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Today, Tamil Nadu is getting some much needed rain. Thee whole of India faces drought and food shortages as the monsoon rains typical of the beginning of August never came. We read newspaper articles about farmers who had taken out loans, then committed suicide when they realized that their small crops would not enable them to repay those loans. India is on a precipice, but God provides relief.

The soil here is medium brown, but when it rains the puddles are a yellow brown, like curry itself is wicking out of the soil with the running water. Our taxi driver this morning tried to argue that the established rates of 40 rupees for the ride to the CMC was null and void with the weather, but there wasn't exactly a line for his cab and he relented. I don't like haggling over what is about 20 cents, but I also know that we're paying more than the locals pay and when the rain stops, the new rate won't.

The team is still painting. Gary remains back at our hotel, and Dana has stayed behind to take care of him if he needs anything. He remains in good spirits but has some pain after he attempted some late-night acrobatics. Nothing another steak won't fix.

I am reminded of our second-to-last night here last summer. After our celebration dinner at the CMC, we shared a drink with Ron who was departing early the next morning. Thunder shook the building, and we climbed to the open air covered restaurant above the hotel to watch the storm. This rain is becoming a sort of tradition, as though Chennai is performing some trick for us before we leave.

Today is bitterweet. Those of us who are leaving will be happy to return home to our families and our normal routines, but will miss our friends here and meaningful things we have done. Glen, Steve, Dan and Drew will see that the work is finished, but the work will never be finished in India or anywhere else until we are all reunited with our Father on that day...