So this is love...

It's been a few days and I'm praising God for the amazing ways He is already blessing me for walking in obedience. After my flight fiasco, I finally arrived in Hyderabad just 12 hours after I had originally anticipated. I could have literally kissed the ground I was so excited to reach my destination. As I exited the airport with my full cart of six bags in tow I saw Suresh's long time friend Sridel, who was there to greet me and it was a great to see a familiar face. We loaded my bags into the car and as I opened the back door of the car, in my seat, was a brand new pillow! Suresh had heard the struggle I was having with the airlines, and assuming I would be exhausted; he sent a pillow so that I could get some rest on the six our drive from Hyderabad to Tenali. I'm not sure if it was the over exhaustion or the welcomed and loving gesture but I cried. The way that this culture, and the Kumar family specifically, loves people is enough to make anyone with a heart cry. As I crawled into the back seat unwrapped my new pillow and laid down my head I remember thinking, "I'm home!" Whether the trials and delay in my flight was testing, accidental, spiritual warfare, or protection, one thing is clear, God loves me and he has my very best interest in mind.

I slept the entire drive, reached Tenali at 2AM, settled into my room and slept the whole night through. In the morning I awoke rested and experiencing no jet-lag. God is so good! I met the team visiting us from Silver City, NM and spent the day with some of my favorite elderly. I knew that there was chance I would see some new faces at the center but feared I would not see others. I was immediately crushed when the dear face of my beloved Kammabam did not emerge from the smiling faces. As unappointed leaded of the elderly center in Ventkapatnem there is noticeable difference when visiting the center without her presence. She is truly filled with the joy of the Lord! Even in old age she would dance and sing and sometimes even jump with joy as she sang joyful praises to the Lord. Suresh shared that she is still with us, very ill and in need of much attention she has been sent to the home of one of her sons. Though it's difficult to think that she's in pain, it's encouraging to know that God is still moving and restoring relationships in her late life. Kammabam has five children and all deserted her in old age. Their hardened harts disowned their mother in her time of need. Left with nothing and forced into the streets to beg Kammabam found the Harvest India elderly center. She has been under Harvest India care for nearly four years now. As she approaches the end of this life and enters into eternity with the Savior she's known for only four years, but who's know her since the beginning of time, Kammabam leaves her legacy. No fortune, no fame, but countless joyous memories that's she has given to each visitor that has come to Harvest India. Countless hours or prayer that would surpass the average "life-long" Christian, wisdom beyond measure, and peace that surpasses understanding. Succeeded by her three sons and two daughters who have yet to personally come to know Jesus, she now in the home of her son during her final days. Shining light in the darkness, Kammabam is being reconciled to the children who one abandoned her to the street and encouraging them to seek the Lord and surrender their lives to His leading. Only time will tell the fate of her children but her identity is clear, eternity secured. Thank you Kammabam for loving God with all your heart and for loving us as an example of that love!

Read more about Kammabam's story in a coming Newsletter by signing up online at: http://www.harvestindia.org/newsletters/