2015

How we spent New Years Day...

Our plan was that all the school children (451 total) 

would stop by the hostel for a New Year's Day treat of 

Candy Canes that we brought on behalf of the JAM Time kids;

well, what we envisioned and what actually took place were two 

totally different things!!

First, if you can imagine what it looks like when you drop a piece of food

into a crowded fish tank then you'll have somewhat of an idea of how all

these young "shine brites" literally swarmed us as we tried to orderly pass

out the treat. It's hard to describe the mass chaos but I like it to being 

Elvis when he would hand out his scarves at a live concert...

   no one sets out with bad intentions, but when there is only so much

of a good thing to go around things get a bit crazy!!

Next, was something that we were totally unprepared for and that was

each child brought us something too...yes, hundreds of kids times 6 of us; 

that's thousands of Happy New Years greetings for us in the form of 

homemade cards as well as many that were similar to those kind you see on Valentines Day that kids in grade school hand out to their fellow classmates, except these were pictures of Indian Celebrities wishing us a 

Happy New Year. 

There were also little flowers and candy treats too, 

but the best was all those smiling faces anxiously wanting us to 

acknowledge their greeting and have their picture taken with us!

We have been very grateful for Ramesh, one of the hostel children,

as he has enjoyed helping us out in the roll of photographer.

Although we needed a nap at that point, there was no time to rest!

Novahu was asked by one of the helpers at the Marshall School

to baptize her into the Faith so we were going to swing by and

do that before we continued with our plans for the day.  It was a

very peaceful setting in spite the cows in the water and this woman seemed very happy. On our way back to this remote area

we passed some men standing in a field burning something; we were

told that this is an area used for cremation of bodies :/...

truly not something you see driving through our town!

It was now time to move on to the dedication of 

"Dale's Worship Center", a church that was given

in honor of Terri Tybring's dad This church

was built in an area on the outskirts of Madhavapatnam

that is considered "untouchable"; however as far as I'm

concerned after spending time with these folks you can't

help but want to shake their hand or give them a hug.

Their warm welcome to us was genuine and pure as

they offered us gifts of flowers and oranges.

Both Jo and Loobie shared a few words of encouragement

and love to the congregation. :)

Then in honor of Dale Thompson, we filled the church

with music and laughter, singing and dancing; 

all followed by a delicious meal!

Also, on behalf of Oma Koehler, gifts for the 

elderly within the village were distributed...

But if all this couldn't make a persons heart swell,

I had the chance to hold a young mothers baby

so that she could eat her meal in peace.

Some may say "untouchable", I say JOY!!

Although this might seem a perfect ending, 

our day was only half over at this point!

We went back to the hostel to play with the children

for a bit, hand out Sophie's Sweet Treats, Aunt Kathleen's caramel corn 

and regroup for a moment.

It was now time to visit another home of one of the hostel children.

We were told that her father was dead and mother was incapable of

providing for herself and family, therefore asked to have her daughter 

given over to Novahu's care. 

There is one older brother (16) who barely supports the mom

by being a daily wage worker.  They too live in an "untouchable"

community with housing facilities that I dare say most could never imagine!

Standing in front of the majority of their possessions,
this mother and brother are incredibly grateful for the opportunity
that is being given to their daughter/sister. 

Their one room hut served as living room, dining room, bedroom and bathroom.
Our family took up a third of the space when we came in.

The kitchen is more like a cellar outside of the hut.  

They are able to get electricity, however they only have

one light bulb, so depending on if they are in the hut or kitchen,

 they need to swap it around.

Big Bob cannot even stand up straight in the kitchen.

Doorway into kitchen.

Outdoor stove.

This day has been absolutely overwhelming for my family,

not only physically but emotionally.

As pathetic as this sounds we needed a little bit of "home"

after the events of our day...

low and behold they now have a Domino's in the city of Kakinada!

Who'd of thought!?!?!

So at the end of the day we ate pizza and thought of my nephew Steve

who works at a Domino's.  Then had some ice cream! :)

The best part was that we also had a bit of one on one time with 

Bharathi from the orphanage who was thrilled with the attention!

They even deliver!

I wish I had some really profound words to close this out,

but quite frankly my mind feels like mush right now

and it's hard to know how to process all this...

so I'll simply say,

if you're reading this, be thankful you can read;

that fact that you're viewing this means you have some

electrical devise to receive it, be thankful for that technology;

and finally you have the power to make a positive difference in this world,

be thankful you're on this side of the fence.

May 2015 be a year when you can act with a compassionate heart,

live with a grateful attitude, and serve with joy in your soul.

Happy New Year to all and to all a good night!!

Namaste'

~Jenny