Two Weeks Away?!

I can not believe that the missions trip is two weeks away!

We had our last training this past Sunday, and I believe it was the most encouraging and uplifting meeting we have had as a team. At the end, we had a time of prayer and encouragement together, and seemed like something broke in regards to bringing us closer as a family than just a team and meeting every few weeks! The Drama team is going well, and we got to perform for the team--the Lifehouse skit also shown on youtube. We are also doing three skits for the VBS--David and Goliath, Joseph, and the children coming to Jesus.

I do appreciate prayer for me emotionally as it is getting closer and to rest in His control and His love. Thank you all for your prayers; we greatly appreciate them!

Another India Miscellaneous

The last couple Sundays have been filled with India times :)
Just this last Sunday, the girls on the team went to a place in upper California called Little India. It is placed in a city in California and specifically geared to all places Indian--food, clothing, people, etc. So, we looked at bangles (bracelets that the Indian women make to sell), punjammies (the unique clothing women wear) we found for $7 and $10 (quite cheap for clothing such as those; more expensive in India [I will have to take a picture of me in mine!]). The lady working there agreed with me that it was definitely the color and style for me! At the end, we walked over to a place where you can try some snacks (the packaging said "San Diego" on it, so only manufactured here in CA, not India). I really liked one of the snacks that had a mix of sweetness, crunchy, and yet a kick to the flavor (think of a trail mix). One of the girls that lives close by to me picked me up and went together. It was good since we got to know one another better :)

The Sunday before we had another training, and this one was unique in that we shared our testimonies and learned how to pray for one another in regards to waiting on the Lord and asking Him how to minister to His child. It was a good training time together. Our next training is this coming Sunday and our drama team is meeting afterward for a couple hours to go over some skits. Thank everyone for your prayers!

Blessings and love,
Rachel

Experiencing a Glimpse of India

This morning we had a third training and it was more of a hands-on training instead of listening to information and taking notes! We began with worship of our Lord and prayer, and separated into teams afterward. Our Team #1 of about seven drove to the Kidsuem in Santa Ana (a part of Bower's Museum) and volunteered in helping put together crafts for the kids who would come work on them at a later date. We had a glimpse of India through this in helping with crafts as if we were there in India at VBS! :) The other teams did activities such as visiting hospitals and helping the homeless. We all came back together as a whole team and ate lunch Indian style--we ate with our right hand (no utensils, and eating with your left hand is improper in India as using the left hand is for restroom purposes). It was an experience and fun and interesting to eat that way, and learning how they do it in India.

Tomorrow morning, my drama team meets together for an hour and going over the ideas we have for the skits! Thank you for your continued prayers; the prayer page is updated as well  :) God's blessings!!

God Plans are His plans

..and are much better in growing and maturing yourself emotionally, physically, and spiritually! Remember when I mentioned about VBS being my top on the list in helping out and then speaking and last, drama? At today's meeting/training, we found out which section we are in...and to my amazement, I am in..DRAMA! God has a sense of humor, and His plans are best in growing me (that's for sure :)

I was proud of myself for stepping out and reaching out to people. God has something in store through all this in regards to working on my comfort zone. I heard and have begun to realize that we all struggle with the same things (working on or much better in)--insecurity, fear, rejection. We are never alone in the battle, thankfully, huh? :)

God is so good to us, and His love never fails, and His lovingkindness endures forever!

One, Two and counting

I wanted to update my friends, family, and readers on what was happening so far. Just a bit ago, I wrote out my support letter draft, and earlier worked on my visa application! It feels good when you get something done...

Coming up, I have my second training on Sunday the 25th. Pray that all of us will just simply have joy. joy, and more joy of the Lord and unity in our team. May the love of the Lord just shine in all of us :) If you would ever like to find out what to pray for specifically, I have a separate page named "Prayer Requests" on the right-hand column.

I celebrated my birthday yesterday, and my brother bought me an I-tunes gift card. Through searching over secular songs, I found a song by Chris Sligh named "One". I believe it fits perfectly with our prayer for our team:

Training Time!

I had my first training for the trip to India earlier today! (I need to remember to bring more snacks next time...) anyway, we ended up receiving a folder of the important information we will need (so helpful!!) which includes information on immunizations, visa applications, how to fund raise and write a support letter, etc. It was SO helpful to have all the information we need in a packet!

We were able to listen to the various categories of what we can help in: drama, worship, speaking, and VBS. We wrote down our top three choices on a note card, and I chose: VBS, speaking, and drama (greatest to least). In VBS, you help come up with ideas of crafts for the children, and prepare them. We will see where God leads; however, we are not limited to just those categories, but the Core team is wanting to see where our gifts are (mine being children!) and help decide where we can be placed in a wider role.

This training was filled with listening to important information to write down, including having to get to LAX (or was it leaving LAX?) at 4 am in the morning... :)

Thank you all so much for your prayers and love during this time of God growing me for a greater and significant purpose for my life--filled with His protection and grace.

In Christ who strengthens,
Rachel

Beginning a Journey

..well, I guess this is just a major part of the journey I am already on; moreover, knowing I have a God Who is the King of kings on my side through it all.

I have decided to use this blog as a chronicle of my prayer and decision (and being accepted on the team) to go on a missions trip to the country of India. The missions trip is through Rock Harbor of Costa Mesa, and specifically, we will be ministering to the people of Tenali, Andhre Predash. The ministry is Harvest India, and the leader is Suresh Kumar. We had the privilege to meet Suresh a few months ago at the introduction of this ministry and the availability to apply for the missions trip.

The missions trip to India will be about a couple weeks, beginning December 26th of this year until about January 8th of next year. The first training is coming up--this coming Sunday for about three hours. :)

May God bless you all, and let us continue to be the sons and daughters God created us to be!

Love and many thanks,
Rachel

Tenali