As I begin my morning today, I am amazed at how much we have been able to slip back into our life and work here. It is pretty amazing. I am really thankful for that. It is hasn't been without its frustrations, but nonetheless we are functioning pretty well.
Last Saturday I was able to go on an 18 mile run and complete it with some reserve left over. I think I will be able to do fine on my marathon run next month. I think I have adjusted to the slight increase in altitude here.
Also Saturday night, I was able to take one of the Hindu doctors from the E.R. to a men's cookout at our church. He really had a great time and I look forward to building this relationship. Pray for his heart to turn to Christ.
Monday night we were able to reconnect with the medical students. It was so good to catch up with them. We could have spent the whole night talking. They were very upbeat and glad to see us. I begin my one on one sessions with them today.
Tuesday afternoon, I met with a Hindu who has been visiting our church. Several of his family members have become Christians over the past decade. He has attended church on and off but prefers going to the Hindu temple. He wanted to meet with me because he wants to better understand what it means to be a Christian. I am not sure why he wanted to talk to me, but I just went with it - I figured it was a "God thing." Our meeting went well but it is clear that he really struggles with the bondage of works, sacrifices, and fear. Please pray for him.
Wednesday I flew to a rural town to do a site visit for the emergency room department there. This hospital is connected to our hospital and so the CEO there figured I might be able to help them improve their services there. I am not sure that I agree with him, but it was kind of fun doing a site survey and making some recommendations. It was actually quite easy in that I made some very common sense recommendations - the hard part will be on their side in implementation.
Last night we were able to resume our weekly Little House on the Prairie night. We are now on the 4th season. It is fun hanging out with the kids and watching these episodes. It is funny though how Sam has figured out that there is always some climatic tension in the show. Last night at the moment of tension, he expected the building to collapse on the people inside. This didn't happen of course, but showed a glimpse of his mind in trying to anticipate the climatic event.
Despite the positive aspects of this week, we continue to struggle with day in and day out living here. Driving around town does remain a source of frustration - between avoiding potholes and stupid drivers. Yesterday was the second straight day that Marti went without electricity all day (it has been off over 10 hours each day). This makes life difficult to predict.
And so, we are back into life here pretty much full swing. This is a blessing. It will never be easy to live here, but it so seems worth it when we get opportunities to see kingdom work progressing. Keep praying for us and for the individuals that we meet with and work with.
Sounds like a fun week!
Posted by: Rob T | September 29, 2006 at 05:11 PM