18 in India

Hey everyone! This is Shannon Sanderford and I want to give you a taste of what Team India experienced today!As I'm sure you can see from the previous post and photos, our Indian adventure is off to an incredible start! Although the long hours of travel and few hours of sleep were draining, we have been filled with excitement and adrenaline that keeps us going. The country of India is unlike any other place I have ever visited. The culture is rich, full of color and beauty and the people are hard workers. It has been such an incredible blessing to be a part of the Indian culture these past few days.

Today was my 18th birthday, and I must admit, although I was so excited about coming to India, I was sad that I would be away from home for my birthday. However, I could not have asked for a better way to spend my special day. This morning we woke up and prepared to meet the students at Emmanuel Mission School for the first time. As all the children came through the gates, we were so excited to meet each one. They all had huge smiles on their faces and shook every hand with delight and a greeting of  "Good morning Sir" or "Good morning Ma'am". We were just as excited to meet the children as they were to meet us. We were able to interact with them and sit in on their classes and watch them practice their dances for the upcoming Annual Function that will take place on Saturday evening. They have such pride in their school and all that they are learning and they were so happy to perform for us.

After the children left, we ate lunch and then many of us ventured to a traditional women's clothing shop. The girls were able to pick out beautiful traditional Indian outfits to purchase. It was amazing to see all the work that went into each piece. They are bright and colorful and richly beaded and there are are so many to choose from! We all walked out with a beautiful outfit to wear.

Tonight we are all hanging out at the school or as we call it, "Veer's Palace".  Some have taken naps, and some have just reflected on all that has happened today. We also had the privilege of a masseuse and traditional Henna tattoo artist coming. We all loved getting to experience their services. The night was topped off with a lovely birthday cake which Hannah prepared for us in the microwave. 

It has been a great day, and one of my most memorable birthdays to say the least. (But I did miss you fam!) I believe I can speak for the group in saying that we are all in awe of India and the realization that we are finally here. The Lord is richly blessing our team and I feel sure that He has called us here for His purpose. All praise be to Him for what He has done for us. We serve an awesome God- both in Texas and in India.
Ps- You just haven't lived until you have had an Indian head massage :)