Changing lives...

Hi!  As most of you know I like kids so I decided to focus on the positive things happening at the Marshal School in Madhavapatnam for my post.  

Seeing how excited these kids are to be at school with all the different things they are learning reinforced what a great thing our sponsorship program is for the lives of these kids.  Marshal School is not like many of the other schools in India; yes they all teach math, science, reading and their native language, but they all don't teach English.  You may ask why is that so important, well, English is a secondary language everywhere you go in the world; we could certainly see that throughout our travels these past three times to India, but also in India you can't go to a neighboring village without knowing their dialect or English, so by us teaching English in Marshal School these kids are getting the opportunity to go further in life.  We can see the difference in the lives of people there, especially for the women.  Between those who have any amount of education and those who don't, not only is their quality of life different when they have attended school, but how they are treated by others and the respect they have for themselves.

 I currently sponsor two students, one for the past 6 years and the other for 2 years; seeing how much they have grown since I first met them has been amazing.  

When I think about what $15 a month buys for me here, like a few Chai Teas at my favorite Coffee Shoppe, or a half of tank of gas; it doesn't compare to giving someone the chance for a better future.  Currently there are many children in the Marshal School who still are in need of a sponsor; my hope is that everyone who has abundance in their life like I do can find the joy in helping those in need whether it's through our India Ministry or other avenues. 

Here is a beautiful quote I'd like to share with you...

It is not how much we do,

but how much love we put in the doing.

It is not how much we give,

but how much love we put in the giving.

~ Mother Teresa ~

Here are some pictures of my family and the children we sponsor...

  

Our orphans with the teddy bears that we made for them. :)

$15 a month pays for a school outfit, teacher's salaries, 

books and supplies for one child.  

Now here are a few of my highlighted moments from 

this past trip...

a trip to the park with friends and family...

spending time with the orphans...

a few of my buddies...

Special friends...

our wait staff/entertainment...

Just for fun...

a treasured moment at the Talent Show...

I am so grateful for the opportunity my whole family had to travel to India for the third time together, it was such an amazing experience.  Each time I go I feel our relationships with the people of India grow stronger and it's more difficult to say good-bye.  I don't when I will go back, but I do know that someday I will return! :)

Thank you for taking the time to look at our blog.

Love,

Jo