Visiting Church in Hyderabad

Ameer took me this morning to a Catholic church suggested by some of his friends.  It was quite nice.  The priest gave a sermon (homily) on humility.  It was very well done and I enjoyed the whole experience, as did Ameer.

Afterward, we went to a huge market with many kinds of hand crafted goods.  In the middle was this statue of Mother Teresa.  Very cool.

Best and C in Hyderabad

I returned to Hyderabad this week to do more training in our office here.  This time, I took along Best, one of our top young associates, who is being trained to teach some of our business classes.  He will work with me this week.  It is his first trip to India, so Ameer offered to take us out looking and shopping (again).

Fairly typical architecture here. 

Ameer and I have become very good friends quite quickly. 

 Standing in front of a huge mosque.

 We stopped and ordered an Indian style outfit like the one you see Ameer wearing.  While we were there, they had me try on more traditional formal wear.



 Best actually looks great in his Indian gear.  Mine was a couple sizes too small, so I look pretty bound up...

 Instead of tuk tuks like in Thailand, Hyderabad has "auto-rickshaws," or autos for short.  There are no marked taxi cabs, just autos and they are EVERYWHERE.

And back to the bangles store!

A Great Sunday in BKK

The India trip was great fun and I met lots of wonderful people and made friends.  Still, it is so good to be home and to spend Sunday morning with my Immanuel church family!

Vee, Lychee, Ting, Mix, and Sanit (left to right) prepare to lead worship for the 8.00 service.

I am so proud and so happy.  Ting preached at the early service this morning.

Ohm, Rainny, Thank, and Bat lead worship for the main service.

 My buddy Ohm.  When he is on drums... that is a good thing.  He makes it look so easy.

 Rainny and Thank.  Two of my favorite people in Thailand!

Bat leading worship.  Looking all dressed up today!

My friend David speaking on living a life of submission.  (And that is a good thing.)

Big C's Last Big Night

Today being his last night in India, Ameer insisted on taking Big C out to dinner. C was allowed to go along.

Checking out the Hyderabad Hard Rock Cafe.

Watching the fish.

Our friend, Ameer.

Training is such hard work

A little snack to tide him over.

Big C phone home!

Helping Ravi with his Fileaid.

Unwinding

Security is tight at the ISTA Hotel.

After a long day at work, there is nothing more relaxing to Big C than sitting down at the piano and working out the day's stresses.

Long day for Big C

It has been a long day for Big C, standing in front of the class and helping to train all day. He was exhausted by the time he got home.

Tonight, it is just room service and and early to bed.

Early morning wake up tomorrow. Big C needs his beauty rest.

Day of Rest

Sunday, Big C relaxed after church, resting up after a long week.

Working on the tan. Got to keep that golden glow!

Kickin' it by the pool.

Enjoying the scenery at Ista Hotel.

Kukatpally Baptist Church

Today, Ameer offered to take me to church where a friend of his named Giri Calvary attends with his family. I was happy to accept! Giri attends Kukatpally Baptist Church.

Ameer with Big C and Giri.

Kukatpally Baptist is building a new church building. They hope to be done for Christmas next year. They actually meet in the basement which is somewhat finished. Pastor joked that they really ARE an "underground church." I would guess they had a hundred twenty to a hundred thirty this morning.

We sang several songs, of course. I figured I would know them from the music, but there were only two I was familiar with.

Pastor spoke about Fellowship with God and Fellowship with Jesus. He was really good.

As soon as we met, pastor informed me that he wanted me to share a few verses from the Bible and to speak for fifteen minutes or so.

I talked about living a life "Worthy of the Lord" from Colossians 1:9,10. I still can't believe they asked me to speak...

Afterward, we went up into the building so pastor and some of his leaders could show me around the construction.

Pastor and I connected well. He wanted me to promise to come to Kukatpally every time I come to Hyderabad. Who knows... maybe a nice connection for Pleasant Valley and Immanuel in the future. And just a great day, today.

Big C Does Hyderabad

Big C has had a very busy day! He went around touring Hyderabad with C and his friend Ameer. He is worn out this evening, but he had much fun!

The day started in the heart of the market area around Charminar monument. Big C went shopping for bangles, the brightly colored bracelets the area is famous for. There is a street in the market area where all the shops are selling nothing but bangles.

So many to choose from!

He had to try some on!

The shop owners were happy to help Big C pick out his bangles, and Ameer helped negotiate the prices.

After shopping, Ameer took C and Big C to Barbecue Nation, to grill some kabobs. Mmmmmm... good!

Big C stopped by a store called Big C mobile phone sales to visit with the sales staff.

Everyone enjoyed visiting and the sales staff gave him a souvenir bag!

Well, it is Sunday and tomorrow is church, so Big C needs to go to bed. Good night, everyone!