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Please enjoy our blog - we had an incredible trip and want to thank all of those who supported our trip with finances, prayers and encouragement.

I want to give a special thanks to David - and encourage you to take every opportunity to spend time with him.  He's a wonderful example for men at Westover --- and also for someone who lives at 5506 Francisco drive.  I praise God for the examples we (men) have in our midst that live every day as encouraging examples of what it means to walk with Christ.  David & Gabrielle are a wonderful example in the lives they lead every day & both demonstrate what it 'looks like' to be disciples.  You both encourage me in different ways - thank you both so much.

I want to give a special thanks to Lauraleigh.  At 13 years of age she's seen quite a lot on this trip.  There are many things that we can't post.  She was a great team member, praise leader, food selector, preaching advisor, and also a great daughter.  I'll treasure this time spent with her.  You rock girl - great job.

Thanks to Rahul & Lorette.  Their hospitality, love, and protection while we are there is something our many teams from Westover have come to know.  Thank you so much.

And lastly - thanks to Kristin.  So many long hours while we were away - thanks for all you do Sweetheart.

So very much that we can't even begin to describe - great and small.  If you've not been on a short term trip recently we'd suggest that you pray about that.

We love you guys - enjoy the blog.

Video Post - Religion

AUDIO ONLY.  Prayers 5x / day - this one at 5:00 am over loudspeaker

Paddling on the Ganges - early am

Ringing bells to wake the gods.  Making hand crafts for a god wedding celebration.

Traffic ... enough said

Man washing an idol

Worship on the Ganges .... happens every night

Picture Post - From the Streets

David Walking Among ... Water Buffalos

Every Day in the Streets

Priest Marking Foreheads w/ Blessing After Coming Back from Ganga

Picture Post - Relationships

Everything Starts with Leaders

Faithful to Sew

Ouch!

He who dwells in the shelter ... will rest in the shadow

Rail Station Ministry Continues ....

Adrenaline Rush

Care Center Games

Priceless Experiences Together

From Point A to B to A to C .... Driving!

Why We Are Involved

Gifts Received from Westover Encourage!

Rahul, I told you David is the Bad Cop

Taking Them to His Throne

What Success Looks Like

Teach, Teach, Teach (and don't forget to pray)

7th Wonder of the World

Main Gate at Taj Mahal

Look Closely - At Sunrise The Entire Taj Glows from Millions of Semi-Precious Stones

This is our last day in India. We have a very early flight back home today. The BAM team has a final meeting with our host before we go our separate ways. What’s really strange is we leave for home today on October 28^th and we return to Greensboro on October 28. But before we go . . . we made a stop at the Taj Majal, one of the seven wonders of the world and a nearby fort called Agra Fort. I can only describe the Taj as both amazing and fascinating it took 22 years to build the Taj Mahal, (which translates into beautiful crown palace).

We left Agra for Delhi in the afternoon where we were going to have a rest stop with one of Zack’s former clients. We met up with and spent some time with Linda and her three teenage kids. They were a real blessing to us as they hosted a wonderful meal for us, and it was only a matter of minutes before Lauraleigh connected with Linda’s two daughters.

Wow!

It’s now 2:00 a.m. as I write this final re-cap. We are pretty wiped out, but at least two of us are ready to grab our carry-on bags and head to our departure gate, but first Zack will have to wake up Lauraleigh who is resting kind of sort of comfortably. It’s time to go home, so long for now.

No Paintings in the Taj.  All In-Laid Semi Precious Stones

Lauraleigh Mobbed by Foreign Paparazzi - for Her Picture!

Agra Fort

Real Crocodiles Were Used Here

Palace, Fountains, Gardens ... Don't Forget Elephant Entry After Victorious Battles at Agra Fort

Intricate Stonework - House Arrest Cell

Saying Good Bye

Travel in India - Everything But Predictable

Our plan for today was an early departure by car (5:00 a.m.) for what we thought would be an eight-hour drive to Agra. Instead, poor road conditions, erratic drivers and a fatal car/bike rider accident added four more hours to our drive.

What we planned for the afternoon in Agra had to be scratched. We just had a sense of appreciation for our in-country host and our driver. The accident occurred approximately 200 meters ahead of our vehicle. It really put a damper on the day. Because we knew the guys would be returning on that same eight hours drive back home, we just need to remember them and pray for them and their car driver. He can often be found watching and listening attentively to our host as he teaches the kids at the Care Center. If we were to speculate by his engagement with the lesson, then it won’t be long before we can count him as a brother in Christ.

"No" Spreadsheet Day

Lauraleigh Loving on the Kids

Friday was our last day at the Care Center and the Laundromat. As a team, we met in the hotel lobby before breakfast. It was also at this time that Zack declared the day as—no Spreadsheet day! We were going to the Care Center early in the morning to play games with the kids (swinging, cricket, colored, board games, playing tag and played games with rocks. Yes, Lauraleigh says you only need rocks to play! We drank tea with the Care Center leaders and prayed with and for the kids and their leaders. We left with high-fives, fist-bumps, hand shakes and hugs.

Priceless ...

There was some final time at the laundry mat just getting to know the staff a little better. Zack and Rahul agreed on some BAM next steps to keep the momentum of this visit going! Then, it was on to Rahul’s and Lorette’s house for one final dinner with the entire family. We planned on it being an early evening, but it was hard to leave the presence of such faithful dedicated servants. It was an awesome time of food, fellowship and community that culminated in prayer. I think us adults were just so proud to hear the prayers being spoken by Rahul and Lorette’s 7- and 9-year-old daughters followed by 13-year-old Lauraleigh. I am excited for all three of these girls and what He has in store for their futures. What a great way to end our evening and out time in this city.