So much happening...

In and around Marshall School...

Today was a very busy day at the Marshall School 
where we were greeted once again with warm welcomes!!

We had the opportunity to visit each class "room", although not all can truly be called a "room" because some of the classes are held outside as there is simply not enough indoor space available. All the children were so eager to tell me what they were learning and wish us a Happy New Year!

It is so amazing to see how hungry these kids are to get an education

and how content they are to sit either on the floor 

or in tight quarters for approx 8 hours a day.

Jo, Loobie and Sophie had participated in a play last

year through "Homegrown Theater"; a Xerox copy machine

was purchased for the Marshall School from money collected

through this fundraiser!

The latest addition to the school holds a water purification system 

that was donated by the Kakinada Rotary Club. They chose our 

building to house this over other areas within the village which

truly says a lot about the reputation and reliability of the

Marshall School as a vital part of the community. We are 

thrilled to learn that everyone within the village has affordable 

access to clean drinking water now.

In honor of Lora Buck's involvement within the West Bend Rotary 

and her commitment to Joyful Journeys Ministry,

Novahu named it

Lora's Living Water.

These type of jugs can be filled for less than $1. :)

These are the two men who operate and distribute the water...

Plans for possible future construction were discussed; 

Loobie said she would help carry bricks to keep the cost down!

The possibilities are endless!!

A break for fun and games with the hostel children...

Time for lunch, come and get it!!

It was a glorious day for the cooks, hostel children and lunch bunch kids

as it was the first time eating in "Terri's Dining Hall"...

The kids gave it a "two thumbs up"!

Patiently wait in line.

Helping hands cleaning up at the well...

Our afternoon was spent passing out greeting cards and

taking pictures of the school children; but you'll have to wait

to see those posted on the wall at church! :)

So, when we use the term "orphanage" it doesn't necessarily mean

that all the kids who live there don't have any parents. Some of them don't

but many of them simply can't be cared for by their mother, father or guardian. This is the case of the two sisters who's family we had the opportunity to visit tonight; their father had acid thrown on his head and

arm many years ago and was so seriously injured that he could no longer 

provide for his family.  Out of desperation for his children he turned them over to Novahu to give them a hopeful life.  We were welcomed into their 

Palm Fran Hut as they expressed their gratitude with 

handshakes, flowers, and a coke. 

It's hard to put this all into words as I can't imagine being in their shoes.

Many neighbors came out to say 'Happy New Year"

and greet us.

I will close with this for now as we will be heading back

to celebrate New Year's Eve with Novahu shortly.

All I can say is, hug your loved ones, count your blessings,

and be grateful for the life you have...

Namaste' 

~Jenny