Quick Update, Prayer Requests, Thanksgiving.

Hello Everyone,

A quick update: I just passed the 2 week mark of my time here in India. As stated in my previous entry, I've been working on my research project with the street children in and around Sealdah Station. There were some complications with CINI ASHA that made it to where I was unable to start until late last week. This is about 3 weeks from when I was originally trying to make headway on the project.

In these last 2 weeks, I am attempting to finish both this project as well as my other two classes. In this time, I really covet your prayers for strength and energy of mind, body, and spirit, to not only accomplish these tasks, but also to do them well. Especially with my research project, I do not in any way want to feel rushed with interviews and with my time with the children, for they and their stories deserve all the time, care, and attention that I am able to give. I have been feeling very weak at times due to fatigue, neck pain, and headaches. But God's strength is so much bigger than all of this, and I continue to seek Him and wait on Him for strength and peace. He continues to be faithful in giving me strength when I need it most, and when not, the ability to be gracious to myself and allow myself to rest.

Lastly, I really wanted to express my sincere appreciation for all of your indivdual comments and encouragements during my time here. Being here alone, many of you were able to be that companion for me and give me the encouragements that I needed during times of struggle, and also continually remind me of the simple but everlasting truth of God's mercy and companionship, and of His power and strength in the midst of one's weakness. No matter how much one may know or thinks he/she knows of these truths, in this hurting and dieing world of constant struggle and suffering, we all need the reminders of truth from God's Word, and for the body of Christ to step it up and be that community of encouragement. Even though I have been unable to respond to most comments individually, know that they brought forth what I needed at times when I needed it most, and I came back to them time and time again for encouragement. This journey has been in no way made alone, but with all of you, and most of all with our loving, merciful, and faithful God. That is the beauty of the body of Christ. If we are able to see life in the bigger picture of things, that being the kingdom of God, we are able to realize that we are never and will never be alone, even though our thoughts, feelings, and emotions may lead us to other conclusions. We need to hold on to the truths and promises set forth for us in God's Word, and be able to fully embrace what God has said to be be able to prepare ourselves to hear what God is about to say. God is good.

Blessings and peace.

Scott