I Exalt Thee

I'm currently listening to "I Exalt Thee" on the Jesus Culture: Your Love Never Fails album. Thats the explanation for the title haha

Anyway, to the point. Much to cover. I actually have a list haha

There was a Hindu festival a few days ago. It was quite the experience. Veer decided to take all the orphans to it so we could ride some rides. It was a lot of fun. There was one of those swinging ships like the one at Six Flags, except there was no restraints on this one... SOOOO, Samuel (the 20 year old who cooks for the orphans) and myself went to the back of the ship and STOOD UP, yes, the entire time.. sorry, Mom haha. That was quite the experience, scary at first but definitely FUN! It was especially cool to get to take a trip with all the boys though. We left right before a huge fight broke out, so God definitely had a hand of protection on us there!

My eyes have completely healed! So God answered my prayers there. No more eye flu :]

So Veer has me taking a break from teaching to do some administrative stuff. Specifically, I know select random students, go throught their graded assignments and check to see if the teachers are grading accurately. If they haven't, I have to be mean... which I'm not good at haha! But it's nice to mix in some grading... teaching is kind of hard. I'm sorry past teachers for the little punk I was haha

The students are going through a testing process right now. In the evening, the orhpans are just STUDYING STUDYING STUDYING! Veer is very forceful there. I am now tudoring many of them, so thats kind of fun.

We've had two church services so far. The first time I just sat and read my Bible cause the sermon is in Hindi, but this past Sunday Veer had me lead part of worship, and he wants me to speak soon. SO, that's really awesome!

Theres really bad flooding in all of India, it reminds me of Katrina. It's bad. All of India is in need of prayer for protection and for the damage to be minimal. So keep that in your prayers.

Also, a large prayer request is for safety tomorrow, on the 24th. Veer was telling me that on Sept 24, 1991 the Hindu's claimed that Rhaman (spelling), their god, was born at same location of a Muslim temple. Ever since then, there has been fighting and rioting in India every September 24th between the Muslims and Hindus. There also have been a case in the Indian court ever since 1991 to decide whether a temple or mosque would be built there. This is the 24th that they announce the decision, at 3:00 pm. Veer says there will most likely be a curfew enforced and that police presence will increase significantly. So, just pray for safety. Not for me, but for the Indian people. Because I am a Christian there is no danger for me, so don't be worried!

On a lighter note, yesterday I got a hair cut. My first on since in India. And another famous Indian head massage (I wisely requested them not to do anything to my ears this time! My ear still hurts since July 2009). That was very nice, and my hair is looking... well... it's shorter haha.

There's been a lot of pastors visiting Veer lately... These men are so strong in their faith that I am moved just by being around them... no, I'm not just around them, I'm surrounded by them... I can feel the warmth of Christ coming off of them and I can see His love in their eyes. It's just so cool to see these men who keep their faith despite the amount of persecution there is in India. They truly are inspiring to me.

Oh, I almost forgot. Last night at prayer, Shubum (not sure if I spelled that right haha) spoke about some verse in Matthew. Hera translated as best he could. Apparently Shubum was saying that it's wrong to hit children. Hera turned to me and asked what that verse was about sparing the rod... I told him it was Proverbs 13:24. He then taught them that it is okay to strike children as a disciplinary method. I'm telling you this story for two reasons. First I thought it was hilarious that Shubum taught that because he just didn't want to get hit anymore haha! Second, it was very cool to see Hera lead the group of boys in prayer and a Bible study. Which he does every Sunday after church and every night that Veer is too busy, such as last night. Hera has a heart for God and he inspires me just like those pastors do.

Anyway, I gotta go start the day.

I miss you all almost as much as I am missing cold milk right now!

In Him,
Ethan