The End of Week Two

JULY 29th - The second week of classes is coming to a close. I am sure if you asked the students that are in all three classes which one was their favorite without hesitation they would say conducting. For me, I have really enjoyed all three and my favorite part of the whole trip has been the students. Today in the composition class we talked some about their goals, what they hope to do in the future and how God has gifted each of them uniquely for His special purpose. There are many things that these students share in common with students in the USA. It stresses them to think about being on their own, making a living, wanting to serve God and follow His lead. Things we all stress over. The things my kids would call “adulting.” Many things we face as humans are universal and it doesn’t matter if you live in India, Nebraska or any where in between. I have now found a whole group of new brothers and sisters to pray for in the coming months and years.

We have had some laughs in class as well. The students laugh everything I try to even ask about something in Mayalayam (their native language) because I can not even pronounce the word. Vena and all the SCC college students I went to Italy with in 1999 will know exactly what I am talking about (Pardon!!! - inside joke). I have a hard enough time speaking English, how can anyone expect more from me. I told the students all about how I worked hard to learn how to say Thiruvananthapuram. When I checked in the airline in Omaha the clerk said, “Oh, we never say that we just say TRV, the airport initials.” As I travelled that day I found out no one uses that name. They all say Trivandrum. The students confirmed today with a chuckle that no one says Thiruvananthapuram. I have to admit, it is a little disappointing to me because I can actually say it and now I have nowhere to show it off.

The weekend will hold a new set of activities for me. I will be sharing and singing in church Sunday morning. Please pray that what I share will be an encouragement to the people here. Then we are headed to a recording studio to see some of the students at work. I am not sure what else is on the schedule. I think there is an outing planned with some of the students but Abraham thought it might have to be changed since they had been sick this week. Thanks for praying for the students. Most were back today but we were missing two. They have a viral fever that forced many of them to stay home because they did not want to share it with anyone at the school. I have been very fortunate. I have been feeling very well. I am attributing that to your prayers, getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of water and being well fed.

From India!

Kevin

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