I'm not particularly sure what to say here. Today, we got an unexpected, but much needed, free day. It turned out that Matthew AM wasn't expecting us until tomorrow, and with the missing bags, we needed to get clothing and a few personal items. So while we did get some shopping for the kids done today, we got to spend much of the day focusing on getting re-prepared and a chance to check out Mumbai.

The city is...interesting. It's hard to describe something most of us have seen in the movies or watched on a documentary as it's not the same as seeing it. If you can imagine a whole city of slums or uncared for buildings, filled with Garbage, random animals and 23 million people, you have it. The city is a living paradox of abject poverty and modern luxury. You will often see ramshackle buildings, street vendors and 'homes" made of trashbags and sticks, with a well kept computer store or tech industry business tucked along the way.

The traffic is insane. 8 lane highways with all the traffic and no lanes, few if any traffic lights or signs, and the occasional traffic cop where they just can't operate without it. It's like New York City but without any of the control. Ironically, I found it much easier to ride around in traffic here. It became apparent that while everyone is extremely aggressive, it lacks much of the hostility and viciousness I observed in the bigger cities. It was crazy, but you never get the impression that anyone would actually try to run anyone down in a fit of roadrage.

One thing is for sure, it really makes me realize how good we have it. In the US, there is a continual effort to help the poor and disadvantaged. Here, they sleep in the dirt median of a highway teeming with cars and no one cares. It's one of the saddest things I have ever witnessed. I hear we haven't seen the worst parts yet, but will get a good glimpse of them tomorrow on the way up to Matthew's place.

I am glad to be back "out". I realized in the run up to this trip that I love to travel. I haven't been to many locations out of the US, but the last two years of staying home had placed a greater wieght on me than I think I realized. I thank God he provided the way for me to come.

We're out of time here as the cyber cafe is closing, but I will note this: I am excited to see what God is planning to do with us here. This will prove to be quite unlike anything I've ever experienced. I think I could do stuff like this for a long time to come, and I truly hope God challenges us in ways far beyond a few lost things. It's truly amazing and encouraging to me to see him move in ways that I cannot mistake for coincidence or luck. Any light shined here is worth every single penny of the cost.

I apologize if this isn't as coherent as it should be. I have no time to edit. (;