Wow! The official ending of the week long Leadership Development team (that immediately followed the week long Blitz!) And what an ending it was. We came into the room Monday morning, with hopes and anticipation, trepidation and tiredness, expectations and skepticism, joy and not yet resolved issues, bottom line: a myriad of feelings, thoughts and behaviours. And we ended the week with a singleness of heart, mind and spirit, and peace that all will be well despite not every detail yet fleshed out! What a miraculous ending it was, thank God for His grace. No small feat to bring a group of people from many backgrounds and countries together, to affirm unity in the essential things and freedom in the non essential!

For me, it is another demonstration of the biblical principle of synergy, what can be accomplished when two or more are in agreement. It was fun, affirming and challenging to observe the passion and skills of each individual involved come to the forefront in the effort to move us forward. As someone aptly said, with family one reveals their true self, warts and all {my editorial comment!} and with strangers only our best foot forward. To sum it up, we were family this week! As each person demonstrated their passion, interest, and skills, we were able to put into place an action plan that God willing brings transformation to the business community here in Chennai; a plan that makes sense for the local market.

The work is not yet finished, for in many ways it is just beginning. There is still consultant recruitment, planning for foundational events (Convergence, Day of Purpose and Kingdom Economic Forum seminars to be planned and executed. Roles and responsibilities to be clarified, and commitments made to be followed through on. But we leave this week’s Leadership Development Seminar invigorated and ready to do that which lies ahead.

On another note, we have a variety of experiences which also make us smile, or downright laugh, such as:

Ø One of our visiting team members went into her hotel room bathroom to wash her hands (and fortunately that was all) and a little voice peeped out from within the shower, “good morning madam!” {Apparently she hadn’t noticed the man cleaning in her shower!}

Ø It was not until long after a particularly intense discussion, that one of the key presenters noticed she had her hair clip forefront and center of her head, perched their like a crown, rather than at the back of her hair, holding it in place. Seems the local team either didn’t notice, or just thought it was one of those “strange American fashion statements!”

Ø During a particularly powerful time of worship, one member of the team broke all customs as she bowed down on the mat, with her backside in full view of the local team! Thank God for the Indian dress of long tunics over pants and the grace and observation of another visiting team member who strategically placed herself so as to block the view!

Ø When sharing the American phrase “quit beating a dead horse” with a particularly long winded team member, he responded with his phrase “when the horse doesn’t perform, shoot it!” (How’s that for grace?!)

Ø And the plethora of new Indian phrases: Eve teasing (catcalling, whistling); he is out of station (out of town); “I’m never late, I’m always there 5 minutes ago!” (no explanation required); in a family way (pregnant); “buffet of choice” (lot’s of options); sister, auntie, mother (depending on what age you appear to be, regardless of actually being any of those things); “mother of all waste” (no explanation required); the status quo is vegetarian (if you are not vegetarian, you eat ‘non-veg,’ not meat); and lastly, there are “love” marriages (those where you choose your partner) and arranged marriages (those where your partner is chosen for you!)

Yes, although we still have the consultant recruitment dinner tonight, the all day trip tomorrow to see the houses that are being built for the widows and orphans, another Leadership session tomorrow, for some a two day trip to Cochin to meet with locals there whom are interested in this work, and of course the long trips home and the rest of life that has been moving ahead whilst all of us have put our time and attention to this effort, we acknowledge we are separating physically, but not spiritually. To God be the glory!

michelle