South Asia – April 7 || Atalie

Horns honking, fragrance of foreign foods drifting between salesmen’s wares, eyes watching as we pass through. I feel something at my elbow and see a girl fanning me. She lifts her fan to show it off and convince me to buy it. This is the experience of shopping in the bustling markets of South Asia.Today was an off day. We went shopping and visited the pagodas, watching the people pray to idols that their ancestors have bowed to for years. It’s impossible to look at the plated spires and many interpretations of Buddha and see the artistry without seeing the chains of gold that wrap this culture in slavery. It motivated us for the weeks we have ahead of us working with kids and teens from this upbringing. Pray that God would work through our words to break the chains of gold and replace them with fountains of life.Thank you for your prayers for the team’s health! This was the first day when it felt we were all on the mend. God has brought us through and we know he will with every trial this trip presents. Your prayers are fighting for us!Atalie