Joyride

Teju and I, along with Rheena and Marganne, heading out for a joyride through the busy streets of Pune.

Joyride ... that actually describes the whole trip. When you're on a mission, you get up in the morning, go where you're supposed to go, do what you're supposed to do and fall into bed late each night in thankful sleep. No decisions - you're along for the ride. The joy is traveling with this fun and funny group, meeting new people in India and making friends, learning new ways and culture, stretching, growing and flexibility.

Mary, Me, Leila, Gina, Marganne, Joanna.

I taught 2 lessons: Every life has a Story and Sharpening Our Skills to Help Others.

There was some lecture time for lessons, but lots of discussion and application.

Rheena henna-painted my hand one day at lunch, a custom they all do for special occasions.

It lasted over a week. The closest I'll probably get to a tattoo!


We dressed in borrowed saris one day, which meant we needed help getting wrapped in 8 1/2 yards of fabric. This is Vaishali dressing me. (Safety pins are a great invention.)

Marganne and I each ordered a custom-made punjabi. Way too overwhelming were the thousands of choices in fabric. But, after the tailor takes my measurements, $23 and 24 hours later ... voila!


Thursday night, the new group of church planters graduated and we had "dinner on the grounds."


This was graduation of the third year of Discipleship curriculum.













Out of the class of 20, 12 women had completed all three years.


They gave us traditional Marathi gifts. Happy day, but sad to say goodbye.


Thankfully, no bus trip back to the Mumbai airport. We loaded 3 vans with 20 pieces of luggage plus carry ons. Next stop: Abu Dhabi.