My world has been relatively small the past few years, staying pretty close to home. Life has revolved very much around taking care of my mother as she battles Alzheimer’s. Over the years, I found myself growing weary and having to stop doing several things I love in order to be able to focus on her ever-increasing needs.
In late March, my sweet momma took up residence in a beautiful assisted living facility devoted to those with memory care needs. I still spend a few hours each day with her, but I can sleep throughout the WHOLE night in my own bed and am no longer fully responsible for her daily care. I’m beginning to feel more rested and able to resume some (but not all) of my former activities and ministries. I can take a little road-trip with my hubby, play in the dirt in my garden, or prepare a Sunday School lesson for the kids at church without interruption. It’s truly a blessing from God’s gracious hand.
With this new freedom, my world will enlarge even more in September when I accompany three of the men from our church (including my hubby) on a teaching trip to India. My responsibility during this trip will be to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to the students who will be gathering for the purpose of enjoying some seminary-level training. I have never taught ESL, so this will be a huge stretch for me – something which will also enlarge my world as I help this group of adults whose first language is Hindi in their continued quest to become more fluent in their conversational English.
This is my hubby Wayne’s second trip to India (he’s the handsome, white-bearded guy on the lower left of the group photo above), as he traveled with our pastor and another friend on a teaching trip last year. This fall’s trip is a giant leap for me, as I’ve never been out of the country. [Well, unless you count the time when my hubby and I were honeymooning 43 years ago in a rented recreational vehicle and we drove over the Canadian border in the days before a passport was required.] This trip to India will be my first trip overseas, passport, visa, shots, long international flight, and all the cultural adventure that will surely come with that experience.
In the meanwhile, I will need much prayer support as I prepare for my role as a teacher on the other side of the world.
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Barefoot Lily Lady 
You’ve got this. You will be great. Prayers have already begun for the team.
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I’m excited for you! The only mission trip I’ve been on was to Costa Rica, not as far as you’re going, but still eye-opening!
My Hannah went to Lebanon and one of her tasks was to teach English. Fortunately, she had an advanced class, since she didn’t speak Arabic. The students already knew enough so she could continue to help them learn while the other teacher, who spoke Arabic, started with the beginners.
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Wow – what an adventure ahead of you! And so glad that you have found somewhere that cares for your mum and lets you take care of yourself a little more too. I’ve been in your shoes. God bless you all x
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Cindie, how amazing that you are going to India. It is a place that curates a great curiosity in me and a bit of hesitancy. God bless you in all your endeavors there!
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Susan, I am super excited to have this opportunity but have my own personal “bit of hesitancy” about the trip too. I have so many questions: How do I dress? What do I do that may be culturally unacceptable (like my tendency to go barefoot)? How do I teach in a culturally relevant way? Will the heat be too much for me (I’m a wimp)? I’m grateful to know that where God leads, He will provide ALL that I need.
Thanks SO much for taking time to comment. I am enjoying getting to know you as I spend time reading your posts.
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