It started out with a feeling, which then grew into a hope...

Today was another jam packed day, that started out with overwhelming emotion.  You see, for my family, this journey started 15 years ago and although our involvement looks different than it did when my gals were all knitting scarves to raise money to buy sewing machines for impoverished women in India, our love and commitment is still strong. That being said, this morning we dedicated the new Landowgals Vocational Training Center, the building that we laid the cornerstone for (which has my families 6 thumb prints in), during our last visit in 2017.  I was moved to tears at the thought of how far this ministry has come and how many women's lives have changed because of it...including my 4 "little women", which is why today was so bitter sweet. Of course we have missed not having my Olivia with us this time around, but not having her presence here today for this celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony was heart wrenching for me. I couldn't be prouder of each of my daughters for who they are and what they are doing with their lives, and I wish for them the same that I wish for all the women coming through our program...to learn a skill that will allow them to be self sufficient, to live their lives with dignity, and to simply be all they can be!! So to my firefighter/paramedic back home, who is doing exactly that, know you were with us in spirit today as we blessed this building and all who will benefit from it's services!! I love you! 😢💚💚💚🙇

The following are photos from the event which included dedicating the sewing and computer rooms at the Cutting & Tailoring Center and Technology Institute, as well as the newly moved Water Filtration Plant that is also a part of this building now.

 

             

Next on our "to do" list was to hand out greetings, washcloths, soap, and a sweet treat to all the students... What a great chance to meet each child individually.  For some it was seeing how they've grown since our last visit, for others to share a hug from their sponsor, and then to see all the new smiles that are currently enrolled at the Marshall School. Crazy, but heartwarming! 

 This ministry wouldn't be what it is without the incredible generosity of all the people who support a child's education through our sponsorship program; below is a special wall designated to many of those individuals!!

Our afternoon was exceptionally special because the students put on a fashion show for us! Typically the kids wear uniforms to school, but today they were encouraged to wear their traditional outfits for the program. Mercy, what energy filled the hall that we gathered in as the music blared and the children all strut their stuff! Mind you, there are 450 kids in the school; here are just a few of them.

 

Karishma explained what some of the older girls were wearing and what region their outfits originated in.

Just as they were wrapping things up, some of us travelers joined in the show!

 

And before you know it, there was a dance party going on!

 Take it away Jordan!! 😂

 

The dancing continued outside as we joined in a traditional stick dance...

Now, as if any one of these activities wasn't enough for one day, how about adding a water fight in with all the hostel children...

I think we'll all sleep well tonight...once we get there! 🙏😀💃💦😴

Namaste'

~Jenny

A day set aside for shopping...

Today was all about shopping for special outfits and such for ourselves.  Unlike some things that have changed since our first trip over, this definitely was as exhausting as it was back then, but equally as exciting...especially for the newcomers!

Novahu decided to start with the guys since that would probably not be as draining, and he was right, they found their outfits almost instantly!! And the biggest surprise was that Al, yes Al, got purple pants!!

 The Grand Poobaa sat back and took it all in!! 😂

They also got fabric to have some custom work done; naturally the taylor met them in the street to take their measurements, because why not!?!

Next was our quest to find outfits for the women. I'd first like to say that all the guys were real troopers about patiently enduring this whole process, but Jordan actually took it to the next level by being the guy with the eye for the perfect fit and eagerly gave his 2 cents worth! 

We looked at many different fabric selections and tried on different dresses before making our final selections.

Getting from store to store required either squeezing into the old school van...

Or braving the streets of Kakinada by crossing them at your own risk. ..

Midday, we took a much needed break to have lunch and rest up at the Valluri's home; they sure do take good care of us!! 💗

Upon heading back to the city, we made our final selections and then it was off to the tailor for our fittings. I'm not sure who had more fun shopping, Joan or Olivia; regardless, they'll both be sporting some beautiful Indian attire!! 

It's amazing how these little shops are tucked away into the smallest nooks and crannies. 

What a vulnerable process, but we're sure it will be worth it when we can wear our beautiful attire! 

Across the alleyway was man embroidering by hand...

After a few more stops, it was time to head back to the hotel for the night; I was thrilled to get a turn riding on the back of Manjula's nephew, Sasikanth's, motorcycle! It's a whole different experience going from inside the safety of a vehicle to putting yourself out there in the mix!! 

motorcycle ride in Kakinada

What an adventure!!

Namaste'

~Jenny