Excitement on the Catwalk

 Our trusty drivers gave us a tour through the village on the backs of their motorcycles, and then we even ventured out onto the newly constructed road that connects Madhavapatnam to Kakinada. So much development and growth within this area, I still recall our first visit here in 2011 when all the roads dirt!

After we returned, the hostel children were excited to receive a "Sophie Sweet Treat" prior to lunch. It's truly a treat for us to see the smiles on their faces as they try different candies then what they're used to. 

A couple days ago, I had posted about the Lunch Bunch and shared pictures of the kids enjoying a hot midday meal, today's picture shows what happens when they're done eating. Yes, they each clean-up after themselves! 😋

Now, with great anticipation, it was the moment everyone had been waiting for...the Fashion Show! Each child came in their traditional best, excited to strut their stuff down the makeshift Catwalk. Just as I mentioned yesterday about each of the 300+ students wanting to talk about their science project, today held the same energy as they each wanted their moment in the spotlight to showoff their outfits. 

Now that we were wiped out from the 2 hour show, it was time to be pampered...

While Alan took a nap, Jo, Sophie and I were treated to henna! We were incredibly grateful for the gals who took the time to indulge us in this cherished custom!

As our busy day began to wind down, we had story time with the hostel children, along with singing and a quick game. I know giving sweet treats was probably not what we should have been doing when the kids were starting to settle down for bed, but we're only here for a few more days and we still have plenty of goodies to hand out! 😜

As the "young ones" and the "old ones" began to turn in for the night, the "middle ones" hung on for a little while longer so they could play some of their own games! 😀

Now, I have one final thought that I'd like to leave you with...

One of Big Bob's favorite lines, that would crack him up every time he said it to one of his daughters, was "Does your face hurt? Because it's killing me!"🤦

That phrase kept running through my mind today as my face truly did hurt from smiling so much! 😁

I can hear Big Bob laughing now as he always had so much fun interacting with the kids, and I believe he's smiling knowing our faces hurt too! 😂💝

Namaste'

~Jenny

Knowledge is Power!

 When we think about one of the primary intentions of Joyful Journeys Ministry in India, it is to empower the women and children in the impoverished area of Madhavapatnam and beyond by providing free education and teaching skills for a brighter future...

today, we celebrated their accomplishments!

First on the agenda, was to participate in handing out certificates of completion to the women who have recently finished the Cutting and Tailoring program at the Landowgals Fashion Institute. It was a humble honor to be a part of this ceremony that recognized the hard work and determination of these women, young and old, who have taken advantage of an opportunity to lift them out of their current circumstances. They were so proud of themselves, as they should be, as they received their diplomas, scissors, tape measures, and one of Oma's special washcloths! 

Knowing that after 20 years, this program has offered literally hundreds, if not a thousand, women the stepping stones needed to cross over to a place in life where they can provide for themselves and their families in a dignified and prosperous way is a pretty amazing feeling! Thank you to everyone who has played a part in its success through the years, your support has changed lives for the better!!!

Shine Brite, Shine Far, women of India!💖

Following the program, there was a slight maintenance issue that needed to be tended to...a small King Cobra was found coiled up in a toilet in one of the boys bathrooms at the school! 😬

In the altered words from the Wizard of Oz... "Jo Jo, I don't think we're in West Bend anymore!"

It was then time to pause for lunch before the afternoon festivities began. We were graciously invited over to the home of dear family members who provided us with a delicious meal and good conversation!

Now, it was time for the 2026 Marshall School Science Expo!

I guarantee, words will fall short of what we experienced, but I'll try anyway...

Imagine going from classrooms to an assembly hall, filled with 300+ students, each wanting to tell you about their project, and I will add, patiently waiting for their turn! Each child explained, in English, everything from amoebas to agriculture, solar systems to electricity, anatomy to environment...

they covered EVERYTHING and in great detail!!!

As much as I wish I could share each presentation with you, so you too could be blown away by their vast knowledge, I have sorted through the 227 photo/video clips that were sent to me for your viewing pleasure! 😉

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, that the quality of education that the children are receiving at the Marshall School, is preparing them for whatever path they choose to go on in their lives. I am incredibly grateful to Director Novahu, Principal Manjula, and the whole staff for their level of commitment in cultivating academic seeds into the tilled minds of these youthful "Shine Brites"! With the continued financial backing of Joyful Journeys supporters, the sky is the limit as to where they will go! 💗 

In humble gratitude...

Namaste'

~Jenny