I can’t believe I’m already three weeks into this journey! These past two weeks in Sielmat have been unforgettable, and on Monday we will be moving to a new location in the hills in the southwestern part of Manipur. I think this entry from my journal this morning sums up my feelings about this place well!
I am sitting here on a moss-cushioned, snail-strewn brick wall on a hill in a piney forest in Northeast India. How did I get here? I sit in silence and close my eyes and listen. The roosters are calling to each other, the bugs are softly screaming overhead, children are shouting, and the sound of a hammer rings from nearby. How did I get here? A cool breeze strokes my arms, and the warm, dappled sunlight dances off the wings of yellow butterflies. “How did I get here?” I inquire of the Lord in wonder, “Of all the people you could have sent, how have I come to deserve this?” “Nothing” comes my Father’s soft reply. “You could never earn my love, my blessings. They are simply a gift I give out of my love for you.” How wonderful is my God that He chose to overlook my guilt and bless me so endlessly!
This is what I wrote in my journal this morning as I was having my prayer time at the ministry base. I was trying to do a devotional, but I kept getting distracted by how beautiful everything around me was. I ended up sitting still in that exact same spot for over an hour, just marveling at those blessings. I can’t explain how grateful I am that he sent me here. Sielmat is probably the most picturesquely beautiful place I’ve ever been to. While I am very eager for our next location, Lungthulien, the idea of leaving here makes me so sad. The beauty of the nature here is rivaled only by the beauty of the hearts of the people we have had the privilege of getting to know here. Our hosts have become so much more than that to us. They are friends and family. I am going to miss our friends in the seminary and the children from the neighborhood so badly. Nonetheless, I am endlessly grateful to the Lord for allowing me to be here, even for just this short time.
