Pune - Day 1

The city of Pune is literally being shut down around us. The swine flu scare has taken over the city. People everywhere are wearing whatever they can find over their faces as a mask. Even the street vendors have put aside their plastic toys and cell phone chargers and replaced their inventory with cheap masks being sold for up to 900 rupees (about $20). The schools have been shut down which has been a blessing for us because we get to have more time with the children of the AIDS home. The government has demanded that all large gatherings be cancelled and today we got word that the Red Light District will closed because of the swine flu. How odd that the swine flu can do what so many can't - close down the brothels. Although according to Uma (the director of India for Orphan Outreach) it probably won't stop the brothels from being opened. There is a chance that we won't be able to get down to the brothels though. We are praying that God would open the door for us to get a few of our team members down there. We'll have to see how it works out tomorrow.

The children at the Santvana home were so sweet and dear. A few are very sick and deep down I know that likelihood for them making it to their next birthday is slim. As I type this I thank God for Dr. Edwards and work at the home. Each child has a different story but each is tragic and full of sadness. These children are learning about a God that loves them, they are praying and they are full of joy. Some are brand new and are still learning, some have been there for years but all know they are loved by Dr. Edwards and are hearing of the love of Christ.

The team is doing well. We are all jet-lagged horribly tonight and are looking forward to collapsing in our beds. I wish I had the energy to relay more this evening. Please continue to pray for our health and that God would be glorified in all that we do.