Hi Everyone,

We all arrived safely in Chennai in the early hours of the morning. The plane trip to Bangkok was around 9 hours long, but what was supposed to be a 3 hour trip to Chennai took 8 hours!

As we were approaching Chennai International airport a severe storm prevented us from landing (there were 2 attempts), so we were diverted to Bangalore, where we sat in the plane for an hour waiting to be refuelled.

As we made our final descent into Chennai - for the third time, we were so relieved to have finally arrived. Yet our relief grew into more tiredness as we then had to wait on the tarmac in the plane for another hour.

We eventually arrived at our hotel (great beds/air-con) and slept for a few hours until our team meeting with OM at midday. It was terrific to meet the Head of OM for Southern India and the OM Rep who is travelling with us.

We have an amazing itinerary ahead, including Velankanni - The Good Shepherd School, ministering at the GS Hospital (Aids Hospital) and also having some time with a GS ministry that helps prevent human trafficking and seeing the support that is provided to young Dalit women to arrest this horrific practice.

This afternoon we have been seeing the sights of Chennai, including the Bay of Bengal and lots of shops!

The ladies bought at least one outfit each (punjabi) to wear more culturally appropriate attire when we are working with the local people.

The students are all amazing and although tired are "grump" free.

Just about to have a team meeting and do a debrief of the day before hitting the sack.

Tomorrow we are going to participate in a local church service and then drive 8 hours in a bus to Velankanni.

Love to all,

Catriona and Wendy