Neha's birthday party in our house on the day we left Manali

Our visa requires that we leave India every six months. Our time was up at the end of August. We packed up our things, thinking of both our teenagers we were leaving behind and the rest and fellowship that waited for us in the US. Our journey was good, long and tiring as usual, but bearable. Our good friends Justin and Jess were waiting for us at the airport. They are always a welcome sight as they have been such a significant part of our lives in the last few years. We have fallen back into life in both India and at home many times while in their company.

Being part of our home church service yesterday was sweet and rich for us. Though I entered with tears in my eyes, deeply missing the youth we usually spend Sundays with, I left with a knowing that our time here will be a blessing for us. We have been so very tired as we keep running through life in Manail. It's beautiful and good, but there is very little time for refreshment, especially of the spiritual kind.

We will be in the country for two months, the required length of stay. We plan to visit friends and family all around the southeast, and look forward to seeing the faces of our loved ones. Please pray for us as we hope this will also be a time where God makes our road ahead a little more clear. April 2011 may either be the end of our time in India, or the beginning of another commitment to stay and serve there. We welcome your insights into what you see the Lord leading us to do.

Lots of love,
Charlene and Grant