Preparing to head back...

Today is December 26th 2016; some people are enjoying an extra day off as they unwind from all the Christmas festivities, while others are back to work...for me I am shifting gears as I prepare to return to India. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I haven't been getting ready until now, it's just that I'm finally getting a moment to pause and think about it.  As I sit in a comfy chair positioned directly in the stream of sunlight pouring into our living room, facing our Christmas tree, a hot cup of tea in arms reach, nothing but quiet filling the air (unlike the last few days here) and my nephew's dog Hogan curled up next to me, my mind is taking advantage of this opportunity to ponder my life since I've last posted on this blog. 

So many things have changed within my family's lives, and yet the things that are most important remain constant.  In our last post Big Bob shared his diagnosis of cancer, and I am grateful to say he is feeling strong and continues to get good reports with his regular check ups; he is back to working full time at Waste Management and enjoying life (he's even singing in the church choir). ;)  Emma just graduated from Lakeland University and will be heading down to St. Louis at the end of January to attend Eden Theological Seminary where she will be studying for her Masters in Divinity. Johanna is still employed at Paradise Garden Nursery, however she recently completed the CNA program at Moraine Park Tech College and is looking forward to starting a new career in the near future as a Certified Nursing Assistant.  Olivia successfully became a licensed EMT this past year and is currently a member of the Kewaskum Volunteer Fire Department and works at the Kewaskum Library; she is actively pursuing her Paramedic License at Moraine Park Tech College and then would like to go on to obtain a degree in Firefighting. Sophia is a Junior at the Landowski Academy for the Gifted and Talented; she enjoys drawing (she's already sold some of her art work), learning Spanish with some of her homeschooling friends, and spending quality time with her family.  As for me, I've taken on the position of Administrator of Ministries at Immanuel United Church of Christ is West Bend, a job which I love almost as much as I have loved and continue to love homeschooling my daughters. We are all excited with the different paths we are on and embracing the changes that are taking place within our family. 

Emma, Sophia, Jenny, Johanna, Olivia, and Big Bob

As I stated earlier in this post, although change is upon us, some of the most important things to us have remained constant...hence the reason this blog is being reactivated. :)  Who would have thought when our family went to India for the "trip of a life time" back in 2011, that we would all be traveling there again for the fourth time only 6 years later.  Yes, in amongst our busy schedules some how we all managed to get time off to once again journey to India together, and we are charged for this upcoming adventure!  Not only are we excited at the chance to see the people in India who have become like second family to us, we are traveling there with members of the Demmon family who are like second family to us here.  Russ, Kaitlin, and Hunter will be making their first trek over to India with us when we leave on December 31st (that's right, we'll be ringing in the New Year in the air)!!  

Mary, Hunter, Russ and Kaitlin Demmon

The Demmon Family, including mother Mary, have been very involved within Joyful Journeys India Ministry for many years and have a passion for helping the needy.  

Although Mary is not physically able to travel with us, we know she will be with us in spirit just like all the other people who so passionately support this ministry.  

Which brings me to some of the reasons why we go there...

Throughout the past 11 years, this ministry has connected people in the village of Madhavapatnam India with people throughout the United States (we have sponsors as far away as Seattle).  By traveling there we are able to represent the hundreds of people who so generously support Joyful Journeys in India by being the faces and the voices of this ministry to those who are directly and indirectly involved.  It gives people there the opportunity to meet folks who love and care for them from the other side of the world.  It also enables us to come back and share what we have gleaned from our conversations, our observations, and our experiences with those who may never have the chance to go there, but are enthusiastic about this ministry.  The list of reasons goes on and on, but my hope is that by following along with our regular postings within this blog, that you will be able to see the value in our trip and the importance of continuing to build our relationships with the people of Madhavapatnam India.

It is with humble hearts, passionate souls, and a desire to serve,

 that this group of India Travelers embarks on their upcoming mission; 

to bring hope to the impoverished,

 to show love to the orphans, to spread joy to the downtrodden,

 and to be examples of peace within our differences.

We invite you to journey along with us; 

share your thoughts and words of encouragement on our blog, 

pass the link to those who may be interested, and keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.

Namaste'

~Jenny