Monkey Pics!

About an hour after I made the last post, and 5 minutes before I walked out the door to head to the airport and hop on a plane to India, I got a piece of mail saying I had just received $700 in donations for my trip. That's just crazy. God is good, and you all are incredibly generous. That puts me about $200 over my goal of $4000, so I'm set financially for the semester, which is a huge blessing. I'm sure I've told many of you that support-raising is my least favorite part of this gig, but both this semester and last, the amount of support and manner in which it came in have been confirmation that this is where I'm supposed to be for this season of my life. Thanks again to all of you who have made it possible for me to be here.

I am now back at the eMi2 office in India, safe and sound. My travels could not have been smoother, except for a crowded, hot, and sweaty taxi ride with the 4 other interns. It's been great to be back so far. Everything is so familiar, it feels like I never left. And I am more than ready for Round 2 with those dang monkeys (see below).

I already have some idea of what my schedule will be like for the next couple months. I've been placed on 3 project teams (compared to 1 last semester), which I am thrilled about; my favorite part of the work last semester was getting to meet with clients. So I will be in southern India from September 9 to October 2 meeting with ministry leaders on-site to discuss design issues with them and survey the sites. The first project is a school, and the other 2 are ministry training centers. Should be a good time.

Finally - while I was home this summer, it seemed like everyone wanted to see more pictures of monkeys, so here they are, along with a few others from my recent 2-day adventure in Haridwar and Rishikesh with the other interns.

Countdown to India, Part 2:

2 hours. I return to India in 2 hours. I think I'm ready, although I have spent significantly less time preparing mentally for this semester than I did last semester. Part of it is that I already know what to expect, part is that I didn't go to orientation in Colorado this time, and part is that my best friend's wedding was yesterday, which has occupied my time and thoughts.

Regardless, I am super excited for the next few months, for exactly 4 reasons (and probably more):
- I get to experience India with 4 new interns and 2 new staff members
- I get to deepen friendships with returning staff and friends in the community
- I get to travel to south India for the first time
- I get to continue doing fulfilling work every day in a gorgeous setting

Thanks again to those of you who have committed to supporting me financially and in prayer. I'm seriously amazed at your generosity, and I have no words to express how grateful I am. For the record, about $3500 has come in so far, leaving me about $500 short of covering my expenses for the semester. And it's not too late if you'd still like to make a donation...just let me know.

Feel free to email me (nickmatthews7@gmail.com) or snail-mail me:

Oaklands, Landour Cantt
Mussoorie 248179 Uttarakhand
India

P.S. I enjoy getting homemade baked goods in the mail. :)