Today is the Sabbath...

 It was far from restful; but that's not what we're here for anyway!!

Before I go into details about our day, I thought I'd share this with you first...
Although there are many things different here in India than we're accustomed to back home, we learned one thing that was similar in regards to Sundays;
people like to have a special meal for dinner.  Because of this fact, 
the street markets have extra things available for those who want
 more than just plain white rice...

Dumplings would certainly go good with this side of pork Gr&Gr! 

Don't let the tail scare you away, they just want you to know
exactly what you are getting, how else would you know it's a goat! 

Fresh fish; and they'll even filet it for you! :)

And of course chicken, dead or alive, feet and all!

So why did the chicken cross the road?

Because he wanted fish for dinner. :/

Alrighty, on to our day...
We began with visiting a Cutting and Tailoring Center that also serves as a
House Church on Sundays.



After making our way into this constricted area,
we were warmly greeted by all in attendance.
It can certainly never be said that we have not been
made to feel welcome within each place we've visited!

 

Big Bob took a turn to share a few thoughts with the 
men, women and children who came
and we were all blown away with what he had to say.
Our hope is that his message about the roll of a good father
does not fall on deaf ears, but rather encourages those who
don't know any different to consider their actions.
As he spoke and held this small little boy, 
he had all his gals in tears.

After a heartfelt send off it was on to Novahu's church
in Madhavapatnam where BB gave a repeat performance
as well as Emma and Loobie too...

There was a newly married couple who was welcomed

into the church with a blessing, 

announcement on the 'big screen" and cake.

We then gathered for a "photo op" with the 

members of Joyful Journeys Ministry in India.

After lunch we had the opportunity to sit with the hostel

children and talk with them about their sponsors; first as a large group

then in a small more intimate setting.  It was delightful for both us and them

to have this time for more individualized attention plus make a craft project.

While the gals and I did this, Big Bob showed the kids a book we had

given the Valluri's with pictures from their trip to America

back in fall.  They were glued to his side as he explained each page.

When we completed the projects it was time to hit

the streets of the village.

We visited relatives of the Valluri's...

Two more homes of the hostel children...

This little girl's mother died and when her father remarried she was not
welcomed into the new wife's home.  
Her grandmother took her in to her one room hut,
 but eventually was unable to care for her so asked if she could live at the orphanage. 

This young girls father died, leaving her mother
to do some not very "shine brite"
things in order to provide for her daughter.  
She then turned her over to Novahu
with the hopes of a more hopeful life.

As we continued through the village, we were greeted by many of the
Marshall School children and their families.  
The ones that knew we were coming
invited us into their homes, most of which consisted of 1 room,
and then offered us a simple treat.
 

This is the little girl Emma has sponsored for 7 years.

It's always interesting when you can see someone in India that has the same

characteristics of someone back home.  NS

This young fellow always reminds me of my nephew. :)

He also sends his love to Lora! 

Laundry being done at night in the street.

Walking through the moonlit streets

T

We ended our stroll at Manjula's sister's house for dinner where we enjoyed

good food, delightful conversation and plenty of laughs...

Even our friends in India like to play dress-up! :)

 Rejini reminds me of my sister Kathy as she not only loves to cook,
she loves to pile it on your plate!
She's a beautiful reminder of home! ;)

After dinner the vehicles came to drive us back to the orphanage,

but I opted for a ride on the back of Manjula's nephews 

motor cycle...side saddle no less.

It was actually much easier than I thought it would be to stay balanced,

but I'm not sure if I'm ready for big city driving yet.

Our final task for the evening was to pass out the hand made bears that

the gals had sewn and then stuffed with the help of some of their 7-up friends.

I first told them a story about all the love that went into them and then

each child got to pick one out.

Now I do believe it is finally time to rest!!

Namaste'

~Jenny

p.s. For all of you who have been posting comments on this blog

or sending us email messages 

we say 'thank you", you can't imagine how good it is to hear encouraging words from home!!

For whatever reason, I am still unable to send emails from my computer therefore I can't reply to your messages, but please know that

we are receiving yours with grateful hearts!