Sunday ~ "Measures up" to our expectations!

Today certainly didn't start off like our "typical Sunday"... 

On our way to church we made a quick stop at a local tailoring shop to get measured for our new outfits. This concept still amazes me, as this is "the norm" for many women living in the village. It's also that reassurance that there is still great importance and value in what's being offered at The Landowgals Fashion & Technology Institute. Teaching women a trade, that enables them to financially support themselves and their families is at the heart of our Women's Upliftment Programs. This particular seamstress is the sole provider in her home as her husband left her to raise their two children on her own. She is currently battling cancer, but is able to work around her treatments thanks to the flexibility of having her own Cutting and Tailoring shop.

What a great way to start the day! 💖

After our fitting, we headed over to church, which typically starts around 9am, however today began more around 10:30am...yes, they were waiting for us.🤦Another concept that boggles my mind, no one is upset because it's not starting "on time", people just keep singing until they're ready to begin, and even then, we weren't the last ones there.😏 

Not sure how well that would fly in our church back home!🤷😄

Sophie did a beautiful job of sharing her thoughts on being kind and generous; definitely a "step outside your comfort zone" for her! And I reflected on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, a time and season for everything under the heavens. Looking back over the past 6 years since the last time we traveled to India and all that's transpired during that time...new life and loved ones passing, personal tragedies and triumphs, COVID, and a messed up world longing for better days, all tied in to... A time to be born and a time to die. A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time for war and a time for peace.

Following the service, we had the humble opportunity to offer a blessing on those interested in receiving one; these intimate moments are simply about showing loving kindness to others...

basically what Sophie had just talked about. 💞

We were excited to see more of our Joyful Journey family as the day moved on, but first Johanna literally "carried on" a treasured tradition...

Oh, for the thrill of it...

And, now as the sun sets on another day, I give thanks for a time to be awake and a time to sleep.

Namaste'

~Jenny