India Update - Leaving on a Jet Plane

I wanted to give you all an update before we head out to let you know where things stand and what the plan is as our itinerary firms up.

I can hardly believe it, but we're actually going to India! We fly out today at 7:25pm heading to London. Thank goodness we only have the one layover. When I traveled to Central Asia in 2000, I took six planes to get there and five to get home. I'm thrilled that it will only be 24 hours of travel before we arrive in Delhi.



We're pretty much ready to go. We still need to pack our carry-ons, but that's about it. For once in my life, I packed days early (it felt really good too) and we took all of the girls' things to our family's house last night, so that we wouldn't have to mess with it today.

Ahead of us is delicious sleep on a plane (I'm the mama of two young children; I don't know what sleep really is and while I know my heart is going to ache - it already sort of does - to be away from my loves, I am also going to relish in sleep. Thank the Lord I can sleep anywhere, including on a plane!).

The main thing we'll be doing while in India is connecting with the local church, attending their homegroups, fellowshipping, and having a big picnic. I'm thrilled that this trip isn't all about us missionaries going in thinking we know everything or can save the world. Rather, it is approached with the questions of, "What can we learn?" and "How can we be of some help?" I truly feel that this is a partnership and that while we will pour into lives, our lives too will be poured into.

Our church has had up an Angel Tree a bit early this year - intended to support some of the children in India. Instead of purchasing gifts, members donated money to sponsor the children so that the gifts could be purchased there (much more economic than trying to ship them all, deal with customs, etc.). I'm excited to say that our team gets to do the shopping. Who doesn't love that? I get to use someone else's money to buy presents for beautiful children in need. And I actually enjoy wrapping gifts, so it works out great. I'm all over this!


We'll also be doing quite a few prayer walks, including in Old Delhi. While there we'll get to visit Red For, a 17th century fort established by the Mughals. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It'll be wonderful to soak up some of the rich history of the area while we are there.


As mentioned previously in another blog post, we'll be taking some children from a slum orphanage to the zoo. I can't tell you how excited I am to see their faces. Beautiful children who have nothing and bringing them simple joy through an experience they otherwise wouldn't have.



We'll also be visiting a well known Hindu temple, which enshrines the god Vishnu. It'll be interesting to see Hinduism in full swing firsthand.On that note, the holiday Diwali, which is the Festival of Lights in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, will take place while we are there too. Conversely, we'll visit St. Stephen Church, which was built in 1862. I do believe we will see some of the nation's religious tension. Just so you know, it is not illegal to be a Christian in India (though the government requires that you register if you are one), but it is illegal to encourage someone to change their beliefs. If someone does become a Christian, they must sign papers when they register stating that they do so of their own volition. We of course tread lightly.


And who can go to India without enjoying a day trip to Agra to see the Tag Mahal. I hear it is an experience like no other.

And finally, Ado and I have the pleasure of meeting up with some old classmates from Bethany while we are there. James & Marney moved to another city in India a few months ago and we'll have the chance to visit with them and catch up.

Well, that is a snippet of what the plan is for while in India. We still appreciate all of your prayers while we are there - for us, the team, the church there, and of course the family we are leaving behind for two weeks.

We also owe our church for some of the cost of our plane tickets still. God has been so faithful in pouring out blessings as we plan for this endeavor. He's really been working on my faith during this time and I have confidence that He will supply the rest of the funds needed. If you do want to partner with us financially, just so you know, it isn't too late. :) Feel free to send tax deductible contributions through our church with our name in the memo line:
     Reveal
     17744 W. Charter Oak Rd
     Surprise AZ, 85388
Or you can use PayPal to send to us directly. Just look up our email address:
     themartinezhome@gmail.com

Finally, I wanted to let you know that one of the things I am most excited for in this trip, is that I get to do it with Adonai. In all the missions trips we've each done, this will be the first time doing one together. This is also the first time he gets to travel outside of North America. I'm pleased as punch to spend this time with him, doing this work together. YAY!


Oh, and I'm also REALLY excited about the food. I've been wanting some coconut or peanut curry lately, and biding my time until I can get my fill. Yum, yum, am I going to eat!

I'll try to blog while I'm away, so please subscribe if you want to stay posted.


Thanks again for all of your love, support, prayers, and encouragement. May the Lord bless you richly for being a blessing to me.


Kelly