Home is where the heart is...

And my heart is so full of love, it needs two homes to house it all!!

Is it good to be back to our US home, well of course; but that's not to say it wasn't difficult leaving our India home.  Being surrounded by a community of people whose greatest possession is love and they are excited to give it to us so freely makes it hard not to feel like you are part of their family.  From sharing a cup of tea in their homes that are no bigger than my living room to hearing how they've been praying for Big Bob since his diagnosis of cancer almost two years ago is a very humbling experience.  It is that reminder that it's not the magnitude of the offering within itself as much as it is that they are giving all they can out of love for us.  What more could someone truly ask for than to have that kind of gift given to them; and how many of us can say we are that generous with all that we have.

Mercy, have I been blessed!!

Now I just want to backtrack a bit to our last full day in India as there was so much that happened that day.  We started out by having one final outing with the hostel children.  
A hike through a forest and a river boat ride was the adventure, 
holding their hands and playing games with them was the gift.

Refreshing ice cream treat before getting back on the bus.

Upon returning to the hostel, both the kids and travelers took naps while preparations were underway for the big Celebration that was to take place that evening...

Local "scavengers" came to clean up the area. 

chairs were brought in for the occasion

a festive stage was set up

                                       

food was prepared to feed the hundreds that would be in attendance

Finally it was time to adorn ourselves in our new outfits...

Why the Big Celebration you might ask...

Within this culture, it is very important to recognize those you wish to welcome or thank with flowers, shawls, and food. Therefore you should understand their desire to "thank" Immanuel Church and other supporters for their commitment to Joyful Journeys Ministry in India. As ambassadors of this ministry it was our privilege to accept their thanks on behalf of all who so generously give and are committed to the people of this village, but may never have the opportunity to come here themselves.  Everyone is so grateful for what this ministry has done for their community, such as providing a school for children who otherwise may not have the chance for an education, providing higher education in the form of Adult Education and the Cutting and Tailoring Center for adults seeking to better their situations, providing jobs to local people for everything from teachers to scavengers, to cooks and construction workers, and of course offering a home to children who may otherwise find themselves on the street or with a relative that can't provide for them.

So here is what that Celebration looked like...

It started with Novahu offering his words of "thanks"
and me offerings greetings and encouragement from supporters back in America. 

That was followed by the ceremonial presentation of flowers and shawls for each of us...

 Next came the entertainment for the evening...

 The program wrapped up with special performances by 
none other than some of our travelers...

Although they were quickly joined by students and hostel children!

Oh, What a Night!!

There were hundreds of people in attendance who all received a hot meal, but some of the special guests were a few of the village "oldsters".  

So, on behalf of Joyful Journeys in India, they would like to thank 
Immanuel Church for it's commitment to this mission as well as all who support 
the variety of ministries through prayer and financial backing!!
Lives are being changed for the better because of your generosity and love!!

I would personally like to thank all who followed along on our trip through this blog;
I hope it gave you a glimpse of what this ministry is all about and how it is empowering 
those less fortunate than ourselves.

If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact me at
immanuelwbministries@gmail.com
I'd be happy to give you details.

But wait, there's more...
Although I am wrapping up my posts, 
my family will be contributing their "2 cents" worth.
Be sure to watch for what they have to say.

In closing, I would like to leave you with a quote from Gandhi...
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
You have the power to make a difference,
the choice is yours what you do with that power.

God bless you!
Namaste'
~Jenny