Global Talk

From: Katie Lepp
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 2:32 AM
Subject: INDIA UPDATE # 10

Howdy all!

I can't remember if this is really the 10th update, but we'll pretend it is # 10. No problem!

Last week at Green Valley was fantastic. Charlie Fordham and Steve Thiessen came and went... what a blessing they were inside and outside the classroom! Tonight the annual Worker's Conference begins... the theme is "We Will Serve the Lord." Carolyn and I are leading the music team. We assembled a choir and small ensemble a week ago and have been practicing like crazy all week. The students are quick learners and good singers. Doug Fordham (Charlie's brother) and Paul Dyck (Nick's dad, for those from CHBC 2000) are here from Canada to teach during the conference.

Carolyn has settled in with staff and students at Green Valley so fast... she's been here ten days and it feels like months already. We are in the process of painting a map of India on one wall in our room. George gave us the go ahead, so we'll probably end up painting another mural or two around the campus. Yahoo! I feel like a kid holding a box of crayons and staring at a white wall with permission to color everything!

I've been quite pensive this week... just observing everyday life and thinking to myself, "Katie, you're in INDIA!" And somehow, it feels so normal. I laughed to myself this afternoon as we took the bus into town... we stood most of the way, being squished on all sides by people. We were delayed a few minutes by strikers blocking the road... don't know what they were striking about. Passing the villages and farms, we saw all the cows with their horns decorated with garlands and ribbons... another Hindu festival, but I don't know which one. Somehow, seeing cows with ribbons would not be so normal at home. =)

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers... I am content knowing I am where the Lord wants me. As usual, life at Bible school is not perfect because we're people and there are always conflicts and challenges to work out, but Jesus Christ is our hope and stay. He is the One who is faithful to change hearts (including my own!), so I am thankful that He would so graciously make me a part of His work here.

Please pray for safe travel for all the guests coming today and leaving next weekend. Pray that all staff and students at Green Valley would continue to be a blessing as we share Christ's love and life in practical ways and as we fellowship together. Last, but not least, pray for everyone's health. George's wife, Ruth, and daughter, Michelle, had a small accident on their scooter. They're fine, just some bumps and bruises.

I pray each of you are well. Bye for now and I'll write again...

Love to you all,
Katie