Final Days and Return to US

we left Rays of Peace early Thursday morning with some sad but sweet goodbyes 

Some of the children from VCH gave us gifts of their appreciation and the night before had spoken a few words about us. 

We left the campus, tired but so full of love. 

we traveled to Mysore Palace, with a stop for a traditional Indian breakfast and had the privilege to see the way that royalty had and continues to live in this prestigious palace. A highlight was the mud wrestling room, or the many MANY Belgium and Italian mirrors. The architecture and design of every small aspect of this palace was remarkable, and it makes sense to know it took 15 years to build! 

We then drove over to Rangathittu Bird Sanctuary (which made our fellow birders very excited) and walked around as well as went on a small boat ride where we saw many of the birds. This was much more relaxing and less crowded than the palace.

We headed to Bangalore after this stop, with a late lunch (again- amazing) and then crashed in our hotel room in Bangalore after the amazing day. 

Friday morning we had the chance to explore a little of Bangalore through shopping at local stores. We took the advice of many of the locals as to what snacks to buy!! 

we headed over to one final lunch with the entire family of Pastor Mark ( Rays of Peace director) 

it was such a blessing to spend time with all of his kids, their kids and reflect on the time we had together. The food again, was incredible, and buffet style !

we headed back to the hotel and headed for the airport at around 5pm (India time) to make our 9pm flight to Dubai, and 2:30am flight back to America. 

We arrived in America at 8:45am on Saturday June 1!

While most of us are wiped out, I cannot say enough about the blessings of this trip. 

I know that we blessed Rays of Peace with the projects we were able to accomplish! we successfully have completed our goals and even have tested the purified water to ensure it was purified and clean!

In addition, here’s a few ways our team said they grew spiritually 

• we learned how to trust god for daily energy

• we felt empowered by strength of the calling from god of the rays of peace staff

• we focused importance of prayer in determining the calling god has for our lives 

• We got to see how gods constantly at work all over the world and we have a limited idea of how god can move but god is much bigger 

• We realized how much the human experience is universal 

• We show joy through uncomfort (and new situations) 

• We reflected on the fact that don’t need as much as you think you do to be fulfilled 

• We focused on giving god control during the chaos 

• Daily devotional provided needed intentionality and routine

• The sense of family and community that was brought by the three Collab teams, Rays of Peace staff, and the children was God given 

We thank you all so much for your prayers, your donations, and your hearts. We had the opportunity to be God’s hands and feet , and that opportunity was provided by the support and prayers of YOU. Thank you.

Mysore Palace:

Bird Sanctuary:

Meals and the city:

Wonderful meal at the biggest Indian food chain restaurant in Bangalore

Airport and travels:

The Bangalore Airport was incredible!

On our way back to America!