Dear friends:

 

Sunday is about over in India ... it is now almost 9 p.m.  We know many of you back home will be watching the Super Bowl, but it probably won’t be seen here.  Because of the time difference, it won’t start until 5 a.m. Monday here.  We will be sleeping ... and needing to.

 

We arose in Surat today and travelled to three church locations in the State of Gujarat.  At two of the locations, we participated in foundation laying, and at the third, we worshipped outside of a church building about 30 days away from completion.  The churches are located in rural areas, but crowds attended each service.  The people at these churches are so warm and giving.  They have no wealth, and yet they shine in their hospitality.  At both churches where the foundation was dedicated, songs unexpectedly broke out, and we were able to join voices, often in two tongues.  It doesn’t take long for trusting Christian folk to find things to share.

 

After the visits, we went to the Surat Airport to fly to Delhi for the next portion of our trip.  The Surat Airport is about comparable to the Lynchburg Airport.  It is served by only two airlines and the boarding gate is easy to find ... they only have one.  We were on the last flight of the day (4:20 p.m.)  It is amazing that a city of 3,000,000 is served by such a small airport.

 

We are in Delhi now and will go to Agra tomorrow to visit the Taj Mahal, something that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

 

We are exhausted.

 

Since leaving on Thursday morning, I have a combined total of eight hours sleep.  Our hosts have us up by 6 a.m., and we usually don’t get to bed until after midnight.  My nights have been shorter, due to other duties and emailing.  I was so exhausted today, I had to stay on the bus during one of the visits to just collect myself.  Fortunately, tonight I can get at least seven hours of sleep, I hope.

 

The visit to India continues to inspire.  It is a diverse country, with new sights around every bend in the road.  There is much to be sad for.  The great number of people taxes the infrastructure in every way, and the lack of wealth keeps most cities in need of much repair.  Traffic is insane ... I can’t tell you how we have come to this place still alive.  Nevertheless, I am still inquisitive about every scene, every person, every custom.  The intrigue is so compelling.

 

America has so much to be happy for.  We are indeed a fortunate nation.  I wish all Americans could come to India just for the comparison.

 

Good night … the eyes are too heavy. 

 

Bless you all.

 

Aubrey