Shantaram

I'm currently reading a book called Shantaram, a novel  in which a convicted Australian bank robber and heroin addict who escaped from Pentridge Prison flees to India.  So far I have been captured by the authors vivid descriptions of his first encounters with the country.  I myself have often struggled to depict the colourful sensory overload that I experience when I go to India.  There was one particular part that I wanted to share;

'The simple and astonishing truth about India and Indian people is that when you go there, and deal with them, your heart always guides you more wisely than your head.' - Gregory David Roberts 

I find that in Goa, having lived there for a while, what my logical thoughts (yes, I do have them!) would try and dictate, my heart does appear to always come out best in reactions and understanding.  I have encountered frustration and irritation when I couldn't understand things from my world view, but immersing yourself heart first is a sure way to begin to grow in patience and love for the people of India.

My prayer for the team this year is that they would find guidance in their heart, prompted by the Holy Spirit.  Living alongside those we serve, not in judgement and thinking they know better, but in openness and understanding.  If they can follow their hearts lead in our time there, the experience will become all the more colourful, and full of life.  They will see deeper and the journey will bring them joy and understanding they had not known before.