We just spent an amazing week in a very beautiful place. Laura, Kevin, Casey, Grant, and I traveled to Ladakh with our friend, Kavita. It was a 20 hour journey by vehicle, across four snow-covered passes, one of them being the second highest motorable pass in the world at more than 18,000 feet.

The trip was especially significant for us because about half of our youth are from Ladakh, a strong Buddhist area. We were able to meet and travel around with young adults who had grown up in the children's home here in Manali. We also talked to a few believers who live in the capital city of Leh about the challenges and struggles faced by the small local church there over the years. It helped us know how to pray for the teenagers who are in our care here in Manali, as many of them may choose to return to Ladakh after college. It also gave us a deeper connection with them as they are very fond of their home. Even the younger kids from the children's home were thrilled to ask us all about our trip and about how we liked their place. We are really thankful for the opportunity to travel there.


Laura left Manali today. She will be spending the week working in an art gallery in Delhi. Grant, Casey, and Kevin will meet up with her next Tuesday, and the three interns will fly back to the US on the 17th. She will be missed in this community and in our home, as each of them will be. Anna Bozovich will be joining us at the beginning of August, staying with us for almost six months. We look forward to getting her plugged-in to life in Manali, and feel that she will be a wonderful addition to life here.

Please keep us in your prayers as we continue working with the youth and living as part of this community. We are planning to come home for the months of August and September because of our visa requirements. It's difficult to be away from here for so long, but it will also be a blessing to be with our family and friends. Please also pray for wisdom and guidance for us as we make a decision about the end of our time here. We are considering a move back to the States in the spring of 2011, but want to be completely led by the Lord in deciding when to leave. May His will be done in our lives! Thank you so much.

As always, we would love to hear from you anytime. Thank you for your prayers and your continued support of us. We are so thankful. With love!