Yes, mom, I arrived safe and sound! :)After a bittersweet send-off in the Eastern Iowa Airport, I began my trek to India! I met up with Jacklyn, a very kind young architect from Virginia, at my layover in Detroit, and was able to sit with her on my way to Amsterdaam. From Amsterdaam to Delhi we each got window seats and I was able to sleep about 6 hours on the flight, which has really helped me adjust to the 10.5 hr time difference. We arrived in New Delhi and met up with our eMi trip leaders Dannah and Ryan without any problems, praise God! After a night in New Delhi and a day of shopping, we began our over-night train ride south to Hyderabad. Abishek, an Indian architecture intern, met us for the train ride before heading to the station. Unfortunately one of our team members (Austin) didn't make it to New Delhi as scheduled, but he was able to get another flight direct to Hyderabad and arrived last night. Pemila, a volunteer civil engineer, joined us late last night from the UK. We're now all staying in a very Westernized guest house (with wireless internet!) before leaving tomorrow for the village that the El Rohi Center is located in (about an hour away).
While in New Delhi, we rode in an auto-rickshaw and Jaclyn and I bought some traditional Indian clothing so we won't stand out as much in the village (pictures to come!). There are very few Westerners here in Hyderabad, but I'm getting more accustomed to the stares and cultural differences. This morning Ryan and Dannah led us in a team orientation. I'm very excited to work with everyone! We each bring such unique gifts to the team, so please pray that we are able to use them well! Please also pray for unity as a team, overall hydration and health, and for our time interacting with the 30 children of the El Rohi home. For myself, please pray for strength in spirit. I've seen things in the past few days that have broken my heart, including children with limbs maimed to beg for money and women hidden from the world beneath burkas. Please pray that I continue to trust the Lord's sovereignty in spite of such injustices.
I do not expect to have internet access while in the village for the next week, but we will pass back through this guest house before taking the train north, so I will try to write then! Thank you all for your prayers and support!
