Yahoo...

We made it!!!!

And I'm pleased to say it was without any complications!!

We left Chicago and it was smooth sailing all the way to Abu Dhabi 
where we had just enough time to check out the souvenir shop for 

 "I love Abu Dhabi" t-shirts for Loobie and Sophie
as well as take in the diverse cultural mix of people there.
What beauty in the blend!

During our layover in Hyderabad, we were amazed at all the 

Christmas decorations throughout the airport; 

but what really took the cake was 

listening to Kenny G play 

"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"

on the overhead in the airplane!

We arrived in Rajahmundry and were greeted by our Indian family...

Oh Happy Day!!

Although they gave us a few minutes to freshen up,

they didn't waste any time getting down to business.

First off on their list of dedications was to "unveil"

the new vehicle that was generously purchased

on behalf of Terri Tybring's parents Dale and GiGi Thompson.

The orphans were thrilled to hoot and holler over this celebration!

We went for the inaugural spin around the block,

but needed to beware of all the cows in the road!!

Next up was the ribbon cutting and dedication for

"Terri's Dining Hall".

The past two years proceeds from the India Gala were designated

to creating a space for the orphans and members of the 

"lunch bunch" to be able to eat. Because of the extreme generosity

of so many we not only were able to raise enough to build that

along with a larger kitchen; they were also able to include 7 bathrooms

within the structure!  You know what that means, no more curb side potty breaks for these kids. Well, at least not before lunch! :)

This area that looks like a shower stall is for washing the large pots that are used for cooking for such mass quantities.  

One of the 7 new bathrooms!

Squatting is great for the leg muscles!:)

Now it was time for our official welcome from the 

students and staff at Marshall School.

What incredible JOY to see all these 'shine brites" again

and to be so warmly welcomed by them all.

Although the gals were pooped out from traveling and the busy day,

they still had enough energy to play games, sing songs 

and dance with the orphans.

Teaching the kids how to play freeze tag.

The Limbo gone wild!!

Before I wrap this up for now,I would just like to point out

the sweaters that some of the children have on from the last

time we were here; believe it or not, they actually needed them today

as it was pretty chilly...I was wishing I would have had one to wear!!

The weather today was rainy on top of that and we've been told they are calling for

cyclone conditions these next few days. :(

Well, you know what they say in Oregon,

"Don't judge a day by the weather"!

So on that note I'm off to join the rest of the family

 who has long been sleeping already because

tomorrow is New Year's Eve here and I'm sure

there will be lots in store for us!

Namaste' 

~Jenny

p.s. I apologize to those of you who have been waiting for an email from me to let you

know we made it safely; for some reason I currently can't send anything out...I can receive as well as make posts on the blog, I just can't send mail.  :/