December India Update

Gathering all the Christmas gifts for the kids was quite an adventure. We had to run out and collect some large orders of additional gifts at the last minute, and God really gave us favor. We were able to buy all the gifts we needed which included one scarf, which will double as a head covering. My team explained to me that most of the girls would not wear the hat if we bought them one because they'd prefer to wrap their head as well as their neck with the scarf. The Christmas bags also consisted of two journals, three pencils, two erasers, one ruler, one pencil sharpeners, two pencil boxes, one pack of crayons, 1 bracelet, and four pieces of candy. During the Christmas Programs we were also able to give each child and parent a small food packet.

Last Wednesday we gave out all 310 gifts to our children at 3 different schools. It went really well and all the children were so excited but managed to wait their turns. I teared up at one point because I knew it was going to be my last day to spend with the kids before I went home. I'm sure going to miss them. Thanks again for all your prayers. I'm home enjoying Christmas with my friends and family now, and I hope you'll be able to do the same. Have a Very Merry Christmas!

October India Update

There's no better way to put your life into perspective, than to see it through someone else's eyes. This October I had a chance to volunteer for a week at one of Mother Teresa's Orphanages for children with disabilities. My responsibilities involved feeding, changing, and playing with the children. Some of the children were completely immobilized and unresponsive, while others were lively and interactive. My most memorable afternoon was spent playing a game that reminded me of hot potato. Instead of being out when a child was left holding the ball when the music stopped, it meant it was time to take center stage and dance. Since many of the children were confined to wheel chairs, I helped them glide, by spinning them around the middle of the dance off circle. As each child took their turn on the dance floor, we would chant their name, which brought a huge smile to most of their faces. One girl spun me so fast I thought I was going to wipe out! Loving on these kids was quite a wonderful and humbling experience. I'm hoping to spend a few more days at the orphanage before returning home.

As my time in India was drawing to a close, I felt the Lord tugging on my heart to stay a bit longer. After much prayer I felt peace about staying an extra month to finish out the semester strong. I'm really excited that I have the opportunity to share this Christmas season with my students! Each school will be putting on a little Christmas Program including Christmas songs and dramas. If we can raise enough money, then we can bless each child with some school supplies a scarf to keep them warm this winter. Please pray that we will have sufficient funds to purchase warm Christmas gifts for about 300 children. Thanks so much!

Note: The first picture is of my Tangra students dancing during a night of prayer and praise. The second picture is of me with my Tangra students. The third picture with me, covered by children, was taken at Tangra as well. (This is how most of my pictures turn out). The last picture was taken on a chilly day last January at Project Rhino in Kadamtola and shows the kind of warmth we are hoping to provide with the Christmas gifts.