New Dehli News

Arriving late into the night at the New Dehli international airport, my friends and I were swept away in a minivan to the suburbs surrounding this sprawling city of millions. The sights in the airport made me wish cameras were allowed in secured areas. The man standing in front of us at passport control was something I would imagine from a children's story book. The elderly gentleman had a trimmed beard, baggy pants and shirt (typical of this region), a navy plaid turban wrapped haphazardly around his head, and the most amazing shoes I've ever seen a man wear in public. His feet were made to look enormously long in silvery, sparkly, narrow shoes that extended past the toes and CURLED UP! I couldn't believe it! If I find someone on the streets with those shoes, I WILL take a picture. Maybe I'll buy C a pair to wear around the house!

Even though it was 4:30am when our luggage had 'arrived' and had been loaded into our minivan, the traffic was not sparse. It wasn't crowded, but still more people were traveling about than I had anticipated. Whizzing past us on our left and right on the pot-holed highways were mopeds fixed up like 3-wheeler taxis. It's the gas powered rikshaw (sp?). Our host, Sandie, expressed the dangers of riding in such a 'taxi' because they are known for tipping over. Not to worry, I think my curiousity will be quenched by having my picture taken while standing NEXT to the contraption.

Squeezing into the backseat of our minivan with Shelly, and Diane, I immediately noticed something was very different about this vehicle--the steering wheel was on the RIGHT side of the car. Ahhh...memories of living in Cyprus and my little red Volvo Golf flooded my mind. Didn't think about India having British driving systems, even though they did colonize the land in decades gone by.

We are resting comfortably in a beautiful 2.5 story, split level home with our host family while preparing for our 2-day conference, which begins tomorrow. Sandie's home is surrounded by tall, lush, green trees and a quaint patio/garden is the main attraction in the front of the home. Think I'll spend some time out there as I continue to prepare for the weekend. About 40 ladies from the international community will be joining us on a farm outside the city for 2-days of soaking in the Word, music, and fellowship. I'll be joining them on Sunday as well to lead out in music for their 2 Sunday morning services. Lot's of singing for me!

I'll send stories as I can and try to attach pictures. I admit--I have yet to take one, but will before too long.

By the way, C is home alone during the time I'm away. This is not easy for us, but we believe this is where I am supposed to be. Yes, I did get emotional and teary before leaving last night. I've set him up with meals in the freezer and fridge, but I believe he'll be whipping up his own master pieces. Or, he'll be going deeper with many of his male friends while dining local restaurants while I'm away.

Points to Ponder:
-Thankful for the 4 of us ladies arriving safely for conferences
-Thankful for opportunity/challenge to speak and lead in song
-Ask: C&I will grow stronger even while we are apart
-Ask: healing over my right knee, left side; been in pain since arrival
-Ask: cohesiveness as the 4 of us lead out over the next 2 weekends