Day 8

     Today was a long day for me. It started off at the bakery for breakfast. Very delicious! I also got a banana-oreo drink in the cutest cup-thing. I have seen locals walking around with this cup-thing and I was finally glad to finally get to try it.

     Class was very interesting for me today. I felt very disconnected in the Spirit realm of things. I couldn't connect like the rest of the class. We skipped lunch and had an hour long worship session, in addition to our morning worship session. While everyone was slain in the Spirit I sat there completely alert and aware and felt so out of place. I couldn't understand why I wasn't receiving like everyone else was. On the bus ride home, I was talking with Jenn and Bliss about it.

     It is so funny how you can answer your own questions. I knew the answer all along, but couldn't grasp it until I spoke it aloud. Just yesterday in prayer, I was praying to God. I was telling Him that I often am not sure of His presence lately, and maybe its because I haven't felt an absence from His presence in a while and I have become accustomed to functioning it in day in and day out. Reluctantly, I asked Him to take it away, so that I could better appreciate it when I had it. And does my God listen!!!! That is exactly what today was, a lack of His presence so that I could better appreciate it. I love how He gives me what I need. I can't wait to go to class tomorrow and be completely submerged in Him. Now that I am aware of His lack of presence, I can be so grateful for His continual presence in my life. Something I take for granted. Never again.

 

     Another eye opening experience was how I take my freedom of religion for granted. Since majority of America is Christian, I never think twice about it. But a girl in my class shared her story with me today. Her father came home from China yesterday, and was furious with her for taking this class. He does not approve of her Christianity, and said very mean things to her that have scarred her heart, things a parent should never speak. She still lives under his roof, and there is a chance she will be kicked out of her home. Things are so different here!!!! My heart breaks for her, and for her father (who though he is the one persecuting her, my heart goes out to him because he doesn't know the Fathers love like we do). But the Word of God says: Matthew 5:11-12 "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven". Her reward is in heaven. These are all things the Christians here must go through daily. Almost all of the people in my class are first generation Christians, whose families currently are Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim. It is a difficult road, but He is worth it. He is worth it! HE IS WORTH IT!!! 

 

My dinner: Indian food. I cannot believe I ate Indian food! And it wasn't too bad at all!

Me and Tim eating our second doughnuts for the day! ;)

Live frogs in the food court, ready to be ordered and cooked! Glad South Louisiana isn't the only place that eat frog!