it's been awhile.. sorry

Life in Calcutta is a mix of things.. it's amazing, beautiful, crazy, heartbreaking, busy, and did I mention crazy? So sorry we haven't written in a while. This past week has been so great, but really full. I can't tell you all of it, but I'll give you a few mental snapshots, as well as an update of some recent developments.

First, Freeset just keeps getting better. Gos has answered our recent prayers and given each of us unique opportunities to get to know people on a deeper level. Sarah got a new girl in screenprinting who speaks English & is happy to translate for her. Cassie has had some meaningful conversations with Annie in the marking room, and I(Emily) have gotten to know the teacher and other women who serve in the creche this past week. We have just one more day there. I will be sad to leave, but I am so full of hope that the sadness is only a momentary blip in the realm of what God is doing in their lives.

Cassie has been sick for a couple days with a flu and fever. She's on antibiotics and is getting better, but it's a slow process. It is really hard to feel awful in a place that is so unfamiliar, so while she will be fine in a few days, pray that she is well enough to go to freeset tomorrow and have the energy to spend one last day with Annie and her other women.

We went back to Sari Bari today for a short visit. We got to meet more with their Indian staff, which was really cool. They gave us tea and we learned more about the ministry there. God is at work in Sari Bari and we are blessed to see it even a little.

We are experiencing some new parts of the culture, or maybe we are just becoming more aware. We don't want to leave here frustrated with the noise, the staring, the crowds, the staring, the awkward interactions on the street etc. But honestly, some days, it seems that's all we encounter. Sarah almost got into a fistfight with a kid on the street last night.. I had to hold her back. Anyhow, we desire to finish well, to see God in the people, to take in everything, and to really feel closure with love, so please pray that we would have spirits of Joy, let laughter be our guide and really try and see the Lord in each person we encounter.

It feels like we've been here forever, but at the same time, we can't believe we are leaving. A few days ago, we were processing through many of the difficult things we've seen and learned and were overwhelmed by it all. We decided that we need more than just the 12 hours in Bangkok to debrief, pray and rest before we come home. So, my friend who works for Indian Air changed our flights. We will arrive home at the same time as planned, but we will leave Calcutta Monday instead of Wed. We will be in Bangkok for 2 1/2 days and plan to rest, hang out, pray, and take the time we need to work through this last month. Pray for safe travels, a fun and relaxing time in Bangkok and that God would give us closure before we go.

The next few days are packed. Sarah and I had dinner tonight with some friends of mine from CA that are leaving in the morning, and Cassie went with the other team to meet some of their kids from Nagaland who are traveling through the city.

Tomorrow is our last day at Freeset and then we are having lunch with the Family from New Zealand who have taken us in while we are here, Glen & Karen, and their kids, Liam (3yrs) & Tiana (7 mo). That night, we will watch an Indian movie with Josh and Laurissa, other friends from New Zealand who are at Freeset. Sunday is church and a goodbye lunch for Glen & Karen, who are moving back to New Zealand for good after 4 years here in Calcutta. That evening we will go to dinner with Susanta, the Indian Pastor that we have worked with a little.

Somewhere in there, we are praying that we would have an opportunity to visit the red light area that all our women are from. I think that would be a great last thing to do, so we can see how God has transformed their lives, and also see what still needs to be done to bring hope and light to such a dark place.

So, it's a busy few days. We probably won't post another blog till Thailand, but maybe if we are feeling inspired...

Anyhow, we hope everyone at home is well. We love you and miss you!! Thank you for all the prayer.. we can definitely feel it here. God has been so faithful to us, and although life does not always run smoothly, we are certain that God is directing our steps, which gives us great confidence!!

Paz y Amor,
Emily