A note from Barb this month: May 15, 2007
I feel like I have finally arrived. A neighbor, a young Indian woman, just came to my house calling, "Auntie-ji! Pani hai?” She came to my door asking for water, as apparently the source had failed at her quarters. (and subsequently I discovered ours had stopped, too.) Never before have I been called “Auntie” – Memsahib, Madam, Ma’am are terms of respect I usually hear. A minor thing, perhaps, but it reveals a comfort level achieved after two years of living in community.
Another reflection of small town life – I called the Sikh grocer for the first time since I returned to Mussoorie from a three-week absence. I had not told him that I was leaving for surgery, but his first question in a quiet, concerned tone was, “How are you? Are you allright now?” Word of mouth spreads news of all sorts among the people of this hillside community.
I am looking through new eyes – ones refreshed by weeks of doctor-prescribed rest following a successful surgery. I see how exhausted my colleagues are in the last few weeks of school. The children and teens are tense during exam time. There is sadness in the air as we acknowledge people leaving, and nervous anticipation of who will come to replace them. I have more patience for my occasionally grumpy sons, and understanding for my stressed spouse. I have the energy and time to help sort out domestic problems with my housekeepr’s extended family.
My imposed rest time was well spent – I promised that I would put God first everyday – my days began with a short devotion and prayer time, and included scripture homework for an in-depth bible study. In doing so, I realized how spiritually parched I had become. I thirsted for that time with God's Word every day. And as I became filled, my perception was less about me and more about others. Please pray that I can stay better-focused.
I am making plans to visit churches in the New York area this summer. This will update current supporters and bring news about what we do in India to new churches. I hope to have the opportunity to a share a message based on 2 Corinthians 2:14-17, scripture that has helped us understand our mission here. The Apostle Paul tells the people of Corinth to spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere like a sweet-smelling fragrance – to be an aroma of Christ. As we learn more about Christ, others see Him in our actions, in our relationships with them over time – and we see opportunities to serve.
Son Coleman will accompany me to New York, along with a classmate of his, teaching a workshop on Indian music and dance. He is also ready to help with a power-point presentation and to give his young teenage perspective on life in India. We would be glad to share the news about what God is doing in our part of India with interested groups to which you might recommend us. We would appreciate your help.
JOYS!
Thanks for all the prayers, cards and words of encourgement for Barb during her surgery. All went well!
Special thanks to all at the Presbyterian Church in Pleasantville, New York, who recently held a coffee house talent show with proceeds going to the Thomas India Mission Fund. Wish we could have been there to listen and take part!
God has spoken to the heart of a Woodstock School alumnus/businessman who has entered into partnership with our Church of North India congregation at St. Paul’s to renovate the church building. We will finally have a Sunday School classroom (we have been meeting on the church steps in good weather), not to mention a new roof! We insist on continuing with our fund-raising efforts and hope he will see that Christians are good stewards of church properties.
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER
Our housekeeper's son and daughter-in-law were recently in a serious accident when their motorscooter was struck head-on by a jeep. Rakhi, the daughter-in-law, fractured one femur and shattered the entire other leg, with a year-long recovery period. She had been working three part-time jobs to raise money for her children’s schooling. Please pray for healing for Rakhi, for husband Rajiv and two young children, and that God would provide for their needs. Because of this recuperation need, the school placed them in one of the recently renovated employee housing units, and that happens to bse near our house, so we can visit Rakhi often.
Jeff and son Christopher will not come to the States during summer break, saving their furlough for next year’s college tour trip. Father and son will do some trekking in the mountains in India and Bhutan. Pray for safe travels for all of us – and that God will keep us together in spirit. We have never been apart for so long.
We need to find a new renter for our condominium in Ossining, as well as someone to manage the property for us. We would be grateful if you could recommend just the right someone to us, or pray for this special need.
Please continue to pray for the students, faculty and employees of Woodstock School. We have made it through a difficult transition period following the forced resignation of the school principal, and now look forward enthusiastically to what God has planned for the future.
Please let us hear from you, and let us know how we can best work and pray for you. Thank you so much for your continued interest and support.
Barb, Jeff, Chris, and Cole Thomas
Woodstock School
Mussoorie, U.A.
248 179 India
Thomas India Mission Fund
c/o Doris Kersten
Pleasantville Presbyterian Church
Pleasantville, NY 10570