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Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Joyful Journeys Happy Christmas!!

Today we had the honors of handing out Christmas gifts 
on behalf of Joyful Journey Ministry supporters and what a joyful event it was!!
Over the past several months, people have been contributing to make these gifts possible,
and having the opportunity to hand the presents out with unconditional love 
was a very humbling experience, 
especially since many don't really understand the meaning behind Christmas. 

For the teachers and staff it was a chance to personally say "thank you" for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year... 





For the "scavengers" who clean the sewers and pick up the liter around the school and hostel it's a chance to let them know they are appreciated for doing jobs most of us can't even imagine...





For the children in the school who have so little, 
it was a chance to simply spread good cheer...





For all the travelers it was a chance to count our blessings...

We also had the opportunity to meet the women who are currently enrolled in the Landowgals Fashion Technology Institute and the seamstress who is teaching them how to stitch clothing.  The women couldn't have been more grateful for the opportunity to acquire a skill that will support them in the years to come.  






After meeting the Cutting and Tailoring women, we felt it was "fitting" to purchase some fabric so that we could hire them to sew us some new traditional India outfits for us...

The boys will be going to a Tailor to have theirs made up...

Our evening ended with having dinner at the Marshall High School doctors house.
We were treated with a great meal followed by a worship service.
Both Johanna and Emma gave a small talk about answering "your call" in life and how we are encouraged to live with the spirit of Christmas in our hearts throughout the whole year.




Another exciting day for all and eye opening experience for the Demmon Family.

Namaste'
~Jenny








Monday, January 2, 2017

We made it...Happy 2017!!

Well, after 41 hours of traveling...WE MADE IT!!
However, Russ's luggage didn't. :(
But hey, if seeing Russ in the same outfit all week is the worst that can happen
I think we can handle that.  At least none of the Christmas greeting cards for the school children weren't in his luggage.  
Interesting fact: as we were patiently waiting to find out what was happening to Russ's luggage, the Hallelujah Chorus rang out through the Hyderabad Airport.  
What a joyful reminder of the reason for the season 
and for the real gift we are going to bring to India; LOVE. 
Pretty amazing all things considered.

So highlight photos from our travels thus far, besides missing luggage...
Excited travelers beginning their journey

New Year's Day in the Abu Dhabi Airport
$36 dollars for 3 waters and 3 chocolate chip croissants to share
(we splurged; it is New Year's Day after all) 

Good Gore, I ripped my skirt!! (and it kept getting worse as we traveled)
Quite embarrassing seeing as many of the women we are encountering through our travels don't even show there face. 

Morning devotion in our cubicle in Hyderabad airport.
Beautiful way to begin our day, even if it is a big snug in this room.
Thank you Emma for preparing this special daily time together.
Russ contemplating his lost luggage; or maybe simply taking a nap. :)

Last flight, almost there...

Yahoo; we made it!!
 Warm welcome by our beloved Indian family...

Bus ride to Madhavapatnam; seeing India for the first time 
through Hunters eyes as he sits in the front of the bus...




Finally arriving in the village and being greeted by the children...

A special welcoming ceremony...













Words can hardly describe the range of emotions we've experienced over the past few days;
being able to share this with the Demmons has brought back many memories from our first trip here...the intense culture shock of India to the overwhelming love we are greeted with; 
I am grateful for this opportunity and all who have shown their support along the way and feel blessed to be traveling was such an awesome group of
"shine brites"!!!!!!!!


Russ, Kaitlin and Hunter with the Valluri family
The Landowski and Valluri families
And now it is time to crawl into bed; we've got a full day ahead of us tomorrow
and I welcome it with great anticipation!!

Namaste'
~Jenny