Greetings everyone!

This morning was a slower day - because it was a Public Holiday- which of course means "no school"

For our group, I declared it National Washing Day - another first for some of the group who hadn't experienced the joys of handwashing their clothes.

We had a late breakfast and extended group worship/sharing and prayer time this morning before going out exploring.

We drove in the bus for around an hour to visit an old Danish Fort in Tranquebar that was built in 1620. It was a flourishing trade centre and then taken over by the British in the 19th century. We passed the commemoration of the Tranquebar Mission (300 years), which mentioned all the firsts of the missionary Ziegenbalg, the first Protestant missionary to India; the first mssionary from Denmark; the first to propagate Protestantism, the first to introduce the printing press to India; the first to start the Paper Mill in India; the first to translate the New Testament in Tamil etc, etc

We then visited the Mercy English School (another GS ministry) where we prayed for the School Manager (who is the Boss - equivalent to our Business Manager Darren Waterworth!) and his wife (the Principal) and the school community. This is a smaller school (130) also set up like GS School in Velankanni after the Tsunami. Most of the students are orphans from the Tsunami.

We then walked through the town; did a bit of shopping; had lunch (curry!) and then drove home viewing the coast and all the fishing boats in the port. SInce it was a festival day (Ganesh's birthday) we passed a couple of parading groups with crackers, floats, and loud music!

A quick team meeting to discuss tomorrow's events and schedule at the Good Shepherd school before dinner - which curry tonight?

Paul has taken a few of the group to the internet cafe tonight.

It was good to see all the fishing boats today - as 25% of the students from the Good Shepherd School belong to fIshing families.

In our team devotions each morning - each member of the team take turns in leading the devotions. We are focusing on Philippians and this morning read and discussed Philippians 2:1-4.

The team are amazing,and like this morning's reading, are being like -minded, being one in spirit and purpose.

We praise God for what He is doing in us and through us.

Blessings to you all.

Catriona