I've been in India for 10 days, and so much has already happened!
Our welcome was INCREDIBLE! It paralleled what I would imagine a heavenly welcome would feel like. There were smiling children everywhere, and we were given flowers, and there was a beautiful banner made for us!
And of course, I cried, because things like that make me cry happy tears 🙂
I also made 3 best friends right away, who declared they were my best friends about 10 minutes after meeting me, and they are devoted. Always there, always smiling, always squealing when I come out and come back. It's so sweet and funny all at once.
Sowjanya, Dharani, and Mani, my Indian bffls
We’ve met rejoicing elderly ladies, who LOVE Jesus and get really really excited about Him, so excited that they grabbed our booties when they hugged us. We’ve seen little children invite Jesus into their hearts and declare that they will worship Him and Him alone. I’ve seen women with leg, back, hand, neck, and all kinds of body pains receive relief from pain in Jesus’ holy name. I’ve had the honor of hugging and praying over widows. I’ve had the honor of kissing orphans and squeezing them in tight hugs.
We've preached in church and in house churches, sharing the gospel, and everywhere we go and share, more people are moved to receive Jesus. It's amazing! It's a time of harvest here in India!
We live right beside an orphanage, but most of these children aren't orphaned. Their mothers are simply too poor to provide for them, so they live here and receive an education. They are so sweet and friendly, always saying "Miss! Miss!" and handing us flowers. Every single day, the children find something to compliment on me, and say “Byoo-tee-fool, miss! Suuper!!” and make the “okay” sign with their hands hahaha! They stare and smile and giggle, and then stare and smile some more. The team and I had a henna night, and the girls made beautiful henna artwork on our hands! Check out one of my hands (henna was still on).
I've been on state-wide television twice, and supposedly also made the paper. Not bad, huh? My testimony was broadcast to millions of people, which is nothing short of epic. Glory to God for that!
Everywhere we go, we are guests of honor. It’s incredibly humbling. These people don’t even know us, but they honor us so much. I’m learning the definition of honor.
We've visited a disabled boys' home and sang songs and played ball with them. Their smiles were precious and their joy was contagious!
We have witnessed some pretty impressive dancing acts. I took a really funny video of a dancing baby in the audience who stole my attention from the main performers. I will hopefully be able to make and post this video when I get home. Let’s just say I’ve been wowed by the dancing here.
We've been to two different prisons, and seen many prisoners come to Christ. We handed out Bibles and also prayed over guards.
We've gone to very remote villages which were affected by the floods, prayed with the people, and handed out rice. We met girls who had to stop their education at 3rd grade because they had to work in the fields, and some were married as young as 15 years old. They encouraged us with their faith.
Here are the people of a small village waving to our bus after we visited them! Please keep them in your prayers during this flood season.
And… I have seen the ocean!
In January, my dear friend Amanda prophesied over me that I would see the ocean in India (she didn't even know India was on my route!) and that there would be an orange flower there. She described the flower very specifically. She also said my heart would feel very full, overflowing full of joy and love.
Well it all came about. I saw the ocean…
…and soon after, I was handed this flower, which is exactly the flower she described.
Oh and my heart is very full. 🙂 Thank You Holy Spirit for giving my friend that vision!
We went to a wedding reception and dressed up in fancy saris. Here's mine:
We are blessed to live with the Pastor's family, and are daily encouraged by their faith and love for each other.
We’ve been busy here, and many have been encouraged and added to the Kingdom.
Please visit heyheyhelena.blogspot.com for my personal updates, and make sure to subscribe since it will become my main blog in about 3 weeks!
Love yall, and I will see you SOON!
This post makes me want to go to India! I love reading about the AMAZING things God is doing through you and your teammates. So proud of you!
India is the country that I am most excited about. I’ve always said that if God wanted me to move to India, I wouldn’t even question it. So this blog was an amazing read and it just confirms my excitement in this country and its people. I can’t believe this is your last month. I have “watched” you go through this entire journey, starting at training camp. I have laughed, cried and rejoiced with you in your blogs. Hopefully one day we can meet in person. But thanks to your ability to express so much through your writing, I feel like I already know you.
Love you girl and I am excited for you to be returning to America, I can only imagine how many people are looking forward to it!
Marina – Q Squad
Lenar benar I love you I always try to comment and they never go through! So here Ivan attempting again. I love and miss you so much. But when I read the events you are experiencing- I just want you to experience more… And I feel bad for my selfish desires to see you here in texas instead of see you in action for Christ. (this is what has kept me from crying all the time!!!) I can only express joy when I speak of how you are acting like Christ and serving people of the world – WITHOUT puttig you first. You’re amazing and I brag about you often. I wish I didn’t have kids so I could serve the same way. Right now they are to little to leave. One day I hope to minister to more around the states….Maybe world… Need some languages learned first HA! But I love you and you are a super hero for setting examples for other to WANT to live by
I’m overjoyed!
I have been speaking with Pastor Sam the past while on Facebook, and he has invited me to come there as well to minister. I would love to come with the same organization you are there with but I am too old (52) It’s good to read your experiences. They encourage me about going. I am on a disability in Canada, so I am not flush with money, so it will be totally a God thing if I am able to go. Right now I can’t even afford to get my passport. Pray that if I am meant to go that Daddy (Father God) will open up a way. Dad bless you in your travels and ministry! Feel free to contact me either on facebook or email!
Helena, you are such an amazing girl (or woman, rather )! I’m very happy that you’ve had such heart touching experiences during your journey. It’s no easy task leaving your home, your family, and friends, to travel into countries across the world that you have never been to. The reasons that made you go are selfless and inspirational. The people you have met and the lives you have touched must be numerous. Those people won’t forget you or your words. I’m proud to have you as my friend, and of course, I’m very happy you’re finally coming home