The Lessons

Dear Friends and Family,

Tonight I am heading to India and boy does it feel weird. Being here I am finding out more and more every day that this is where God wants me to be. To admit there has been some very challenging days in the last few weeks but God is showing me who I am and why I am here. There also has been times that I have wondered why me but the answer keeps coming back, "Rachel why not you".

I am so looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me. I found out that on top of English classes there are also some worldview classes that we will be in charge of teaching. One of the classes I am really looking forward to is about Mother Teressa.

Well I thought I would send one quick update to you all, I am praying and thinking about you. I love you all. God be with you as He is with each and everyone around the world.

In His Name,
Rachel Asha

Update from Malaysia

Hello Everyone,

I am really sorry this has taken me a long time to update.... We arrived safely here as I think my mom so kindly wrote letting you all know this. We are currently still in Malaysia for our orientation and will be heading to India on the 25th.

Our team consists of Jay and Stephanie Marten, (the Leaders) Kari, (who has been in India since Sept) Naresh (who works at Green Valley) and Phil who flew out with me. It has been an awesome time getting to know them all.

Malaysia is very pretty, very green and very friendly. We are currently staying at the Torchbearer conference center and have been most welcomed by our brother's and sister's in the Lord. They all have treated us so kindly. I had the most awesome time meeting with Chris Thomas as he came out here for a few days.

It has been a very different experience for me and God is really showing me His world, through His eyes. Things here are so poorly run down in spots, but it truly amazes me to see the people and how happy they are. I honestly can't believe it.

When we were in Penang, we had an opportunity to go into a Muslim Temple and watch them pray, it saddened my heart because it seems as though they are so lost but they REALLY think that they know the truth.

Thank you all for your prayers, I am needing them more and more as I step out into His battlefield. Please also be praying for stomach issues, I have been struggling with feeling very sick. I am thinking of you all and missing you. Praying God's blessings on you.

In His Precious Name,
Rachel Asha Cookston <><

P.S. Our Indian friend Naresh has been calling me Asha

Hi Everyone- This update is being written by Rachel's mom at her request because she has very limited internet access.  Rachel arrived safely and is in orientation right now with two other interns, a girl named Keri and Rachel's fellow traveler, Phil.  Chris Thomas is also there, which pleased Rachel a lot.  She was happy to see his familiar face.  She is getting to know a lot of people and will write again when she can.   

Well tomorrow I am leaving for India, I fly out of Seattle at 6:45 pm and arrive in Malaysia on Saturday morning.  I can't wait to finally meet the rest of the gang.  I talked to the director yesterday night and he said that there are about 10 to 12 girls that I will be with.  

 This is so exciting for me to be able to minister to young women.  Lately I have been feeling just how unsuficient I am but God knows just what my needs are.  God has been so amazing to me during this time.  Well I should jet off to bed I have a big day tomorrow. As soon as I get there, I will try and update you all.  

Rachel ~~

India here I come