It is wonderful to be back in India again, however, it has been an eventful few days since we arrived last Wednesday! On our trip back from the airport, we were stopped for a few minutes by protesters. Our hosts here in India informed us that there are protests going on between the upper and lower castes. The lower caste people are protesting the lack of freedom and the need for social reform. Many of the shops have been closed, the schools were out for a day, and the roads have been blocked frequently.
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We didn't think it was going to be much of an issue...but that was before we headed out Thursday morning in two different directions: John Ruotsala, Tom Lappi, and Ansten Tretten to the pastors training and Ariann Somero and Leona Matson to teach the children and meet with the women. We had traveled for only a few minutes when the traffic came to a halt: more protests. Unfortunately, it wasn't only a few minutes this time! The guys were stuck for three hours...luckily us girls were in a smaller car and we were able to sneak through the traffic, creeping between trucks with less than an inch clearance on each side. Eventually, though, we too were stopped--about 100 yards from our turnoff! After waiting for about 40 minutes, our hosts decided we could walk out--which we promptly did. Since we walked out we were only about an hour and a half late--but we still were able to have a wonderful time with the children and the women!
Yesterday the protests were supposed to be over. However, as soon as the guys hit the main highway, they were stopped--just three cars from where the protesters sat! After about 15 minutes, they decided it was time to pray--before the prayer was even over the protesters got up and they were able to continue! Praise God!
The devil, however, doesn't rest. We woke up this morning to the news that the protesters are out again. The roads are blocked, the shops are closed, and people are marching once again. We know, however, that God is in control and we will arrive where we need to arrive. However, please pray not only for our speedy transport but also for justice and freedom for the people of India!
Note: there aren't many pictures because the connection is so slow right now that they won't upload.
.jpg)
We didn't think it was going to be much of an issue...but that was before we headed out Thursday morning in two different directions: John Ruotsala, Tom Lappi, and Ansten Tretten to the pastors training and Ariann Somero and Leona Matson to teach the children and meet with the women. We had traveled for only a few minutes when the traffic came to a halt: more protests. Unfortunately, it wasn't only a few minutes this time! The guys were stuck for three hours...luckily us girls were in a smaller car and we were able to sneak through the traffic, creeping between trucks with less than an inch clearance on each side. Eventually, though, we too were stopped--about 100 yards from our turnoff! After waiting for about 40 minutes, our hosts decided we could walk out--which we promptly did. Since we walked out we were only about an hour and a half late--but we still were able to have a wonderful time with the children and the women!
Yesterday the protests were supposed to be over. However, as soon as the guys hit the main highway, they were stopped--just three cars from where the protesters sat! After about 15 minutes, they decided it was time to pray--before the prayer was even over the protesters got up and they were able to continue! Praise God!
The devil, however, doesn't rest. We woke up this morning to the news that the protesters are out again. The roads are blocked, the shops are closed, and people are marching once again. We know, however, that God is in control and we will arrive where we need to arrive. However, please pray not only for our speedy transport but also for justice and freedom for the people of India!
Note: there aren't many pictures because the connection is so slow right now that they won't upload.
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