Of India Past and India Present

We were running late for church this morning. Again. We almost always are. It's usually my fault. I love my bed. Sometimes we miss church because I just can't get out of bed. This morning, however, I was meeting my friend Joanne, whom I hadn't seen in awhile. We met last year during training for the trip to India. We bonded during preparations and then as roommates. We were around the same age, had grown children, and shared a passion for photography. We became joined at the hip and were nicknamed "Loanne." Over the past year, we've prayed for each other and experienced many answers. We see each other occasionally, but certainly not enough. This morning, we arranged to attend the first service together, so, at the very last minute, I showered quickly, went au natural with the hair, and texted her with my expected late arrival. As I entered the church, she stood waiting with her beautiful smile and greeted me with that familiar hug. The main floor was pretty full, so we decided to go up to the balcony. Jamie and I (because we're often late) sit in the balcony most of the time, typically on the left. Today, we headed up the stairs on the right. It sometimes feels a little awkward to sit in a less familiar spot. We found a place and joined in the song. Moments later, I noticed my prayer partner for this year's India team sitting a couple of pews in front of us. I smiled inside. I was in the presence of India past and India present. I couldn't wait to introduce them - one with experience and wonderful memories, the other with anticipation and genuine excitement. The sermon, fittingly, talked about serving people of India. When it was over, I wanted to jump over the pews to be sure my friends met. Each of our faces lit up as I introduced them. All of it seemed almost planned. And then I realized that it was. It was God's plan. I am so thankful that God cares even about the smallest of details. He brings people together for a purpose - to share His love with others.

Sweat running down my back - and loving it!

It's July 4, 2012. We went to Ravinia tonight and listened to an amazing concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It was really hot. I mean, REALLY hot. As sweat ran down my back tonight, I thought about being in India last year in July. In India, it was also REALLY hot. Then, I wasn't sitting in assigned seats in a pavilion wearing a linen dress listening to an orchestra being conducted by a very talented conductor (Steven Reineke) as he was accompanied by an amazing vocalist (Ashley Brown). Last year in India, sweat ran down my back while I played soccer with the boys at the boys' home. Or while I made crafts with the 6 year olds. Or while I walked to lunch in the afternoon. It was different. My memories are not of being uncomfortable, but about being comforted by the activities I was doing. My memories of India could have been about the heat, or different smells, or noises, or of so many things which were not reminders of the comforts of home. Instead, they are of smiles of children wanting their picture taken. They are of handing out glue to children as they call out "gum! gum!" (their word for glue.) They are of the smiles of women we saw each day. They are of the relationships we began. They are of the stories they shared. They are of the hug and the kiss on the cheek at the airport as we prepared to depart and at that moment knowing that I would not not return. As the sweat ran down my back this evening at the concert at Ravinia, I was reminded that I am returning to India this September. And I cannot wait.