It is time...we're going back to India

 Where do I even begin... 🤔 
So much has happened since our last trip to India in January 2020 

it almost seems like a lifetime ago... 
It was just a few short weeks following our return that the world shutdown due to the COVID pandemic and life as we knew it changed forever. Recognizing what we in the United States did to try and tame that beast was a stark comparison to what they were able, or should I say what they weren't able to do in the remote village of Madhavapatnam...it is absolutely heartbreaking the extent of the suffering and loss they experienced. However, within the darkness of the demon, Joyful Journeys was able to shine some light. Through the radical generosity of many, donations that were collected on our end were used to literally help keep this community alive! In addition to continuing to support the staff at the Marshall School while they did their best to keep educating the students with limited resources and new strict COVID regulations, with the backing of local officials, we were also able to provide food and medical assistance to people who had been shut off from the outside world. 

Safer at home looks very different when your home doesn't have a pantry to draw from 

or running water at your disposal. 

We were so grateful for everyone, on both ends of the earth, who stepped up, worked together, and gave from the heart, even in the midst of their own COVID struggles, to help those less fortunate...

it's amazing what can be done when humans work together for good. 💗

On a more personal level, after surviving the challenges of the pandemic and a few other crises...

my beloved Big Bob died on June 25, 2022...just days after celebrating his 57th birthday...

no warning...no suffering...no good-bye...

no future to the life we dreamt of together for us and our family...💔

but also...

no unspoken words of love...

no regrets of our chosen path...

no question as to where his heart was...

no limit to the positive impact he rippled into this world...💕

Now, almost 3 years later, the Fruit of the Spirit that shaped who Big Bob was,

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,

 and self-control (okay, self-control in some things, after all no one's perfect 😉),

is being passed on to the next generation of Landows. 💖

Forever in our hearts, love lives on...

Forever in our hearts, life carries on...

So much gratitude for the gift of Robert in my life...💝

So, this brings us to:

It is time...we're going back to India.

The thought of traveling back to India...for the first time without Big Bob...over his birth date and 

the anniversary of his death...has been a lot to grapple with. 😢

Big Bob had a profound impact on this community which grew stronger with each of our 5 trips over. The lack of his physical presence throughout this upcoming trip will truly be felt by everyone.  

Then, on top of that, my treasured friend, Bill Tybring, who was incredibly instrumental in setting the coarse for Joyful Journeys India in the beginning, and was one of the first travelers from here to venture into Madhavapatnam, died last week.

His commitment to helping empower both children and adults in the village, 

by setting up computer technology in the school, was a gift that continues to this day. 

Joyful Journeys in India wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for the initial passion of 

Bill and the late Terri Tybring! Well done thy good and faithful servants. 👍

So, based on what I just shared, it's a good thing they don't make you pay extra 

for any emotional baggage being carried on flights! 😏

Now, in spite of all that, I do believe I'm ready!

Thanks to my awesome travel companions, 

the anticipation of observing the growth within Joyful Journeys since our last visit,

celebrating 20 years since it all began,

the excitement of meeting new JJ family members in person, 

and seeing the changes within the village and touring the surrounding area,

I am beyond excited to return!

And, excited to share it all with you on this blog!

As leader of this trip, I'd like to introduce the rest of our group...

My daughters, Jo and Sophie will be embarking on their 6th trip over.

Other return travelers are Alan, who traveled with us in 2020

and Lora, who was on our first trip over in 2011.

First timers to India are mother and daughter, Amy and Madison,

and last, but not least, Brenda.

💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

Although it's just the 8 of us going, we're carrying the love and support of many

as we pack our suitcases full of homemade washcloths, jump ropes, bracelets, 

Beanie Babies, books and of course sweet treats...among other goodies! 😍

Thank you for taking the time to get caught up with me; 

I hope you'll continue to journey along with us as we head to India for a new adventure.

Until next time,

Namaste'

~Jenny