Thank You and Prayer Request

6/17/2008

It is about 1 AM here in Jaipur and it has been a rather long past couple of weeks (stomach problems can really take a toll on the body). I’m in an online class, have an updated resume due for the masters program because the job application process is already beginning, and I am taking out loans for the masters program. You could say this is all a little overwhelming, especially trying to coordinate it from India. But that is not what this blog is about. I’ve reached the half way point and have spent a great deal of time reflecting on the past month in India. As many of you know and especially those that I have spoken with, it has really been a life changing experience. It is hard to explain how wonderful the past 4.5 weeks have been over here. I realized tonight that a BIG section has been missing from my blog (even though there is a picture at the top of my blog to remind me of this powerful concept).

Throughout the entire past month, my friends and family have commented on my blog and photos, emailed, Facebooked, IM’d, Skyped, G-Chatted, and some are flying over here to visit me! Through all of these communication networks, one thing has been consistent. You have all kept me in your thoughts and prayers for almost an entire month and your prayers have been felt! God has provided me with so many different opportunities that I never thought were possible. I put the picture of the kid praying with his dog as a reminder for myself at the beginning of the trip to keep my priorities straight and ask God to help me grow and learn as much as possible while I was in India. As I was getting ready to go to bed tonight, it dawned on me the power of prayer and keeping individuals in our thoughts (in whatever form you may believe in). It is funny that even though I see that picture almost everyday, I just take it all for granted. For me personally, I have experienced so much personal growth through your prayers and will never be able to thank all of you individually for this.

Tonight, I’m going to try and do my part to return the favor and spread the power of prayer through my blog for a close relative. Carol Isch (my Grandpa Ken Kipfer’s sister) is at the Mayo Clinic, has undergone surgery and is now in recovery. I firmly believe that if everyone who has been keeping me in their thoughts and prayers over the past month can just take a little extra time and do the same thing for Carol, she will have a full recovery and be in good health in no time!

Thanks again to everyone for all of your support and keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, and remember, please say a prayer for Carol and her family over the next few nights!