Update from South Asia

Here we are in South Asia. After all the talk, preparation and packing...we are here. It is a real place! There is so much to describe: auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, cows and buses fill the streets (and the city with noise); poverty and trash crowd around us with the contrast of tropical flowers, colorful fruit and bright clothing; Hindu temples litter the landscape and the smell of incense permeates the air.

We have had a busy schedule of teaching and learning. Brian has taught several times. Here is he is preaching at a local church (He didn't know he was to preach until we arrived Sunday morning!). Later in the week he preached at a presbytery meeting with local pastors and theological education students. Mandy got to hang out with the wives (see picture below). They painted her hand with henna (a temporary tatoo in a sense) and put jasmine flowers in her hair. Later the women walked to the market, the local park with the kids, and made chai.

We miss our sweet Lydia, but we know this vision trip is being used by our LORD for His glory now and for what He has in the future for us.