update from india - june 21

Sarah and Clint Baldwin are the leaders of Courtney's trip to India. Sarah is the Campus Pastor at George Fox University. She just sent this email out...

Hey, all--

We had an epic journey (as Bethany would say) on Saturday. We traveled crammed into two vehicles 2.5 hours outside of the city on a wild ride over bumps and through congested villages to an island off of the coast. Once arriving at the coast we traveled by a half-raft/half-fishing boatish contraption to the island and then took bicycle rickshaws to the beautiful Friends' Orphanage named the Emmanuel Hostel. The children were beautiful, they treated us like royalty and for most if not all, it was the highlight of the trip so far. Being outside the craziness of the city refreshed us and although we were sore and exhausted by the time we returned, it was worth it.

We worshipped with a fellowship that meets at the Y yesterday and today are beginning our work in the homes. We have three or four different groups of students who will work in three or four different homes. We either work in the morning or afternoon--and some will work both shifts. The heat and the length of transportation make a half-day feel like a whole day.

A couple people are sick--we are right on schedule. Stay a week in Kolkata, some will get sick, stay two weeks, most will. :) But no one is desperately ill. This will most likely be our biggest need of prayer while we are here--physical health.

I am sure many of you are hearing from the students--the internet cafe is a convenient after lunch stop.

Thank you for your prayers.
Sarah & Clint