We left Varanasi 4 hours late after I had a quick stay in the Traveller's clinic for treatment of acute gastritis aka Ganges Revenge! Following a very hot taxi ride I didn't think I had the will to live let alone take 2 plane rides to Kolcutta so it was a God send when Jon and Justine arranged for me to be seen by a Doctor. I was pumped full of fluids, antibiotics, anti emetics, paracetamol and other drugs. They could have given me poison and I wouldn't have questioned it! We spend the night with friends in Kolcutta before an early flight out to Nagaland.

Nagerland is a tribal region with over 15 tribes each with their own language and ways. It was previously independent and the famous war of Hilani was fought against the Japanese in 1944 with the British and Nagas fighting off an invasion of Japanese that could have seen India ruled by Japan had they succeeded. 1,400 men lost their lives in that battle. Unfortunately when the British left they handed over the land to India which has caused much unrest over the years. There has been a cease fire since 2011 but underground rebels are still very serious about gaining the land back that they feel they rightfully own.

It's very different here: the people look Asian and eat Nager food spiced with chilli not at all like Indian curries. The women wear wrap around skirts and blouses or western wear. There is a strong Christian influence with baptist churches being predominant, not a Hindu temple in sight! They are seeing a huge influx of Bangladesh immigrants and many here come from Burma which is close by.

We are staying in a beautiful guest house owned by Kevi's (Justine's friend from Bethel). Her Dad has been a pastor for over 50 years and we got to minister in his church seeing healings and even a deliverance! Unfortunately after church we got sad news- their son Via had died suddenly of a heart attack, as he was just 38 it was a huge shock so you can imagine all our plans have been stalled for now.

We attended the funeral today, less than 24 hours after his death; it was held in his home and he was buried on his land outside. The drive to his home in Hilani was 2 1/2 hours up a very windy road which I normally could tolerate but the road was full of so many pot holes I thought the wheels would come off the car. None the less it was a beautiful ride through the mountains watching the locals selling brooms, baskets and vegetables I've never seen before. In the local market place I was told to look out for creepy foods. I suppose live frogs, eels, grubs and dog meat fit that category!

We are teaching in a school of ministry on Wednesday- all good stuff!