Here in Pune

The slum right next to our hotel and two trainees working hard.
We finally made it to Pune. It has been an adventure - even just getting here to an internet cafe was the ride of our lives - beat any roller coaster you have been on! Picture 5 Americans singing old TV theme show tunes in an auto rickshaw that might hold 2 comfortably. What an amazing ride. The scooters and other rickshaws were one thing - it was turning into the car was another story.

Pune is a very different region. We have been told that every state in India is different as to people, climate and the culture. Though the numbers of people and vehicles appear to be the same, it has a totally different feel to it. The streets are clean, the buildings appear to be kept up, very few beggars - it's just different. We took a walk last night through the market of the slum that is next door to the hotel. We were very comfotable to interact with people and shop.

There are 30 students in the class - many of them traveled overnight by bus or train (without any sleep)and then had a significant walk to get to the training. Such dedication for the mission God has placed on their hearts. What a humbling privilege to be part of this work. They are so eager to learn - help us Lord to not only equip them but to encourage their hearts.

Just a few treasures from the past few days:
- Jeff did an activity where the people needed to get in circles and then grab on to a fabric. The people automatically got inside the circle with one another. Americans would never do that. It definitely is the sense of togetherness that is so prevelant here.
- people here want to know you. The first thing they ask is what your name is and then engage with you.
- Here in Pune, every square inch is its own universe. There is such diversity in every space you find yourself in or passing through
- Such joy and simplicity here
- Jeff discovering last night that IGL will train 25,000 leaders - he thought it was how many children they would reach with their Gospel Clubs. He was speechless when he realized that they would reach 500,000 children!

Thank you for all your prayers and support! Everyone here is doing well!