INDIA: 1/21/08 - 4/21/08 (RL College) - Making Disciples: Reaching Our World

Goodbye India

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Friends and family, I'm almost home! Its hard to believe that the trip is nearly over and my time at my ministry sites has come to a close. This past week I have begun to read my journal entries from the beginning of the trip and they have allowed me to see the extent of the amazing work that God has done in me while I have been here. Some of you may know that during the beginning of the trip I really struggled to feel anything for Inida or for the people who I was ministering to. During the first month I cried out to God telling him that I would rather have my heart torn out and left here when I leave than never love this counrty. Well I am now a living testimony that the Lord answers prayer lavishly. Though the pain I have felt leaving those I love has seemed consuming this past week, I know that it is in reality an amazing answer to prayer and I am so grateful. I am leaving a piece of myself here, but I know every person I have said goodbye to has been left in the loving, merciful, faithful hands of the one who truly loves them. The ache I feel is a constant reminder to pray, one which I would not want silenced. And so as I close my India trip I wanted to write a last prayer for you to partner with me in praying.

My Beloved Jesus,

Lord I love you so much. Thank you for taking out my heart of stone and allowing me to feel what your heart feels for the people of India. Thank you that you revealed to me the emptiness of my own love and the vast measurelessness of yours, and that you filled me with the latter to pour out onto those I was with. Lord, as I come home, my heart feels like it is in many broken pieces, please take those pieces and make them into something even more beautiful, something that can bring you glory until you brake and reshape it again. Father, as I ache for those whom I am leaving I bring them to the foot of the cross and place them in your outstretched arms. I know that you love them more than I could ever imagine. So Lord...

For Sidappa, please contiue to pursue his heart that you may capture it with the joy of your salvation. I know that you alone can heal his broken body and spirit, and no one wants to see that happen more than you do.

For Sunita, please Lord may she know you as the perfect lover of her soul, who laid down his life for her. Lord whisper to her promises of your faithfulness and your eternal life until she responds in surrender. Woo her Lord, captivate her heart with your beauty and adoration and let her know that she is worth all of it.

For Sapna, please Jesus be her protector. Lord, when she seeks to fade into the gray walls of Emmanuel and disapear from sight, seek her out with your gentle, relentless pursuit and let her know that you see her and are not displeased. Let her know that she is beautiful in your sight, and even when everyone has left her, you still remain. You will never leave her nor forsake her becuase you love her.

And Lord for all those who have remained unmentioned for the list is far too long (praise the Lord), I give them to you Jesus, to protect, to pursue, to love. May they know your saving truth and live in your limitless love.

Amen

Communication Day Reminder

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Just a reminder to all our supporters and families, we are once again having communication on Sunday instead of Saturday. The East Coast girls are communicating on Monday.

Remember the time differences when we call... so you will be hearing from us early in the morning on Sunday.

Also remember us in your prayer as we will be going to our orphanges for the last time on that Sunday! Thanks to everyone and we can't wait to hear from you all!

Indian Santa Claus

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hey guys, hope all is well in the US of A

a little reminder, we have 21 days left

Ok, this time I wanted to tell you guys about Kannappan, otherwise known as Indian Santa Claus (because that's what he looks like). I met Kannappan over a year ago when our team last spring was the first ever to visit his leper colony, Tikkri Border, and my summer team got to know him very well. He used to feed us biscuits and finger paint with us. We always thought that he was just such a happy man, even sometimes silly (perhaps 'jolly').

When I came back with this team I really desired to laught with him again. A few weeks ago at the leper colony, I got pretty sick and in the agony that I was feeling physically, I cried out to Jesus, begging Him not to leave me. Before I knew it, Kannappan had taken his cot out of his house and on to his porch along with his pillow and had me lay down. Even as I vomited on his porch, he held my head and rubbed my back. The entire rest of the day he sat closeby, on his doorstep, watching over me. Jesus hadn't left me that day, He was sitting right by the cot, on the doorstep, greatly resembling Santa; and as painful and as embarrasing as tha day was for me, it strengthened my relationship with Kannappan so powerfully. Only a week later, while visiting this leper colony, my leader Julie was feeling pretty sick. At first I was afraid the lepers thought that getting sick at their leper colony had become an American trend, but soon enough, Kannappan gently guided Julie to his cot and turned on a big fan over her as she slept. Just like the week before, Kannappan stayed with me by Julie's side and instead of fear or anxiety or discomfort that Americans usually have about illness, all I could see was gentleness and understanding in this old man's eyes. This must have been pretty humorous to Christ- that I would have the audacity to think that they would uncomfortable with our illnesses--they know sickness and disaese- they know pain and hurt, and if anything, these instances only drew us closer to the lepers, teaching them that we are human too, and we also get sick just like them.

Over the past few weeks, I've been finding myself wanting to send most of my time with Kannappan. As much as he still is the 'jolliest' leper I've met, I have been seeing more and more a side of him that resembles a father- my heavenly father. About two weeks ago, as we were leaving, I asked our driver, Ajay, to translate to him my gratitude for everything he ad been doing for us sick Americans. I told him that he had become like a father to us. When Ajay translated this, Kannappan's eyes lit up with joy and he pointed at me and exclaimed: "DAUGHTER!". I nodded in agreement. As I've spent more time with him and looked through his few family photos, He's even made efforts to ask about "Esu Musee", or Jesus Christ, even though no one has told him that I or anyone on our team are believers. Perhaps as much as I see Christ revealing himself to me through this amazing man, Kannappan is beginning to find his true maker and the Father who loves him in me. That is my prayer. Please pray for Kannappan, my Indian father, that he would come to know His father, whether through me or anyone else the Lord decides to send to him. I feel like him and Jesus would get along very well.

O, and don't worry, Dad, you haven't been replaced...I just missed you so much that the Lord had to give me an Indian dad so I could get by until I see you again.

Tomorrow I will say goodbye to Sidappa, the leper who has the most powerful effect on me, who is now deaf and dying. Please pray for him, and for me, that I'll be able to get through it.

I love you all, and you are in my daily prayers,

unitl next time, Annie Auntie

Goodbye

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As we get closer to the end of the trip, it is difficult not to think of the goodbyes we will soon have to say. Difficult as it may be, reality is that I must go home and may never see some of those that I've made connections with again.

Our team has been given the opportunity of coming back to India again in December for Christmas to bring love, joy and presents to our friends here; many of us are considering the idea.

While teaching my 7^th grade boys at the orphanage, I brought up the

possibility of seeing them in December if our father opens a door for me to be able to come back.

"Aunti, I will not be here," Suraj said.

"I will probably not be here either," Gifty added.

After some questions, I learned that the children who are not "true" orphans (children whose parent(s) is/are still alive) go home for the summer, back with their families for a summer breakIt seems that many children who go home this summer will try to convince their parents not to send them backespecially after the way they are being treated by this new administration. Many of them are at this orphanage because their parents cannot afford to keep them at home, and send them mainly for the education. At that, I realized that I may never see some of the people I met on my trip again.

"So you mean that I will never see you guys again," I asked.

"In heaven Aunti. We will me again in heaven," Suraj said while pointing a finger to the sky.

He's right. Somehow that concept is going to make it a little easier to say my goodbyes;' but in other cases, it's going to make it a little more difficult.

Communication Day change

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Because of different events going on this month, we had to make changes to our schedule and will be moving our next communication day. So don't expect to hear from your girls until March 30 and 31. East coast will be calling on Sunday morning the 30th and the West Coast/Canada will be calling the 31st. Just wanted to let you know so you don't worry about us!!!

With love from India,

Cassie and the Sector 8 Girls

Hope

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Baby Asha appeared at the orphanage three days after her birth. I heard so much about her from my team members, but I hadn't gotten to meet her personally. I visited the orphanage for worship on Sunday and I was finally able to meet her. She is beautiful, but that's not the only thing that is special about her.

As I held her, I felt compelled to ask how old she was. "Sixty nine days old," was the response I got; and she was born around the same time the team had arrived in India. That's funny because we got to India around MY birthday! So you must know how this story ends. Baby Asha shares her birthday with Vikki-Aunty. How special is that?

Asha means hope in Hindiso true. Holding Asha in my arms last Sunday made me realize how much hope is in her. To some she may be considered an untouchable and illegitimate child, but G has his favor over baby Asha. He has brought her to a place that will instill in her the spirit of life. Her name truly fits her because she is hope; hope for the salvation of many more Indians who will be touched and changed by the seed she will plant in them. So you see my friends, this is where all of your financial and prayerful support has gone. It has allowed me to touch the hope of the salvation for the generation to come.

Aren't you glad you have allowed G to use you in such a powerful way? I sure am.

Their Smiling Faces

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I can't say enough great things about the team I was with in India. These girls are so incredible, and their love for the Lord and love for laughter is what makes them so special!

While I was there, I wanted so much to do something special for the girls, and for all of you back home who I know are missing them! I know how hard it is to be far away from people you love, and how just seeing their face can help make it more bearable. So... my last night with the girls I videoed some messages home, and finally got them edited together for you to see. I'm not great at videography, but it was a little something I could do that I hope will bless you all!

Girls - this is my way of telling you how much I love and miss you! And to their friends and family, I hope this helps you feel a little closer, even though they're half a world away!

Home

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This past Sunday I came to an amazing realization on my way to church. I realized that though I long for my American home daily, I have found three places in India where I truly feel "at home."

Lajpat Nagar - Our Leper Colony

There truly are no words to describe how this place has become my home. My little corner in the back of our colony has truly captured my heart. I usually spend my mornings with Sadappa, the Leper who I first grew a relationship with, sitting in his box with him. My times with him are a blatant juxtaposition as they both capture my heart and tear it to pieces. Here is something that I wrote while I was there a couple days ago:

As I sit here watching Sadappa sleep, I know that there is no possible way that I can make home understand this place, or this man. I wish that they could, but there are some things in this world that there are no words for.

There are no words for

The distinctive smell of his box. Urine, filth, rot, and decay.

The look of utter despair etched into his face, his countless wrinkles telling the sad story of his life.

The helplessness pain I feel. The unquenchable longing to do something anything.

The struggle I face when I realize that reading scripture over, and praying for, a deaf man is the only way that I can help.

The desperation I feel for him to see Jesus even in me.

However, over the months that I have been here, my ministry to Sadappa has spilled over into a ministry with his family. Particularly within the past two weeks, I have grown so close to his daughter-in-law, Sunita, and she has opened her home and her heart to me. Each day that I am there more of her heartbreaking story is revealed and I feel so privileged to be entrusted with not only her friendship, but some of the deepest sorrows. However, my greatest joy with Sunita has not been hearing her story, though my heart truly rejoices every time she confides in me, but it is in her wary questions about what I believe. And though they are few and far between, I have treasured each one and pray daily for Christ to put a hunger in her heart and a longing for the peace and love which I have.

Emmanuel - Our Orphanage

I can not explain the joy that I feel every time that I receive an unguarded smile or a loving embrace. Seeing these kids slowly open up to us one day at a time has been a joy and a privilege. Initially, any word from us would result either in being completely ignored or in a fearful retreat. However, one day at a time Jesus has faithfully chipped away at their mile high walls and the little kids who used to hide behind them are beginning to peek through. Teaching, which (sadly) used to bring groans of resignation and dread from me, now brings a seeking for new approaches and gratefully I have finally accepted the four hours a day of teaching as normal life. Bouncy balls, chalk, little journals, and games have transformed drudgery into enjoyment. Praise the Lord.

Pastor Lalmani's

Every Sunday, we have been given the option of going to four different churches. The first Sunday here, I chose to go to the Slum Church and have gone no where else since. Though the rest of our team has faithfully rotated through churches, I haven't been able to pull myself away from Pastor Lalmani's family and their church. How it is that I can sit through a 3 hour Hindi service, understanding nothing, and still feel spiritually fed, I have no idea. All I can say is our God is amazing! Aside from the amazing church, the pastor's family has stolen my heart. He has 3 daughters (Glory, Gracie, and Ruth) and one son (Sam). I love them. Gracie is teaching me to dance Indian, Glory is going to teach me how to do henna this Sunday, and I am looking forward to painting with Ruth. Sam is our faithful translator and is hilarious. Each of them has graciously welcomed me into their home and their family and I love them.

So those are my three homes away from home. It amazes me how I can love these homes so much and still ache for my American home more with every passing day. Both emotions grow stronger as the trip progresses and I know that the storm that will come when the two fronts meet on our departure date is going to be unlike anything I have ever experienced. But God often is found in the midst of a storm, so I am trusting him and seeking to live, letting the day's own troubles be sufficient for the day.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support, I can not tell you the extent to which they are truly felt and appreciated.

TJI... Thats just India

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

So I decided to share with you guys some things that I or my team has experienced that we affectionately have termed TJI(that's just India). Please ask me about these more later so that I can elaborate on them. Most if not all of them have hysterical stories that go with them

TJI

When the driver leaves your taxi for no reason and show up ten minutes later and starts driving as if nothing happened.

When you miss your turn and back up in a traffic jam.

When you start saying good morning to the five cows you pass on a mile walk down street.

When you see fields and fields of cow poop used as "fuel".

When the Indian Army becomes in a routine traffic stop.

When you name the mice in your house after fictional villains.

When you scrape the mold off the bread so you can eat the rest of the loaf

When you walk half way to the market to find a rickshaw driver that will take you for a fair price.

When bartering for fruit becomes a fun activity.

When you're thankful for cold showers.

When just stepping out your front door draws a crowd of admirers.

When seeing a dump truck on two wheels does not even faze you.

When you wonder why there's only one person on a motor cycle.

When seeing white people makes you supper excited and is reported about during team time.

When the horn and your bus plays a song.

When your bus stop is the side of the highway.

When one car to a lane seems like a waste of space.

When you see a person using a laptop of a rickshaw.

When car horns don't even faze you make you feel as though you did anything wrong.

When guys holding hands means nothing other then their friends.

When finding lice on your scarf means nothing more then "oh I should kill this"

When traffic laws and red lights are only suggestions.

When you don't even need an alarm clock just listen for your neighbor throwing up.

When you eat food off the floor in desperation for one meal and then eat enough rice for a year in the next.

When you face plant every day because you don't know how to walk in a skirt and go down steps at the same time.

When falling in sewage down not faze you anymore.

Okay so those are really funny and have brought me a lot of joy, but then there are those moments that I personally have called TII(this is India). It can be those moments that I realize the poverty of this country or the level or faith that these people have or well here are a few examples.

TII

When I pray that a dying leper know my Fathers love.
When your believing driver p**ys every time he cranks the car.
When the children who have not been held in a while let you hold them and I secretly get to pray over them.
When I get the awesome chance to explain my Father is not a g*d he is the G*d.
When sitting with 4 girls making friendship bracelets for 3 hours makes my day.
When you can't understand a word said during a Sunday morning service yet you leave filling fed and refreshed.
When the children singing worship to the king in the orphanage, drown out the train coming by.
When I'm preaching in a service.

I feel like I could go on for ages! But I just wanted to share with you as many things as I could! Thanks so much to everyone for pr*ying and I can't wait to fully share everything our Father has done in great length.

a devotional and some other random stuff

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

hey guys...it's me...all is well here, just wanted to shout out to some people:

Andrea: I called you (i'm pretty sure it was your voicemail) from Rajamani's phone yesterday at our leper colony and left you a message...I hope you got it...he sent you something in the mail last week and is waiting to hear if you get it...try calling him from your phone...if you can't reach him, he will try again at a better time (evening for you, morning for him). He's very VERY excited.

Anyone who has promised to sponser children at Asha: I don't know what's going on, but they aren't getting your support money, and they NEED it...just a reminder, you cannot send it to Asha House, only to Alli's church in tennessee, which if you don't have the address for you can get from Andrea. They're trying to raise 2 million dollars for new land, and it doesn't help that they're spending the little money they have supporting the kids you promised to support...so get to it!

Anywho, I wasn't sure what to share with you, a lot of things have happened in the last few weeks, so I'll just send this with a devotional i journaled to the Lord on tuesday the 11th. It was after reading Luke 12:

How I have fooled myself into believing that I understand you, Lord. How I have heard your words and to myself claimed to comprehend them. You are still a mystery- unsolvable in my weak human mind. Your thoughts are not my thoughts, your ways are not my ways. And the more I seek you, the mystery only deepens. O fathomable indescribable unearthly, unfarmiliar, trasnscendent, divine love- more vast than the infinate universe, stretching farther than the east is to the west, o mysterious force that keeps the stars apart- I have fallen for you. Come to me now, for I am in love with you and cannot breathe without you. You are my soul's sufficiency and this is my simple devotion: that over and over and over and over again I will seek your lovely face. I will chase after you and follow you wherever you lead. I am yours for life. And I lay my life- all of my desires, my passions, my plans, my skills, and talents which you have given me, my insecturities and fears, my failings and the hidden secrets within me, all that I am- down at your feet. I bring my fragrant oil and my tears, O King, and the whore that I have made myself to be will wash your feet and kiss them for it is there that I find healing and restoration. Master, I am your servant that waits in eager anticipation through all watches of the night for your footsteps outside the door. I will trust you and wait upon you. Father, I am your orphan. Take me in and forgive me, protect me, clothe me in your righteousness and feed me with your soft whispers, bathe me in your grace and nourish me with your love. I am yours and you are mine, I am yours and you are mine.

Anywho, please remember to pray for the 2 million that Asha needs for land...and I will write again in two weeks.

Laura:)

His Presence in the midst of heartache.

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As we were pulling up to our leper colony, I felt the excitement rising and wanted to just jump out of the car. It seemed like I have not been able to see my friends at the colony for so long and I could not wait to see Cusabu.

Cusabu is 3 years old, the cutest little Indian girl I have ever seen, and has become my best buddy at the leper colony. This little girl has completely wrapped her little hands around my heart and is in my arms from the moment we arrive to the very last moment when we leave to go home.

As my team and I were walking through the corridor of houses, my heart sank a little because her family was no where in site. Shortly after inquiring about them, we were told that two weeks prior, Cusabu had fallen down, hit her head on the ground, and has been going through extensive surgeries for two weeks. The whole leper colony and our team was deeply saddened by the news and we ended up visiting with her godfather, Amivesh, for over an hour.

Amivesh is the sweetest elderly man who suffers from severe leprosy, speaks very minimal english, and is almost completely blind.

We ended up crowding into his home, sitting with him just holding his hands, and listening to him talk. After a while, we asked if we could pr*y for him and Cusabu and by the end of our prayer, Amivesh was completely sobbing and repeating, "Oh my G*d, Cusabu, Oh my G*d." We just sat with him, laid our arms around him wiping away his tears. By this time, every single girl in the room had tears streaming down our face and we began singing pra*se and worsh*p songs to our Father. Everyone in the room was completely bawling because of the heart wrenching situation, yet at the same time, lifting this event up to our father.

I can say without a doubt that His presence was with us that day in the leper colony. In that moment of fear, heartache, and sorrow, His presence filled the room with peace, comfort, joy, and rejoicing in our S*vior that is in control of every situation. I feel like that day I got to see a small glimpse into the heart of J*sus. My heart was so broken for Cusabu and her family that it was almost too much to bear. Yet, I know and can rest in the truth that He never gives us more than we can handle, He weeps along with us, He is a G*d that heals, He will never leave us, and that "in all things, G*d works for the good of those who love Him."

I am very pleased to inform everyone, that we have had the opportunity to visit the leper colony again and Cusabu is coming home from the hospital. The girls on my team and I will be able to go and visit her tomorrow. I will definitely keep you all posted on how she is doing and would really appreciate any pr*yers for her and her family. Love to you all!

Hope House

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As you've been learning about the team, and the ministries they're a part of in India, I'm sure you've heard of the Hope House. This is one of the three orphanages our team ministers to in India, and the one we've partnered with financially. We hope to help them care for these beautiful children in practical ways - by helping them pay the bills each month so the orphans are clothed, fed, and taken care of. If the Hope House stays open, then these 23 orphans will continue to stay in a place where they see the love of Jesus everyday!

The staff at Hope House helps our team out so much - from the women serving as translators in the leper colonies, to Pastor Paul* helping with transportation, plans, and anything else the team needs (and all while they run an orphanage and take care of a "family" of 23 children and 7 adults!)

The Hope House needs your help.

If you feel God calling you to give, please click here:
https://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=orphans
and then choose "India Orphanage" from the drop down list.

To read more about the Hope House, check out the blog below!

HOPE HOUSE

Our children come from poverty stricken slums, outcast leper colonies, and homes of prostitution. Many of them are orphaned or abandoned. They have not been cared for, provided for, and held no hope of an education. By God's power each of our children were brought to the doors of the Hope House.

Once admitted, the children are provided with clothing, soap, toothbrushes, and lots of love! They are assigned to a small family group which is cared for by a staff member. Our children range in age from two years to sixteen years; we are committed to caring for each of them until they can support themselves in the plans the Lord has for their future. The Hope House is not really an orphanage; we consider it a family. We love our children, care for our children and discipline our children in order to be an example of the family of God.

The Staff

The staff each received the Lord's calling to provide a home for the hopeless and forgotten children of India long before they were united in marriage.

The house "Dad" - Pastor Paul* started his ministry as a worship leader to a music group that brought songs of praise into unreached villages. While he was a full-time manager of Emmanuel Children's Home in Delhi, he was a student of Emmanuel Bible Institute.

At the age of sixteen, his wife Sarah* attended Emmanuel Bible Institute and started her ministry work by living in a leper colony. She has worked in many leper colonies and slums, as well as ministered to prostitutes and street children. The Lord brought them together when he called her to work at Emmanuel Children's Home. Together they sought God's plan and direction to fulfill their calling. In January 2007, the Lord's timing had come for the Hope House to begin.

The Vision

Beyond being a children's home, Paul and Sarah understand God's purpose to use the Hope House as a ministry to reach out to the unreached villages of Hariyana, India.

Already our temporary dwelling has reached its maximum capacity as home to twenty-three children and 7 staff members! We hope to be able to move the Hope House into the midst of unreached villages where more children of labor and exploitation can be reached. This area will also provide the opportunity to reach out to the mothers and fathers of the villages.

We have a dream of starting Children's Village of Hope - home to an orphanage, school, Bible college, rescue house, and elderly home. We have great faith that the Lord will provide land for the new home of the Hope House in His own time and way.

The children and staff lift up this prayer request every day!

Testimonies from the children

"My name is Bharat. I am eight years old. I have one brother. I am from a Hindu family. My mother and father are divorced and now my mother works as a prostitute. I was brought to the House of Hope by one of the leaders from my mother's prostitution area. I am in the first grade at Ebenezer Missions School. At the Hope House I take love to help out with my little brothers and sisters. I just learned how to throw a frisbee and put together a puzzle; now I love to do them both!

My name is Flora. I am six years old. I am from a very poor Christian family. I have three sisters and one brother. We lived in a large, Delhi slum. My mother is a house servant and my father is a laborer, so they could not provide for our family.

They decided to send me and my little sister, Sweetie, to the House of Hope. I am very happy in my new home. I am in kindergarten at Ebenezer Missions School. I love to play with my new friends and take care of my baby sister.

My name is Nazma. I am five years old. I have one brother and two sisters. I am from a Muslim family. My father is a drunkard, who beat us and did not provide for our family. My mother could not care for us, so she brought me and my little brother, Shanawaz, to the House of Hope. I am very happy in my new home. I go to Ebenezer Missions School. I am a little quiet, but I love to smile and jump rope.

My name is Shanawaz "Shanu". I am four years old. I have three sisters. I am from a Muslim family. We lived in a large, Delhi slum. My father is a drunkard, who beat us and did not provide for our family. My mother could not care for us, so she brought me and my older sister, Nazma, to the House of Hope. I am very happy in my new home, and I have just been enrolled in Ebenezer Missions School. My older sister is very good at taking care of me. I was very malnourished when I came to the House of Hope, but now my belly is shrinking and my body is gaining weight. Praise the Lord!

My name is Shivam. I am five years old. I have two sisters. I am from a Hindu family living in a large, Delhi slum. My mother has health problems and my father is a laborer. They sent me and my sister, Suman, to the House of Hope because they could not provide for us. When I first came to my new home, I was afraid to do anything for myself. I would not go to the potty, get dressed, take a bath, or even ask for a second helping of food. Now, I am so comfortable in my new home, and I am a big help to my staff leader, Brother Brij.

My name is Suman. I am four years old. I have one brother and one sister. I am from a Hindu family living in a large, Delhi slum. My mother has health problems and my father is a laborer. They sent me and my brother, Shivam, to the House of Hope because they could not provide for us. I go to nursery school at Ebenezer Missions School. I am so happy at the House of Hope. I love to eat and play with my new friend Sweetie.

Support and Contact Information:

* The Hope House is funded by financial gifts and gifts of provision (i.e. rice, meat, fruits, clothing, soap).
* We greatly appreciate volunteers of service and time to our children.
* This orphanage does NOT do adoptions. We can't help you adopt orphans.
* The Hope House is located in Hariyana, India, 45 minutes from Dwarka and 45 minutes from Gurguon.

* For questions please contact:
Wilson Bunn
wjbunn@gmail.com
U.S. mobile: 828-320-0268

To GIVE to Hope House online, click here:
http://www.adventures.org/give/donate.asp?giveto=orphans
and choose "India Orphanage" from the drop down list.

*Names have been changed to protect our staff and children from religious persecution. Please lift them up in your prayers and pray protection and provision over the Hope House!

Sonya

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

One of my favorite girls at the orphanage I am at is named Sonya. She has touched my heart in countless ways.

My first encounter with Sonya was the initial time we went to the orphanage. She gave her testimony, which was full of events and experiences that I myself could never imagine going through. She is originally from Nepalthat is why she is so light skinned in comparison to her darker-skinned friends, and her eyes give away more of an Asian slant. I learned that her mother died giving birth to her younger sister, who is also at the orphanage. Her father moved her and her family to India where they encountered many difficult times, more specifically they were poor. They were so poor that her father almost sold her into prostitution in return for a chicken once. Thank G he didn't. That is the way life isdesperate times, desperate measures; but our father had a plan for Sonya. The original founder of this orphanage found Sonya and brought her and her sister into a safer place. This is also where she learned about our father.

The other day I taught Sonya's class. She is in first grade and is no older than 10. I usually teach the 7^th grade boys, but this day our father led me to teach the 1^st class. At the end of our session, Sonya gives me a card that she's made. It's on orange construction paper and the front says: "To Vikki Aunti." Inside the card it reads: "I love you so much. You are so beautful [beautiful]. I Rray [P] for you. G Love You. I den [don't] hive [have] any thing to give you soory [sorry] Vikki Aunti. From Sonya. J loves you." On the back is an intricate drawing of a red flower.

I kept reading the line, "I don't have anything to give you sorry." As if I need anything; but such a willing and giving heart. Here is a child who doesn't have yet desires to give. This really hit me because I have more than enough in my life and I don't have a desire like that to want to give.

I think we can learn a lot from Sonya's heart of service. I know our father is going to do mighty things in her. With a heart like that, she is going to reach tons of people for J.

The Girls on the Team are so Wonderful!

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I have just come back from visiting my daughter, Christina, in India; and I am so glad she is there. I feel so overwelmed by the love of our Father that He brought her to such a place to grow in spiritual maturity.

There are 14 girls on the team including four leaders. The girls range in age from 17 to 22 with the leaders being a little older. The girls are so sweet; their hearts are so full of the image of our Father; there is such a sense of community among them; and they are filled with love, compassion, and burden for the afterlife of the people of India. They have left the comforts of home, their friends and family, but are richly blessed there.

The girls run the house they are staying in by themselves. They have chores such as making meals, packing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch, doing the dishes, shopping, sweeping, bathrooms, and trash. They have very cheerful attitudes and do their chores on there own voalition. It is done with the idea of serving their fellow sister and what is best for the community inside the household. They check each other to make sure they don't have lice, they share anything that might be needed, they encourage each other, have wonderful fellowship together, and help each other to grow. I really felt like I saw what the first century church must have looked like.

The girls live a life of physical hardships such as the approaching heat (highs are at about 92 degrees F now but quickly heading towards 120 degrees F), sicknesses (mostly stomach and intestenal), take cold bucket showers, have lots of insects, rodents, and lizards to deal with, have only one 8 x 10 mirror between all of them, have to fill the toilets by buckets in the house and many times use squat toiles in the field, they have a high carbohydrate diet, and they have to travel by rickshaw to an internet cafe to use the phone or computer. India also has open sewer ditches everywhere and the streets are dirty and littered with trash.

The girls teach on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with no curriculum, and they do an awesome job of it. They love the children and play with them as often as they can. When the beggar children come to the car, they hold their hands and show them compassion. They will give them their candy, or gum, or something but not money.

They go to the leper colonies two days a week and hold a leper's hand. They will sit with them, play with their children, and show genuine love for them. They have such an incredible love for them that you know it comes from the Father. They have developed many friendships here. They drink and eat whatever is offered to them not knowing if it will make them sick or not. One of the girls is lactose intollerant and still has drunk four cups of chai tea knowing it will make her sick. Another girl has problems with high blood sugar and will drink and eat what ever is offered to her because she does not want to offend the generous hospitality offered to her.

All of this to say these girls face very many physical challenges, but they are rich in God's love. They have bright, happy countenances with beautiful smiles. They all seem to absolutely love India and are going to be sad to leave the relationships they have made. But most of all I think it is the God experience they have had there they they will miss the most. And I am so glad Christina is there in the midst of this experience.

Thank you to all of you parents who have allowed your wonderful daughters to come and touch the life of my daughter and grow so much in the Father's love together.

Laura Contarino

Mother India (Music Video)

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

This is a blog post from Ericka Bennett, who was in India last month.

As I work to create more videos and stories, and sort through my photography, I wanted to post this overview of my time in India. It's a little of everything compiled in a music video....

From the beggar at the temple in Agra, to the children at the campus in Rajahmundry; the thatch hut villages of Southern India and the breathtaking Taj Mahal; the orphans I fell in love with in Delhi, and glimpses of all the memories made along the way...

I hope it helps you understand a little of all I experienced during my month there!

Using Firefox As Your Browser

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When using these blogs, sometimes certain articles will look different, depending on the browser you are using. In an attempt to stop this, I encourage you all to use Mozilla Firefox as your internet browser when viewing and using our blogs. It has a cleaner interface and it will ensure that we all see the same images.

Download Firefox Now!

I truly believe that it is safer, and more reliable than Internet Explorer or any other internet browser out there. It isn't mandatory, but I do recommend it. Don't just take my word for it, you can read about some reasons why Firefox is better here!

The little Joys of India

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We often pride ourselves in America of saying that we find great joy in small things. We like to believe that finding joy in life's quirks is a skill.

Here, it is a necessity.

It is necessary to laugh off awkward situations and to get excited and thrilled for seemingly normal things. Many examples come to my mind and I will recount some for your pleasure.

One of my favorite moments was on our very first ministry day. Our entire team went to a leper colony for the first time and after a couple of minutes we all individually scattered to where we most felt called. I was sitting down on a mat with a man who was blind and both of his hands were practically inexistent. After using the little Hindi I knew to say hello and ask the names of the other man and two ladies, a silence fell on all of us. Sunshei Requiem, the man on the mat, was lightly tapping the ground making music. Then it hit me. I went back to the van, pulled Tom's jambeau out and gently handed it to the man. The drum was barley touching the ground when he started playing it. He was playing and signing, it was so glorious! A small crowd surrounded us and we all took turns singing while he played and played. With the little hands he had left he was pouring his entire heart into this instrument. I felt God was softly reminding me of why I was here. He created and knows me; he knows my imagination and how I can pour out His love on the people He puts in my path. Just thinking about that afternoon fills me with hope over the many ways we can communicate with these people. It wasn't just a drum for him or a good idea for me; it was a conversation.

Good moments often take place in the kitchen. Well, for me at least. God has been helping me acknowledge and accept more and more how I, Jack, can truly serve these people, where my ministry is. Indian women are devoted, hard-working and sacrificial. We are guests to them and accepting our help would be an insult. The moments in Ajmer where Angeli and I peeled potatoes, cut vegetables, cooked meals, washed dishes and talked were privileges in my eyes. After eating meals in Ajmer, it meant a lot to me to be able to help with the dishes. The same goes for when I did dishes at my orphanage. It wasn't just that I got to serve them by lightening a little bit of their chores; it was that I wasn't seen as a guest anymore but as family. They didn't refuse my help but accepted it.

My last little joy, which really isn't that little, is when people ask for prayer. Whether is it praying in unison for a girl on the team, or praying in the leper colony for Lajemere's fever or Maum Tahaj's knees, I can only praise the Lord for the power he has given to us, the power of prayer.

So many more stories could be told, like succeeding in finding a newspaper to buy after countless weeks of fruitlessness, or being offered a real, fresh coconut (and discovering how much you enjoy it). I have had the honour to read Psalms aloud to a sick person in the team who just can't open her eyes. I love hearing kids sing/shout Praise Ye the Lord till my ears vibrate. I even enjoy, and actually feel clean, after taking a cold shower. Just going to the bathroom and realizing that it is not a squatty has given me immeasurable joy.

There is no possible way to end a blog without a hint of advice, so here is mine: Actively search for the small ways God blesses you. Whether it is through relationships, your neighborhood, or gentle rain coaxing you to sit and look at His creation, look for them.

and prayer warriors; keep up the good work.

Gentle Whispers

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

"Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper" 1 Kings 19: 11-12

When I arrived in India, I was ready to see God move in big ways. I was eager to see hearts turned to Christ and lives transformed. I expected obstacles to be removed, God's voice to be clear, and to always know my purpose in ministry. I thought God would speak through a mighty wind, make His presence known through a great earthquake and show His power through a great fire.

In the months before I came to India, I had seen God at work in mighty ways. He gave me obvious direction and made preparation for the trip easy, providing all that I needed quickly and abundantly. He was teaching me and preparing my heart. I heard Him like a mighty wind, felt His presence like an earthquake, and saw Him moving as fire. I assumed that He would continue working in this way when I got to India, but a few weeks into the trip, I realized it wasn't going to be that way. I became frustrated and discouraged - confused as to why God wasn't changing me or using me. I was straining to hear His voice, to see His power. I was looking for something big, obvious, loud.

One evening at the orphanage in Ajmer, I was sitting on the porch holding a little girl named Ruth. We were looking at the stars and singing together. Every few minutes she would push my hair behind my ears for me. Sitting there, in the calm and quiet, God spoke to my heart. He made me realize that I had been seeking only big things and loud answers from God, and in doing so, had missed out on His soft whispers. I realized that that very moment, simply holding a little orphan girl, could be the whole reason I came to India.

Since then, God has been teaching me to hear and see Him in new ways. Hot so much through obvious answers to prayer or big change, but in the not so noticeable things. I don't hear Him in the great wind, but in the orphan's prayers, so loud that they drown out a passing train. I don't feel His presence in the earthquake, but in a small house church, where a few believers gather to fellowship and pray. I don't see Him in the fire, but in the smile of an orphan when he opens a box to find a brand new pair of shoes. I don't see huge miracles, but I'm learning to see the small ones: the fact that I still don't have lice or that I was able to play soccer for almost two hours at orphanage in spite of my asthma.

Hearing God's gentle whisper isn't easy, but I'm learning to hear Him in the places and people I least expected. I'm learning that God doesn't always work in big ways or speak loudly, but He works through the simple and ordinary, and speaks through gentle whispers.

Mona

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I wrote a letter to one of my friends explaining the fate of the necklace which she gave me, but then before sending it I decided that I wanted you all to be able to read it as well. So here it is

Dear Lucy,

I want to tell you about your necklace

First of all, it was beautiful and I opened it during our first week when I felt so homesick I didn't know what to do with myself. I loved it and instantly decided that I would wear it for the whole trip to remind me of home and all those I missed, carrying them with me all through India. Well I wore it faithfully all the way to Ajmir, but I'm afraid that it won't make it home. Let me explain to you why

The first time I saw my little princess she was standing off to the side of our soccer field watching us. I had just arrived in Ajmir that morning and was kicking the ball around in the sand and rocks with about ten Indian boys. She wasn't smiling and even when I went over to her and hugged her she retained her sad, complacent expression. I tried a couple of times to get through to her, but to no avail. Finally, I returned to football. But that night I lost my heart to her.

During evening prayer service I had pulled her onto my lap. She sat there without reacting to my touch or presence, until the end of the service when her heard began to bob and it became evident that despite her valiant struggle to stay awake she was fading fast. Finally, she fell asleep, yielding at last to my embrace. I held her that night for a long time captivated by the precious bundle nestled in my lap, then reluctantly tucked her into her bed. That night my heart melted for an Indian baby for the first time and all I wanted was to hold her close again

For the next few days I devoted myself to breaking down the million barriers surrounding little Mona. However, this proved incredibly difficult, as Mona hated physical touch and all of the ways that I would naturally convey affection proved only to push her further away. As a result hours of those first days were spent searching for new ways to show her my love for her. Yet after countless piggy-back pony rides, bubbles, and play-doh games she remained unchanged. She responded to me the same as she had the first day despite the hours I had spent loving on her.

Then pony rides, the only thing that could draw from her a faint smile and a little giggle, became of no interest to her despite my offers. Discouraged I consented to bubbles and play-doh; however, when I returned from the kitchen to see her climbing onto one of my teammates back, I ran to Jesus in frustration. Why, after all of those hours of patience, hours of searching for ways to love her, she chose another. I told God that I knew that I was here to love her, not be loved by her, but I just wanted one Indian child to love me, choose me.

God simply hugged me and then opened my eyes to see all the times that I had been Mona, when he had pursued me, loved me, sought after me. And all the times that I had chosen another. On the roof (the place where I always go to meet with God) God showed me a small glimpse of what unconditional love was. It was loving someone, regardless of their response. This understood he told me that he was glad that I had come to him, but he did not need me up on the roof, he needed me down loving on the kids. So talking one last gulp of his living water I descended the stairs.

Mona was wondering around and I offered her a ride, she accepted, and I played with her until evening prayer. During prayer she sat on my lap and for the first time didn't shy away from my embrace. When it was over I offered her my back for a ride. Shaking her head "no" she walked around to my front and let me lift her up into my arms. My heart melted. But right then Jesus told me to put her down and come to him. He said to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things would be mine as well. He simply asked, "Sarah, do you love me most?"

Words can not explain how hard it was to hand over the moment I had worked so hard for to one of my teammates. Once I gave her up, I ran to Jesus, threw myself into his arms and simply said, "I am here Jesus, and you're still first." In the next half hour Jesus surrounded me with his love. He told me that even while I was loving on kids, he wanted me to be focused first on being in his arms and loving him. I kept trying to be filled by him and then go out and love. Instead, he wanted me to abide in him, love him first, let him hold me as I held a child, and he would love right through me. Then just because he is an amazing God, he turned me around and showed me a magnificent sunset over the mountains, one that I could not have seen if I had not come up to the roof. Then I went back down, remaining in him.

I found Mona content in my teammates arms, but that was Ok because I was in Jesus' arms and that truly was all that mattered. Then later, as I was holding her, God blessed me further as we played with one of the boys. He was pretending to be a tiger and chasing us around. Mona was beside herself squealing with delight, smiling from ear to ear, and laughing hysterically. I had given her to God and he had given her back to me.

The next day passed in a blur of joy. Carrying Mona everywhere, picking bouquets with her, making balloons with her and just loving her. But that night God again asked me to give my time with her up, telling me that I was here to do his will and his work and he wanted me to love on the boys. So down Mona went again and I played monster with the boys for hours, tickling and chasing them as they leapt from bunk to bunk. It was amazing and in the process I lost my heart to ten more Indian boys.

Then came our last day and I wish that I could somehow capture the difference in Mona between the first day and the last. Not only was I holding her, but she refused to get down the entire day. The little girl who hated touch would follow me around, even out on the soccer field, arms outstretched begging to be held. When I picked her up she would rest her head on my shoulder, little arms around me. The little girl who would utter a sound to anyone filled our hours with her little voice saying "Auntie" as she pointed out the direction she wanted to go. We went for final walks, picked last bouquets, and I treasured every last second we had together.

It was to little Mona that I gave your necklace, Lucy. Your gift meant the world to me because you see, I had brought nothing but the bare minimum with me to Ajmir. I had nothing which I could give a child, but your necklace. So I left it where I left my heart and words can't explain what being able to do that meant to me.

draw near to me, and i will draw near to you

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

hey guys...new updates

just got back from ajmer and lost myself there. For months I have been so desperately in need of Christ's nearness. I cry out to Him, and He will reveal Himself in subtle ways, but I continue to ask Him, "come close to me!" One morning in Ajmer I got up and immediately went to teach a class of only hindi-speaking kindergarteners. Frustrated with the language barrier I pleaded with God for a way to communicate with them. Then He simply answered "We don't talk enough, Laura". Convicted I left the room and grabbed my bible and found a place to talk with Him. He repeated to me my constant prayer: "come close to me, child". For the first time in a long time I felt as if i was being cradled in the arms of Christ. I lost myself, in love with His safe arms, His gentle touch, His protective hold, the mystery of being near to the God of the universe. As I went to return to the children, I asked that He would not distance Himself from me; I asked if I could stay in His presence, and if He could stay close to me even though those moments alone were over.

He granted me this. For the rest of the day, and for the week since, I have felt the figure of Christ standing, sitting, walking sleeping, even squatting next to me. Call me crazy, but I have never experience that kind of constant intimacy with my Lord. He didn't seem like He had somewhere to go, and He didn't seem bored with me, but instead He was content to stay close by me. Our converstations flowed as do that of two friends that sit with each other. Often times I would feel Him help me hoist a young boy onto my back when i felt like i was too week to run around the wheat fields for the fiftieth time that day, or I would feel His hand on my back as He directed me where to walk, and to which child to spend time with. I even remember Him rubbing my back as I threw up one of the LARGE meals we were fed in ajmer. There was never a moment where I felt alone or scared, because He would always remind me how close He was to me. I can't express to you how secure and wonderful I felt in the constant nearness of Christ. And for a girl who's always struggled with trust, and has often called herself "faithless", I found that in His close vicinity, I was finally learning what it meant to depend fully and even recklessly on my saviour. My favorite moment was during evening prayer one night. As the sun set through the windows of the kids' room, I sat with Him and prayed to Him and was overwhelmed by how He really hears us when we pray, because He is right there. One of the older boys, 14-year old Mohender, stood up and began passionately praying in Hindi. I silently commented in wonder to Jesus that it was so beautiful to watch this boy pray with his whole heart. I then saw the figure beside me rise and walk to Mohender. As the teenage boy poured out His heart to the Lord, the figure stood before Him, smiling, with tears in His eyes, holding the Mohender's face in His hands. I heard Him whisper: "Yes, Mohender, I am pleased with you. Yes, Mohender, I hear you". I was greatly moved. On the last day we were there, during Sunday Morning church service, I prayed that I could see that figure again. In response, I heard the Lord say: "Look to your left". I looked and I saw little Solaimon staring at me with his big beautiful eyes. And that's when I heard Christ whisper: "Here I am!" I was overwhelmed at the beautiful face of Christ that I recognized in this boy, and the faces of countless other orphans and lepers and street children, and team members since. Here is our King, He came in the humblest of ways, and He is here, hidden in the filthy hands and feet of a bunch of dirt poor little indian orphans. He is in the passion of Mohender and the fingerless hands of the leper. If you have been looking for Him, I've found Him!

Anyway, I know this is a difficult concept to get across through a blog, but I hope you can understand my poor description of it. In response to Jessica, the lepers are good. Shanmugavel is in Mumbai but should be returning soon. Raja, Kanapan, Santi, Govindesamy, Supremany, and such are all still there. They are remodeling the temple, making it bigger...we're praying for it to fall! Unfortunately I didn't get to visit them this week because there was an issue in some leper colonies in delhi where a *ninja* organization from the states made some poor decisions on how to hand out goods to the lepers and angered some local hindus. Our host has told us to not go for a little while. Please pray that we can return soon. Lincy and Simini and the babies are doing well, and Paru maam will be marrying wilson in may! Please pray for the $2 million needed to buy new land for the orphanage. It will give the children room to play, and will open up countless opportunities for more ministry, including giving me a more permanent indian residence. Also, remind the girls who agreed to pay support to send it to tenn....they haven't been receiving most of it and they need it. There are now 21 children, and so that means that 7 more babies need support! Keep us in prayer!

Thanks, guys. I love you

Annie Auntie

the sounds of love

Sat, 1 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

2.17.08

dear india,

i don't thrive on your smells drifting in the air.

i don't crave your tingling spices for my tongue.

sometimes my eyes hurt from seeing your contentment with poverty.

but oh how i love your sounds.

since my very first morning,

i knew that it was different.

it is the most beautiful sound i have ever heard.

your sounds wake me each morning and lull me to sleep at night.

there are always children

running

laughing

shouting

crying.

i hear the gentle sweep of women's brooms.

they vainly sweep the dirt away

only to have it settle right back in.

if i listen closely,

sometimes i think i can even hear the laundry blowing in the dirt filled breeze.

i hear the men arguing.

i hear the car horns blaring.

there is the hammering of brick too.

forever building

but never improving.

there are cows mooing

dogs barking

constant airplanes taking flight

and always birds chirping.

i hear the tiny bells of bikes and rickshaws.

i hear the cotton candy man and his creepy sales chant.

or maybe he is actually selling sponges? who can be sure...

late nights bring random fireworks.

early mornings bring the sound of vomiting.

in my home there is

chatter

laughter

coughing

clanging of pots and pans

the grumbling of our stomachs

and love.

love has a sound every time we say yes

when we feel like saying no.

every time we pray for each other

and sing to our father

and laugh about boys

or poop

or rickshaw adventures

love sounds like the swallowing of pride

avoiding anger by forgiveness

when strangers live together in harmony because they love [the father].

and ice cream from the mother of all dairies.

Worship in a Leper Colony and Video

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Posted in India by Ericka Bennett on 2/28/2008

Everyone keeps asking questions about what it was like to visit the leper colonies... to see the lepers, to touch them, to spend time with them.

I keep searching for something profound to tell them. Some incredible answer to "what was it like to touch a leper?"... but the answer I keep coming back to is the same. They're just people. Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters. They're people, like you and me. Touching a leper, shaking their hand, is the same as shaking your hand - except that their hand might be missing a few fingers. Hugging a leper is just like hugging you, except sometimes the lepers can't see who they're hugging, because the leprosy is causing them to go blind. And worshiping with the lepers is just like worshiping with people here in America... except there you know their faith is real and their worship is sincere. Because the lepers worship God not sitting on comfortable pews, in a beautiful sanctuary, with all the best sound equipment - but where they are, just as they are. The lepers worship God not because they are happy and healthy, not because their family is well, not because they have a good job and everything they need - but in spite of lacking all those things. Because they don't worship God for what He can give, but for WHO HE IS - their Savior, Comforter, Father, and Friend.

The man you see playing Tom's drum is losing his vision to leprosy. If you look closely you'll see he's playing the drum to worship with no fingers on his left hand and only two that remain on his right. Yet he is worshiping joyfully...

We have much to learn from our brothers and sisters overseas...

Our week in Ajmer

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

We're back!

The team got back from our seven-day retreat to Ajmer early Monday morning. We made it back to Delhi safe and sound.

Our trip included many exciting moments. First we were all extra excited about the sleeper bus that we took to get to Ajmer. It is a 10-hour bus ride to Ajmer from Delhi. Our coordinators were very smart to make our ride an over-night ordeal so most of us could sleep the ride away. The sleeper bus had two levels. It looked like a normal coach-style bus but it has a second level above the normal seats that are beds. Each girl partnered up with someone and we went two to a bed. It was a great experience!

Ajmer was full of life! The children there were absolutely loving and beautiful. There were about 24 children that lived at the orphanage, two girls and 22 boys. Most of the orphanages in India have more boys than girls because girls are used to work in houses at a certain age and are therefore pulled out of orphanages whereas boys are left there. During the day, we were able to teach to the children. There were many students at the school that did not live at the orphanage. For some of these children, it was their first interaction with Americans.

The team prepared a week-long VBS program for the children at the orphanage. These children are familiar with Our Father's Word, which made it a little easier to plan. Our theme were the fruits and by the end of our week, the children knew each fruit by heart. It was amazing to see how quickly they picked it up.

The orphanage itself had beautiful scenery. There were wheat fields that surrounded it and the orphanage is just being built so everything seems really new. Unfortunately, this orphanage does not have enough funding to finish the construction yet, so much of it is still undone.

The parents of this orphanage absolutely love these children. There was also another couple there who a lot of the girls on the team were able to pour into. This couple just had a baby named Johnson and we all fell in love with him. This couple was our cooks for the week and they did a fabulous job of spoiling us. We ate so much food and it was very yummy! Plus some of the girls were able to help in the kitchen and a few of us learned how to make Chapattis, which is a sort of flat-bread tortilla.

It was really difficult to say goodbye to these children. For many of us, it was our first goodbye here in India, which foreshadows the goodbye that we will soon be saying to India in April. The children were beautiful and taught us a lot. Their faith was a sight to behold.

We are now back in Delhi and back to our routine for the week. Hope all is well at home. We love and miss our families very much!

P.S. I tried to upload pictures on here and it's not working so I will try again later!

India Team with the children in Ajmer

stories from delhi

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello everyone!

I am writing you from New Delhi, India! The week has been full of transitions and getting into the swing of things! Next week my team of fourteen girls will split into smaller groups and each go to our separate ministry areas.

This week all of us went to each site to get a feel for things we will be doing. We have visited three leper colonies and three orphanages. The leper colonies are hard to describe. It's really just a neighborhood of families. My highlight in the leper colonies was the first one we visited on Tuesday. The people are so friendly and loving. They got out mats for us to sit on and served us chai tea. It was better than any Starbucks chai I have ever had! J

The three orphanages were a good experience as well. The one I will be working with is small and has fewer than twenty children. To welcome us, the kids put on a program that involved dancing to Hindi techno music! It was so cute! I'm not exactly sure what all we will be doing there, but one of the things we will help with is teaching in their school. I'm glad they are young children though, because as I witnessed at the other orphanages, these kids are brilliant! I hope I will be smart enough to teach them! It is so encouraging to see that they are getting a good education!

The days this week have been long and tiring, but I think we will all continue to adjust a little bit at a time! It seems like we spend a lot of time simply driving to and from places. But believe me; car rides in India are anything but relaxing! It's impossible to explain the chaos of the roads. There are cars, buses, bikes, rickshaws, motor rickshaws, people, and of course, cows all over the roads! It's like a constant roller coaster ride! I love it!

Something that helps our team keep our focus is evening times of singing and reading the word. We also spend a lot of time talking to the father. It is quite an adjustment to learn how to all live together in the conditions we are in! But we are doing fine and will continue to stay focused on the reason we are here.

I miss you all and hope that you are all doing well.

<3 Sarah

2.10.08

Hey guys!

I am wrapping up my second week in India! This was our first full week of ministry and I think it went really well. Some highlights of the week included the relationships we started to build in the leper colony. Things were a little bit awkward at first. I'm starting to see that the way we minister to these precious people is so backwards! Instead of serving them, they love to serve us. And I must confess I find it a little hard to be grateful sometimes when I'm offered my fourth glass of chai and offered yet another portion of mysterious food. But I am trying to learn to be appreciative!

Due to some illness [thanks to the mystery food...] I was only able to spend one day at the orphanage this week. The majority of the day was spent with the staff while the kids were at school and/or taking naps. I got to know two young girls named Peru and Rama who help care for the children. They are so sweet! I'm really excited about getting to know them.

Today is Sunday, and I preached the sermon at church! How crazy, right? Every Sunday we kind of have to be prepared to sing, preach, lead Sunday School or whatever. We just kind of get put on the spot. But at least when you are speaking with a translator it makes your message twice as long! J

"Love Is ... "

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hey everybody! I am doing great and excited to be posting a blog! Thanks so much for all your comments to the other blogs! During this time here, G*d had been revealing to me what love is. This is how HE has been speaking to me about this.

Love is patiently watching a team mate feed a leper as he throws up every bite.

Love is kind as a small child comes up and wraps his dirty precious hands around my waist and gets snot all over my shirt.

Love is not jealous even when you realize you can't have beef for 2 more months.

Love is not boastful or proud or rude even when you realize it's a squatty again

It does not demand it own way even when 20 kids have asked you 10,000 times for chocolate.

It is not iritable and it keeps not record of wrong even when a neighborhood boy throws a brick at you.

It does not rejoice in injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins out like when you realize the slum church you're preaching at can't hold the people in its building.

Love never gives up even when it's been 4 hours teaching 6 boys 1 concept and they still don't get it.

Love never loses faith and is always hopeful and the older lepor woman can still know my Daddy's love.

Love endures through every kind of circumstance even in India.

I praise my Father for every experience I've had in here so far. It's been hard and at times I've been homesick and my love has been drained. It's then i'm reminded that it's not my love i'm operating in it's HIS and He is continually revealing to me HIS love for these people. As our "team song" says " some how my weak love has stolen away HIS heart.... For which I'm forever grateful! I Love you guys!!

bedwetters and unconditional love

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

hey guys, i promised i'd keep you updated. so...two cool stories I wanted to share with you-

One took place two days ago at Asha House, my main ministry- a childrens home with 21 of the most precious children in the world. From 2:30-4pm they take naps. Most of the time I sleep with the girls, but i've had a nasty cough this week and didn't want to make any of the kids sick. So I wandered to the boys room. I had noticed that little vikas, who's five, never sleeps during nap time. Every once in a while I'll come in and tell him to sleep like the other boys, but he'll always shake his head and stay up. So yesterday I asked Simini, Victor's wife, about it and she laughed and replied: "He is afraid to sleep because he will pee". So I sat with Vikas in his bunk until four, and we played games and whispered praise songs and I forgot about feeling left out from nap time and for maybe the first time, Vikas wasn't alone during that long hour and a half. And having been sick this week, it reminded me of moments at night when everyone else is asleep and I'm up coughing or feeling crummy and I'll notice I'm not alone- Jesus stays up with me, and sometimes that is when I can hear His voice most clearly- in the quiet. Perhaps it is the only time when He can get us alone. Perhaps it is the only when we let Him. And we don't have to feel ashamed for being sick, or being a bedwetter because the almighty God will sit with us in the dark and whisper His affection to us. I think I've found a new place to spend nap time.

Second is about a boy I met at the leper colony yesterday. We were making bead necklaces and bracelets and little Soonu needed a lap to sit on. Because I've had a some experience with entertaining little indian kids, I was pulling all of my tricks out of my rolled up sleeves. But Soonu seemed content witrh just sitting on my lap and holding my hands. Soon, when new interests, arose, he returned to the group and I found a sick leper man to keep company in the shade of another tree. As I sat there, I asked the Lord to show me how to really communicate His loveto these people and moments later a little face peeked around the tree at me. Little Soonu had looked for me and found me and once again found a place to sit in my lap. This time I just rocked him and held him and sang songs to him until he fell asleep. And I realized something: perhaps I get lost in concerns for the children, what I think they need. They need clothing, shoes, nourishing food, clean water, a bed, a real house, a fascinating person to play with, loving parents, etc. and in the midst of it Jesus will gently remind me: "That's not why I sent you, Laura. Let me take care of those things- trust me, I'm a good father. What I need you to do is love them. Show them the affection they never receive, the affection i'm dying to give them, the affection I died to give them." And during that peaceful time with Soonu, I remembered how the children came so freely and so unhindered to the arms of Christ. It wasn't because He had a cool beard or because He knew the right hand games, it was because the children's innocent eyes recognized in Christ the epitome of faithful, enduring, compassionate and never-failing love. They saw it, they needed it, and they knew that He would not deny them. And maybe that is why these precious children come so freely to us. Maybe that is why Soonu saught me out yesterday, because it is not WE who live, but CHRIST who lives in us. So I prayed a new prayer while Soonu slept in my lap- that i would be His hands and feet, and also His arms, His knees, His lap, His soothing, whispering voice, His heart.

Anyway, I'm doing okay, getting over my cold, and seeking my father's heart in all I do while I am here. I love you guys, and keep me in your prayers.

until next time...

Laura

God Loving for Gods Glory

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Wow! I can not believe that I have been in India for nearly one month. It feels as though I left yesterday. The time that I have can't possibly suffice to explain to you all the work that God is doing over here but I will seek to give you a small glimpse.

God is doing an amazing work in my life in India. At times it has been extremely hard and only just recently has it begun to be a complete joy. Initially, my group of four other girls and I are working at a leper colony and an orphanage for four days out of our week. The other days are spent at churches, preparing and enjoying much needed down time. My time at the Leper Colony has been more than amazing as God has carved a little corner for me there, where I love the people and they, I believe, are beginning to love me. There is no way I could fully explain what is going on there but here is something I wrote about my day on Thursday:

I saw you in the stars today

They winked at me as if to say

My little girl I love you so

And I just wanted you to know

I saw you in my team today

Your words flowed freely as we prayed

Your love was pouring fourth from all

Answering the commissions call

I saw you in a child today

In his smile as he played

In his look of sheer joy

As he wound his wound up toy

I saw you in a mother today

In her story of dismay

In her heart worn on her sleeve

And when she asked me not to leave

I saw you in a leper today

In his eyes so worn and grey

In his pain filled wrinkled face

In his single-hand embrace

And Jesus for the stars I lifted praise

And with the prayers my hearts raised

And with the child I played carefree

And with the mother listened quietly

And with the leper I brought the love

That flows down from your thrown above

So Jesus thank you for today

I haven't any words to say

But I proclaim that it is you

That fill and does all I do

I saw you in the stars today

Help my see you everyday

The Lord has been so faithful to me throughout the past weeks proving his sufficiency over and over again. I have been discovering that the gifts God has given us are simply the areas in our lives in which he chooses to work through us for his glory. I don't love the leper or the orphan, rather Jesus loves them. I am simply the vessel that gets the privilege to watch God work. How Amazing.

My time at the orphanage is also bringing my much joy. I am teaching school 4 hours a day, which is naturally very tough for me. However, the Lord is really bringing about a change of heart in me, for which I give him all the praise. Our team is about to leave for another orphanage where we hope to do a ten day VBS with the children in Southern India. Thank you all for you prayers, they have been felt. I love and miss you all. little

Love

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

During one of my first days at the orphanage where i work, i had the opportunity to take a nap with 2 very special little girls! Nap time is a daily part of the childrens schedules, and i was touched that all the girls wanted me to sleep with them. I ended up sleeping next to, 2 girls, on a middle bunk, with arms around me, legs over me, and her face plastered next to mine! I LOVED it! It was during that time where my Father spoke to me. He said that thats how close he was to me and wanted me to be close to Him. Also He wants me to be all over the kids here too!

So as I have been going from one place to the next, the word Love has stuck in my mind. I enjoy playing with the children SO much! Two days ago i spent a long time jump roping with a girl. We both had a blast!

Post from Anna.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Namaste all family and friends!

India is absolutely amazing and I am fascinated by all the beautiful people and opportunities we have here. It seems that I could have so many things to talk about but my favorite opportunity, thus far, has been pouring out His love to the people in our neighborhood. I believe that we are completely bl*ss*d to be where we are and it is evident that our father has placed us in our house for a reason. Our father has been opening so man doors and establishing so many relationships right outside of our house.

There are constantly neighborhood children knocking on our door and gates wanting us to play with them at all times of the day. It has been so much fun just to hug them, swing them around, play cricket and other games with them all day.

Also, throughout the past few weeks, I have become good friends with a little girl, Hamanchi, who lives directly behind our house. Every night I have gotten to sit and talk with her outside our back gate and play with her and her siblings during the day. Her mother has started coming out to speak with us as well.

I have also had the privilege of assisting another neighbor, Anshi, study for her english exam, get to know two teenagers, Pooja and Neelm, that live next door, and play cricket with a family around the corner. Whenever we walk around the neighborhood, we constantly get invited to sit down and drink chai or coffee with families. Most of the time, there is a language barrier between us and only a few people can speak English well enough to have a conversation. I am trying to learn Hindi and it is amazing that laughter and a smile can break through any conversation barrier and build friendships.

We are all doing really well, a few girls have gotten sick, but nothing that a day of rest could not fix. I will keep you all posted on further friendships and life here in India. Thank you for lifting us up and continue to pr*y that our father would open up more opportunities to share his love.

Breath taking moment at the leper colony.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday when I was at the leper colony, I had an amazing moment. I was walking to say goodbye to some ladies that I have been visiting every week and I noticed this lady huddled in a corner grabbing her head. Without thinking, I kneeled down beside her, layed my hand down on her shoulder and in Hindi asked her if she was okay. She only responded with a head bobble signaling 'no' and I began speaking to her in English even though I knew she could not understand me. I asked her what was wrong and she started pointing to her head. I immediately started massaging her temples and she closed her eyes and allowed me to just hold her face. Shortly after she opened her eyes and started pointing to her chest telling me that it was troubling her also and then pointed back to her head. I continued massaging her head and then I took a leap of faith and asked her if I could lift her up to our father. She quickly bowed her head and I layed my hands on her and asked for healing and comfort to come to her. After I was done, the woman looked up at me with tears in her eyes and then we just sat hand in hand for a pretty long time.

I truly believe that God was completely present in that moment and took over my every action and word. The whole experience seemed surreal and intimate. I think that it is amazing how our Father showed up in that moment to pour out His love onto that moment. I also am in awe that a Hindi woman was so receptive to me raising her life up to our Daddy for healing.