20th Anniversary Celebration

 Our day of celebrations began with a chance to gather with the Joyful Journeys House Pastors. This group of roughly 30 men and women come from neighboring villages to attend the JJ Mobile Bible School, led by Novahu, where they study the Gospel, support and encourage one another, and return to serve within their respected communities. We're grateful for these individuals who are committed to shining God's love in the world!

Each pastor was presented with an honorarium and one of Oma's washcloths plus a bar of soap.

Since today was a special "belated" celebration for Joyful Journeys 20th Anniversary, a full meal was provided for all 300+ students. Alan, Jo, and Sophie had the opportunity to serve the children as they came through in shifts.

I'm sure they were glad they didn't have to clean up afterwards! 😧

With our India family's help in getting ready, it was now time to head over for the 20th Anniversary Program.

Upon entering the area, we weren't prepared for what happened next…

Once we caught our breath and made it onto the stage, we were each honored with garlands and shawls by various groups within Joyful Journeys.

Looking out at the crowd, it was incredible to see such great support, specifically from the Marshall School staff, students and parents.

We expressed our gratitude for the hospitality we've received since arriving. We thanked the teachers and staff for all their hard work, especially during COVID. We encouraged parents to continue to put importance on their children's education. And, we reminded students and adults, that just like the uniqueness in the traditional outfits they worn yesterday for the Fashion Show, we each are special in our own way. Yet, within our differences, we can still come together for good because... 

"we are all connected"! 

Then, in customary form, many of the students performed dances and skits for our entertainment. It was another "face hurting" day from all the smiling we did as we enjoyed watching each routine. From traditional and modern dances to a skit on the meaning of Christmas; each one captivated us as we celebrated the beauty of this culture.

Yet another wonderful day with so many reasons to give thanks for Joyful Journeys in India! 💖

Namaste’

~Jenny 

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