New Friends

A few things that are noteworthy:

1. There is a huge rat I discovered today on top of one of my windowpanes. This is pretty unfortunate, but at least I'm not living alone anymore. Also, I don't find rodents to be nearly as scary as spiders, so that's a plus.

2. I have a new group of friends. There are some neighborhood boys who realized I am living here. They drop by periodically to talk at the gate (a couple are really fluent in English). They invited themselves inside today, so I showed them Facebook pictures of my family, friends and kamp. They were very entertained, and I was very glad for the company. Its much better to hang out with people over my new rodent friend. Oh, and this won't be relevant to everyone, but the boys asked me if I have a nickname, so I told them LJ. That is now what they are calling me. K-Kountry represent!

3. I was talking to Allen Banuel last night. Most Sundays I go to the church that he pastors. He was telling me that people warned him before taking the church that there are "spirits" connected to it, basically some kind of curse. He said he ignored it, but in the three years that he's been the pastor, he has been deathly ill several times. This was a huge wake-up call for me. I haven't really mentioned the spiritual feel of this country, but the best way to explain it is "thick." You can just feel the spiritual realm here. Basically, since the country is based in Hinduism and worship of idols, there's a spiritual openness that isn't as present in other countries. I was just reminded of the "war" that is constantly going on, not a physical war.

"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evel in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12. There is a spiritual struggle.

I'm telling you, followers of Jesus in India have to be on top of things. I respect their faith so much.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18. I have been reminded how very important prayer is. Actually, not just important. It is vital.