What's the real gift...

What an incredibly full first day...15 hours and still counting as I write this!!!

After our breakfast and morning devotion we ventured off to spend some quality time with the students at Marshall School!  As we greeted each class individually, Candy Canes were passed out to all the children and Beanie Babies for the teachers.  You'll have to take my word that it was a sweet time because unfortunately my job was going to be taking pictures during that point and I got sidetracked...go figure!!  Thank goodness we have one photo that one of the other travelers snapped!

It was also a day of handing out gifts to family members on behalf of all the travelers.  These treasures consisted of items such as knit washcloths, homemade soaps, lotions, sweaters  (yes, we still had some Prayer Shawl sweaters to share), blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes, beef jerky, delicious caramel corn, and a personalized Joyful Journeys Zentangle created especially for Novahu and Manjula.

But the greatest gift came when we spent time reading books, that we brought, with the school children, only to find how well most of them could read English themselves!  Three cheers for Marshall School...they are doing an amazing job empowering children, who normally wouldn't have this opportunity, with a top notch education!!

While I'm cheering, I'd really like to give a shout out to the members of our team who truly stepped outside of their comfort zone to interact with the kids in this manner...You Rock!! 👍😉💕

After school, it was time for fun as some joined in playing an exhilarating game of Kabidi.

While others enjoyed being spectators...

And then there was snuggle time...

Following dinner, we were invited to the House Church in Mamidada that also serves as a Cutting and Tailoring Center. We were graciously greeted with flowers and smiles!

In return, words of encouragement were offered to the House Pastors from that area and the women who are participating in the sewing program. The students also received a new pair of scissors and a tape measure. 

We wrapped up the evening with a blessing for all then headed back to our hotel.

My heart is so full, I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!! 💗

Or should I say later this morning...I really need to turn in now!! 😴

Namaste'

~Jenny

We made it!!

Up, up and away...

Plan A...Arrive at the Hyderabad Airport after traveling for approx. 30 hours, stay at the airport transit hotel to rest and shower during our 8 hour layover, prior to getting on the final 1 hour flight.  Then this happened...

Transit Hotel is closed for remodeling

Plan B...Sit outside the airport in the departure area and wait...

Good thing I'm traveling with such an awesome group of people; they were all troopers and truly made the best out of a not so convenient situation!! 

But when all was said and done, it was worth the wait as we were warmly greeted, and I mean that both literally and figuratively, by our Indian family!!  Oh Happy Day: we made it!!

The ride to the village, in our new school bus, was not only a time of bonding with the newest Joyful Journey members, but also a time to throw the "first time travelers" into what life looks like in this area. They were quite blown away, needless to say!!

I'll save the fun roadside pictures for another day, but had to share this one of Big Bob with Siri's little shine brite JOSE!!

Upon arrival at the JJM Hostel, we were welcomed by more family members as well as the teachers and orphans.  They sure know "how to do" hospitality!!

As exhausted as we all were, our spirits were lifted and our energy renewed by the showering of love we experienced.

The travelers with Novahu and Manjula

The travelers with the Marshall School Teachers

Now it's time to get caught up on some sleep so we're ready for whatever tomorrow holds!

Thanks for your prayers and well wishes; it's always a comfort to know we're connected in spirit with our loved ones back home!!

Namaste'
~Jenny