Weary Bones and Flying Spirits

We are now in northern Orissa. A six hour drive brought us to a small village where there is a church planting less than two years old. It became the sight where we gathered with others for a Prayer Conference. They had begun in the morning and would continue through the day into the night. We were only with them for about two hours.

There likely were over 500 people gathered. Singing, a message from the word, words of exhortation, and the dedication of an extension on their worship shelter were all part of our time in this village. The most humbling aspect of this time with people were there greetings to us. They bent or kneel to the ground and touch both of your feet, and then touch their own chest and head. It is a gesture that says I honor you from my heart to my head. It is just very uncomfortable when a long line of people all are giving you the same greeting. For me it was a pleasure to lay a hand on their head or shoulder and to return the blessing.

We then went on to the SPICE hostel in this norther part of Orissa. There we were given our "noon meal" at 3:00 p.m. For us this was Thanksgiving Day as celebrated in the States. It was interesting to hear the comments about what was to be consumed back in the homes of the various PVT participants. We then were treated to a program by the SPICE hostel children.

One of the really nice things that happens with the Scholarship Program for International Children's Education is that each year there is an opportunity to give a little extra for a special Christmas Gift. This money had been distributed and the hostels already had the gifts on hand - a blanket and a sweater - and guess who had the great opportunity to hand these out to the hostel children. Your right, the PVT Team. The children were delighted! Thanks to all who make this sponsorship program a reality.

Well then it was another two hours in the car to come to our hotel for tonight and tomorrow night. It is good to get here and to be able to settle in to this new abode.

Tomorrow we move on to the border of Orissa and West Bengal. It should be another good day.

For those of you celebrating Thanksgiving, have a great day!

Blessings to you, Ken