As I prepared for my May 2015 India Trip, I had to apply for a Visa for entry into the country. I procrastinated my application, only to realize I needed to get it done quickly as my winter trip to Haiti was fast approaching and I would need my Passport for entry into Haiti. I applied for the Visa and paid the extra fee for an expedited service to get my Visa and Passport returned to me more quickly. I was pleased when one week later, I received my Passport with a 10-year Visa enclosed. I was excited that I would not have to go through the process again to travel to India. I did not realize how blessed I was to receive this 10-year Visa until I learned from other participants on the trip of the struggles they had to get six-month Visas. I knew at that time, God had bigger plans for my work in India.
If you have been reading the Adventure Journal the past several months, you know I have planned a wonderful mission trip and spiritual experience to India on September 28-October 17, 2017. The trip details are coming together, as we know our group will join another group for the first 12 days of the trip and then we will spend time as our group doing a variety of mission work around Bareilly. The first 12 days of the trip are put together including experiences in Delhi (Old and New); Jeep Safari at Corbett National Park (this is where I was within about 15 feet of a tiger in the wild); eight-day experience at Sat Tal Christian Ashram; and possible excursions during our time at Sat Tal Christian Ashram. Once we leave Sat Tal Christian Ashram and travel to Bareilly, our two groups will go in different directions.
I am working with our missionary contact, Lillian Wallace, on the possible mission experiences. We will hopefully do some construction/painting; village ministry with the local clinic; work at local orphanage; etc. We will also take time to experience the Bareilly community. On our way back to Delhi during the last days of our trip, we will travel to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal.
The cost for the trip is still being estimated at $4,000 per person. The tourism group we are working with needs commitments and a deposit by March 15. I have four people who are making plans to travel with me and I would enjoy having more. If you are considering this trip or have questions, please contact me (matt@livingtheadventure.net or 618-830-6670).