I turned pink in India.
There is some truth to that. My whole body did in fact get stained bright pink from an outfit that I bought and wore while in India. It was definitely a sight to see, but that is beside the point.
Over the last week, I have experienced a lot, and God also has taught me a lot. I have gotten to be a part of an Indian church service, see what an Indian school system looks like, wear my very own Indian saree that is specially tailored to me and be a part of an Indian wedding.
Throughout the week, I have learned what it is like to walk in humility. I have learned to be humble and to allow God to work in the rough areas of my life. I have learned that it is OK to not be OK. As Christians, God has not called us to be perfectly all put together. I am a broken girl who simply seeks the love of Christ.
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Moving to India and adjusting was nothing short of challenging and difficult. When I first got here, I realized that this journey was going to be hard, and it was going to be far from pretty sometimes, and even sometimes pretty ugly. Living a life in missions means sacrifice, it means hard times and it means beautiful times.
While being here, I have gotten the opportunity to live in honor. I have learned what it looks like to live in honor of God, of our squad, of our team, of our home, of our ministry hosts, of our friends and of this country. Pouring into the people around me has been such a powerful part of this journey already.
I have learned a few things throughout this journey so far, and it is that God is good. God is good to me, and God is good at being God.
Some people have asked what a typical day in India looks like for me. India has been a time where I have been able to spend a lot of time with the Lord, and I think this was all a part of his plan for our squad.
We have squad worship and squad sessions in the morning. We also get to spend some time with our teams pouring into one another. We eat lunch, and then spend our afternoons and evenings going to our different locations.
This month looks like teaching English, tutoring children, practicing math and reading, singing songs, sharing Bible stories and playing some fun games. We also get to visit with the parents of these children and pray over them and bless them.
God is revealing many things to me during my time in India. I am constantly in utter awe of his greatness, his love and his faithfulness. This season of life is so special and a time of restoration, healing, calling and a testimony of God’s great love.
The love that these people have to offer and the hospitality that has been shown to my team and I have been so incredible and have ministered to me in a special way. I know this is only the beginning of a life-changing, world-wrecking journey. I am ready for what’s to come.
About a week left in India, and then I start my journey to Nepal.
Keia Blair is a Seymour native who attends Cincinnati Christian University. During her nine-month mission trip around the world, she will be submitting a series of blogs that will appear in The Tribune. Send comments to [email protected].