Dr. Kumar

Tuesday we took the train from Chennai central station to Rajahmundry. It wasn't as bad as I though tit would be. It was a cooler slightly over cast day, which pretty much saved our lives because the coach we rode in had NO A.C.! The seating was a little cramped and yes creepy Indian men starred at the WHOLE time. Apparently they don't think starring is rude here and some of them act like they've NEVER seen a white person. The men will literally stare at you unblinkingly for hours on end. It's very awkward!

After an 8 hour train ride we arrived safely in Rajahmundry. Dr. Kumar was there to greet us as soon as we stepped off the train. He was escorted by the usual 2 body guards. (Alisha and I nick named them Mikey and Bubah, we have no idea what their real names are.) His body guards follow him everywhere he goes. Dr. Kumar took us to his home where we would be staying. He has 3 sons. The middle one, Alver, is VERY lively and reminds me of my brother Andy. (I sure miss him!) He likes to watch power rangers and does his own highly energetic version of Karate! Dr. Kumar has a servant who does all the cooking and laundry for his house hold. At every meal the team, the four of us, sit at a table and are served food by his wife. She treats us so well! None of us is allowed to lift a finger even if it's just to refill our water glass. I feel like we are staying at the presidents house! Complete with body guards and servants! Dr. Kumar is a very nice man. He speaks very good English. He's also a very schedualed man. But when you have as much to accomplish in one day as he does I guess you have to be. We also live very routine lives here. Which is very different for spontaneous me

Rajahmundry has a bad side too. The least of our worries is the power cuts. Which are even MORE often and last even longer then they did in Chennai. It's miserable here with out fans and A.C. But that's not the worst part! The worst part is the hatred of Christians here. There is a group of people here wholly dedicated to demolishing Christian efforts. People here are allowed (I would even say encouraged) to openly persecute Christians here. That's why Dr. Kumar has body guards! We have to be very careful what we do. On the train ride we were strictly warned not to talk to anyone. Hindu fanatics have killed Christians here before, and it wasn't a long time ago that it happened! Please have no fear for us. Dr. Kumar knows how to be careful and God is protecting us. I say this so you will pray for us not so that you will worry for one moment. If anyone needs to worry it would be me, and I'm not worried so you shouldn't worry either! Just pray.

God is still teaching us so much! If I were to right about it all it would fill a whole book! I can't wait to tell you all about it when I get back. It's been amazing to see how everyone on the team has realized and developed their spiritual gifts. There has been prophecies fulfilled in our coming here and prophecies given us while here. It so crazy how God continually confirms that I am supposed to be here. There's no doubt in my mind I am exactly where God wants me!

Wednesday, we went and visited the children's orphanage that Living Hope Church sponsors. The power was out so it was very dark. To small candles lit the crowed room where 90 children sat in perfect rows. The children all stood and greeted us as we entered. "Good evening Father, Good evening Mother..." They call all visitors from America father or mother because we are like fathers and mothers to them. The children were perfectly behaved! They say us a song in their native language accompanied by some native drums. It was the most amazing sound I've ever heard in my life. I'm sure heaven itself couldn't make a more beautiful noise! It gave me goose bumps. the children continued to sing to us song after song for half an hour! Then we had to leave so they could do their home work. I can't wait to see the children again!

We visited orphans in Churches. They have no place to stay so they return to their church every night. There a church family takes them home to feed them and let's them sleep on the floor ever night. We are hoping to get these children sponsors soon as well. Right now they are sleeping on dirt floors.

On a side note; these are the children that Living Hope Church is helping find sponsors for. For $30 a month you can sponsor a child. That means that they will be able to receive 3 meals a day, an education, a place to sleep and medical care.