While we were India, we were able to meet this precious couple who work at Mid-India Christian Mission.

As soon as we were introduced and a brief part of our life stories had been shared, we knew that we would be friends for life.

About a year and a half ago, they lost their sweet 5-year old Lia to a very severe illness and high fever. She was perfectly well and within 16 days of becoming sick, she went Home.

As we sat and talked with them through the help of an interpreter at times, I was amazed at how similar our pain was. When they arrived this particular day, they had brought with them several photo albums, Lia's school book with her art work, and precious stories of Lia's life.

I couldn't help but think about how grief knows no cultural boundaries. Loss is loss. Pain is pain. Tears are tears. No matter the language. No matter the skin color.

Then I realized that as Christians we also shared the most wonderful aspect of grief that anyone can have and that was HOPE!

Because of their rejection of the Hindu religion which looks to thousands of gods in hopes of returning to this world in another life at a higher level of existence, this couple has accepted Christianity and the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died so that all of our sins could be forgiven.....and best of all that He rose again promising eternal life for all who accept Him as their Lord and Savior!!!

Lia and Nick are sharing eternity! That's what I have to remember when I am missing Nick so desperately!!!

God has given us hope! Thank you, Father. You knew we needed it in order to make it through this world!! Thank you.


(I dropped my camera last night at the end of the Basket of Hope event, and it is totally BROKEN....so, I will be sharing about last night as soon as I get a new camera and am able to download my pictures!)

I saw these photos this morning and knew for today.......the message was suppose to be about HOPE........maybe not Baskets of Hope...............but something even better..........the HOPE OF ETERNITY WITH JESUS and with all of those who have gone before us!!!