Time is creeping up

This semester is flying by. It is nearing time for my spring break mental health clinicals. And not too far after that comes my flight and the summer that is going to change my world. I filled out my visa for India today. (Now I just have to remember to mail it!)
God continues to pour His blessings on me, although I must admit I am most of the time too blind to see it. One wonderful thing about this trip is that people keep asking me about it, and it allows me to reflect and turn my attention to what God is doing.  As of now, there aren't any "new" blessings, but there are an abundance of the "same" ones. 
My confidence in Hindi is growing. Yet during the last tutoring session, my face was bright red as another group of Indians kept turning pointing at us trying to figure out if in face I was speaking their language. I'm excited for the day when I can answer them and say "Yes, I actually am speaking your native language. Do you have anything else you would like to know? And by the way, I like your shirt." But in the meantime, I will just tell my tutor "Indian people. There. Uff!" as my face turns funny shades.
Financial and time blessings keep pouring in, too, and I know the prayers are there from people more faithful than I could ever hope to be.  The snow has melted, Saturday hand-therapy school has ended (Praise the Lord!), my partners and I are "settling into" clinicals quite well, and I have decreased my hours as a secretary and increased my time tutoring--which gives me more pay AND more time to sleep.  Overall, it's been quite a beautiful week.  Praise Him.

Tasmanian Devil

Remember the Tasmanian Devil on Looney Tunes? There's some connection of him to my life.  I'm not currently sure whether he is a representation of me, or of my schedule, but either way, I'm running around like crazy. 

Why am I telling you all this? 

I am hoping to raise at least $2000 more for my trip. God has been good. He has blessed me with almost half of the cost already. I have a lot of time left, and I believe that I will come back from India this summer with at least $2 in my account.  However, I also know that I have the responsibility to put as much towards this trip as I can; hence, my days begin with work at 6 a.m.; then class, work, & work again. Finally my days end with homework at 11 p.m.

I am asking for your prayers:  I cannot keep up with this schedule without Him.  I am asking that you pray that I will keep my focus on Him now SO THAT I may be a blessing to others both now and later.  Pray that I do not become too focused on the future work in India that I bypass what is right in front of me.   Thank you. -M

Lessons

Yesterday, Mitali and I went to India's House for lunch. I hadn't made or eaten curry in about two weeks, so my cravings led to me stuffing my face. I should feel guilty, but, hey, it was buffet, and I didn't have to make supper!

So, throughout the delicious-ness of this meal, we spoke in hindi for a long time--the time was probably because . I had spent time studying vocabulary the night before and was able to repeat almost all of what I had learned. Also, this may mean nothing to most of you, but: I TOLD MY FIRST STORY IN HINDI!!!! :D  It was difficult and with thousands of errors, but crazy exciting, too!

More money is slowly rolling in for the trip, which I am so thankful for.  And, my experience in clinic is vital to improving my skills which I know I'll need in India.  Sometimes, between being a full-time grad student, working ~30 hours a week, taking my other class, and learning hindi can be slightly overwhelming. However, the good weather and time with friends are wonderful blessings. 

For those of you who are praying for me, I cannot thank you enough. Thank you for loving me and these people across the world enough to give your time and heart. Thank you for your financial support. Thank you for the impact you are making on the world.   I wish I had a more eloquent ending to this post, but all I can say is: Must get back to homework.