indian bride

Posted on Monday, April 23, 2012

Gretchen’s Day – (39)

Tim, Saturday, February 25, 2012 
Went into Machilipatnam to pick up Mary’s Punjabi at 10 a.m.  Returned at 4:00 p.m.  Done.  Traffic, smog.  Bill, the mannequin, got a lot of looks.  Dedication of the church across the street at 5:00 p.m.  We didn’t arrive until 5:45.  Passed out bracelets, little ones, teenagers and adults.  Boys (teenagers wanted three).  Traded with each other and came back for more.  Kids are the same around the world.  Bad news from home – Ben broke his leg.  Fell on ice.  Hot and tired.  Time for bed. 

 

A Taste of India (38)

Modeling their punjabis

Krystal, Saturday, February 25, 2012 
We spent this morning in downtown Machilipatnam picking up our orders. I cannot believe we each only spent Rs. 150 (US $3) to have them tailor-made. They are all gorgeous!  This evening some of us went on a walk and met a Hindu lady who will be getting married next week. She was so excited that we were there and she invited us into her home, showing us pictures of her engagement ceremony and the preparations underway for the wedding. She was disappointed when we told her we would not be able to attend the wedding (it is the night we leave). 

Laura, Saturday, February 25, 2012
Today was rather uneventful.  We rested most of the morning and then went shopping.  Rose (Rakesh’s wife) took us to her fave store to get shirts and then her other fave spots.  She’s lots of fun and full of spunk.  Perfect fit for our group.  Rakesh took MT and me down to a store to get our brooms.  We went in to a dark room in the back, picked out our brooms and we were done.  Rakesh told us no need to mess around.

Michael, Saturday, February 25, 2012
Not too much excitement today. I took a muscle relaxer last night and it made me sleep throughout the day.  I pooped. Thanks for the prayers. Keep praying for my stomach and pooper. This evening we dedicated the second floor of the main church. It is neat watching them worship. Now I am surrounded by boys. They like watching the iphone.  In fact the iphone is a big hit with all. Several Indians have cell phones. It was somewhat odd yesterday in the rural village where several live in grass hits but have cell phones.

"Can you hear me now?"