Cause I know you want some...
Sunday, October 20, 2013
October 20/13
Today is Sunday again. I have so many things swirling around in my head. It is kind of like random fragments really. I have flashes of images and thing that happen in a day. All of them so precious to me, so important. I don't want to miss a thing.
Today was church. Yesterday we spent the day painting the inside of the church as we are now lovingly calling the "cathedral". It is small and the more crafty team members of our (actual carpenters) are putting on an extension. So we gave the Cathedral a new coat of paint. Some of the walls were falling in as we painted. We now know why they say most of this place is held together by paint. But it church is all shiny and new now.
-One of the images that I got last year and noticed it again this year is the image of a hand, holding and playing a guitar, worshiping with bandaids and duct tape holding their hand together. It is such a beautiful display of sacrifice. Such a great way to live, leaving is all on the line.
-When the kids sing, the instruments get left in the dust. Today Ravi was leading the singing and it did not matter that he was changing songs, the voices kept on singing. So amazing, so beautiful. I had the visual that that is what it must be like when the mountains cry out, and the rock sing. It got me thinking no wonder the plaster falls off the walls in the church. I love being here.
- We got to go to the river today. There was some talk about not going to the river, but James Uncle pleaded for us to be able to go. It is so amazing to watch the kids together playing. To be able to see them be Kids. We take that so for granted that kids can be kids. These kids have the gift of childhood. They can go to the river and someone brings them a change of clothes and a treat. They are not fending for themselves. We were commenting today how the Staff are actually like Parents. How they fill that role. They "work" 365 days a year and never get a break, like parents. They watch the kids backs, feed them, love them. They truly do get the gift of being a kid. And they all really love each other as well. The big boys will let the Small kids cuddle right up, and not push them away. It is as if they parent each other as well. There is so much respect between the kids and it is modeled from the staff. They are very blessed here.
- Today in church the question was asked " what does a good Father do?" and everyone called out " Love, protect, provide for" etc. and then Scott called out "Discipline" and Lane calls out "Hey!" in front of the whole service. So funny and so great that we are feeling so at home here.
- On the bus ride home from the river, we crammed into the bus the kids and us and off we went. The driver put on Punjabi music. And it was on, sweaty bus full of dancing boys. It was so fun to be part of it. There was so much Joy and excitement. Dance party on the bus. We were crazy, noisy and having the time of our lives. The bus driver was just looking in his rear view mirror and laugh at all us crazy Christians...
So many amazing things. I am feeling more and more broken every day. I feel heartbroken for this country and the bondage that they have as a legacy. I am feeling heartbroken to have to leave these beautiful kids, who welcome us so openly with love and acceptance. They cling to us and call us by name. They share parts of themselves so openly. Today, one girl shared that when she goes home to here family they get her mixed up with her sister because they do not even know who is who and yet they put pressure on her to be Doctor when she clearly does not have the makings of a doctor. Her eyes fill up with tears when I said " It is hard to be something you are not made to be" and yet here is a beautiful girl, made by God, perfect just the way she is. I find it hard to even put into words how it feels here. I find it hard to explain so it does not come across negative, but there is a very distinct way of life that is Indian. They have their own way of doing life and I would hate for there to be a judgement on them without first seeking their heart. I really do love these people in spite of the confliction and confusion that they create inside me. I really do find Peace that only God can bring and hope that he can use me in even a small way.
- Luke 14:34 Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness how can it be made salty again?
Today was church. Yesterday we spent the day painting the inside of the church as we are now lovingly calling the "cathedral". It is small and the more crafty team members of our (actual carpenters) are putting on an extension. So we gave the Cathedral a new coat of paint. Some of the walls were falling in as we painted. We now know why they say most of this place is held together by paint. But it church is all shiny and new now.
-One of the images that I got last year and noticed it again this year is the image of a hand, holding and playing a guitar, worshiping with bandaids and duct tape holding their hand together. It is such a beautiful display of sacrifice. Such a great way to live, leaving is all on the line.
-When the kids sing, the instruments get left in the dust. Today Ravi was leading the singing and it did not matter that he was changing songs, the voices kept on singing. So amazing, so beautiful. I had the visual that that is what it must be like when the mountains cry out, and the rock sing. It got me thinking no wonder the plaster falls off the walls in the church. I love being here.
- We got to go to the river today. There was some talk about not going to the river, but James Uncle pleaded for us to be able to go. It is so amazing to watch the kids together playing. To be able to see them be Kids. We take that so for granted that kids can be kids. These kids have the gift of childhood. They can go to the river and someone brings them a change of clothes and a treat. They are not fending for themselves. We were commenting today how the Staff are actually like Parents. How they fill that role. They "work" 365 days a year and never get a break, like parents. They watch the kids backs, feed them, love them. They truly do get the gift of being a kid. And they all really love each other as well. The big boys will let the Small kids cuddle right up, and not push them away. It is as if they parent each other as well. There is so much respect between the kids and it is modeled from the staff. They are very blessed here.
- Today in church the question was asked " what does a good Father do?" and everyone called out " Love, protect, provide for" etc. and then Scott called out "Discipline" and Lane calls out "Hey!" in front of the whole service. So funny and so great that we are feeling so at home here.
- On the bus ride home from the river, we crammed into the bus the kids and us and off we went. The driver put on Punjabi music. And it was on, sweaty bus full of dancing boys. It was so fun to be part of it. There was so much Joy and excitement. Dance party on the bus. We were crazy, noisy and having the time of our lives. The bus driver was just looking in his rear view mirror and laugh at all us crazy Christians...
So many amazing things. I am feeling more and more broken every day. I feel heartbroken for this country and the bondage that they have as a legacy. I am feeling heartbroken to have to leave these beautiful kids, who welcome us so openly with love and acceptance. They cling to us and call us by name. They share parts of themselves so openly. Today, one girl shared that when she goes home to here family they get her mixed up with her sister because they do not even know who is who and yet they put pressure on her to be Doctor when she clearly does not have the makings of a doctor. Her eyes fill up with tears when I said " It is hard to be something you are not made to be" and yet here is a beautiful girl, made by God, perfect just the way she is. I find it hard to even put into words how it feels here. I find it hard to explain so it does not come across negative, but there is a very distinct way of life that is Indian. They have their own way of doing life and I would hate for there to be a judgement on them without first seeking their heart. I really do love these people in spite of the confliction and confusion that they create inside me. I really do find Peace that only God can bring and hope that he can use me in even a small way.
- Luke 14:34 Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness how can it be made salty again?
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Dear Martine and Autumn
Hi My lovely girls
I really miss you. I know you are missing me too, I can see it in your faces. I really want you to know that you are doing a great thing. You are sharing your family with those who don't have one. I know that this is uncomfortable for you to be left behind, but I want you to know all the great things that will come from this. You are loving these kids too, but from far away. I want you to know how much us being here encourages the people here. They always say " why do you come here? We have nothing here" but they are working so hard to look after lost kids. I will tell you one story. There is a boy in grade 4, just like you Teeny. His name is Benjamin. He was found on the platform of the train station in Kalka where we got off the train. Him and his brother had been there for two weeks. The station called Shanti because they knew of the good work that was happening there. Shanti took them in and now he lives there, but his brother has run away and Benjamin in alone. But God has provided 90 other brothers and sisters for him. He has given him a home and adults that will love him and feed and keep him safe. This is why we have asked you to share. It is because of stories like this that we come here. If we can help in any way so that Shanti can help more kids, we really want to help them. We know our hands are small and we can only do a little work, but if we can encourage the staff, and help love the kids, then that is what we need to do. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for Praying. Thank you for being our girls, you make our life so bright. We love you with all our hearts, and cant wait to snuggle and smell you when we get home. Be brave little snoops, be brave Teeny girl. God is on our side.
I really miss you. I know you are missing me too, I can see it in your faces. I really want you to know that you are doing a great thing. You are sharing your family with those who don't have one. I know that this is uncomfortable for you to be left behind, but I want you to know all the great things that will come from this. You are loving these kids too, but from far away. I want you to know how much us being here encourages the people here. They always say " why do you come here? We have nothing here" but they are working so hard to look after lost kids. I will tell you one story. There is a boy in grade 4, just like you Teeny. His name is Benjamin. He was found on the platform of the train station in Kalka where we got off the train. Him and his brother had been there for two weeks. The station called Shanti because they knew of the good work that was happening there. Shanti took them in and now he lives there, but his brother has run away and Benjamin in alone. But God has provided 90 other brothers and sisters for him. He has given him a home and adults that will love him and feed and keep him safe. This is why we have asked you to share. It is because of stories like this that we come here. If we can help in any way so that Shanti can help more kids, we really want to help them. We know our hands are small and we can only do a little work, but if we can encourage the staff, and help love the kids, then that is what we need to do. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for Praying. Thank you for being our girls, you make our life so bright. We love you with all our hearts, and cant wait to snuggle and smell you when we get home. Be brave little snoops, be brave Teeny girl. God is on our side.
October 17/13
We are still just working away. I have painted (with the painting team) the girls dorm, the guest house and have moved onto the Chapel renovation. Once we are done that we will need to find more projects. Scott is working away too. We are a bit behind on the water project, but are hopeful that it will be done on time. Just a few things of interest over the last few days...
- We needed to get the big water tank up the hill. Like roll the tank up the side of the mountain and then up the bank onto the pad. There was no way we would have got it there. So we prayed. (you realize when I say We, I mean the ditch diggers, not actually me. I held the camera) and you will never guess how God answered our prayers. The Army showed up. Subathu is an Army village. It is the training ground for the Army that fights Terrorist on the border of India. As they started to roll the water tank up the hill, the Army truck rolls around the corner and out pop many, fit and already in their work out clothes, soldiers. Wow, what an answer to prayer. Then jumped right in and the commander was yelling at them to push harder, and up the tank went. I can honestly say I would never think that the Army would be an answer to prayer.
- Spending time with the kids in the home has been so good. They are so willing to pitch in and help. So much so that you have to keep your eye on your gloves and paint brush, or it will be taken by one of the kids and you will be out of a job. It is great to share with them and "play" with them. They are so open and sweet. Some of them are really competitive too. It is so good to be able to encourage the staff in the good work they are doing. They are raising such great kids. Thanga (one of the staff) is in charge of 12 boys aged 12-17. Scott said "You are one brave man" and he just laughed and said "What am I doing here, what a stupid idea" and then laughed to himself again because we both know he is here because he loves them, but yes, looking after 12 teenage boys would not be for the faint of heart. He is less than 5 feet tall, but he is such a "Large" man.
- Lane has been working so hard. He thinks he 10 feet tall and is sad when he can not do something the men do. He is still gung ho for the work, and I have to pin him down to get him to do his school work. He is doing so well. His jar of Peanut butter has been very popular as well. He has made some great friends. He also fits in really well with the boys from the home. They are all very physically affectionate to him and he does really well with the difference in culture. I have only had to shut him down once, (that I know of) while trying to climb a tree over barb wire. So far only the normal scrapes and bruises.
- We are all doing well, we are feeling well. We are tired and sore from all the work, but the food, crazy roads, monkeys and time change has not go the best of us yet. God has been so good to us he is constantly revealing himself to us in exactly the way we need him. We are very weary in our bodies but your souls are so refreshed. In our weakness he is made strong. If you seek him you will find him, and that has been true for us so far. We are so blessed. We are with our family from the other side of the world.
- We needed to get the big water tank up the hill. Like roll the tank up the side of the mountain and then up the bank onto the pad. There was no way we would have got it there. So we prayed. (you realize when I say We, I mean the ditch diggers, not actually me. I held the camera) and you will never guess how God answered our prayers. The Army showed up. Subathu is an Army village. It is the training ground for the Army that fights Terrorist on the border of India. As they started to roll the water tank up the hill, the Army truck rolls around the corner and out pop many, fit and already in their work out clothes, soldiers. Wow, what an answer to prayer. Then jumped right in and the commander was yelling at them to push harder, and up the tank went. I can honestly say I would never think that the Army would be an answer to prayer.
- Spending time with the kids in the home has been so good. They are so willing to pitch in and help. So much so that you have to keep your eye on your gloves and paint brush, or it will be taken by one of the kids and you will be out of a job. It is great to share with them and "play" with them. They are so open and sweet. Some of them are really competitive too. It is so good to be able to encourage the staff in the good work they are doing. They are raising such great kids. Thanga (one of the staff) is in charge of 12 boys aged 12-17. Scott said "You are one brave man" and he just laughed and said "What am I doing here, what a stupid idea" and then laughed to himself again because we both know he is here because he loves them, but yes, looking after 12 teenage boys would not be for the faint of heart. He is less than 5 feet tall, but he is such a "Large" man.
- Lane has been working so hard. He thinks he 10 feet tall and is sad when he can not do something the men do. He is still gung ho for the work, and I have to pin him down to get him to do his school work. He is doing so well. His jar of Peanut butter has been very popular as well. He has made some great friends. He also fits in really well with the boys from the home. They are all very physically affectionate to him and he does really well with the difference in culture. I have only had to shut him down once, (that I know of) while trying to climb a tree over barb wire. So far only the normal scrapes and bruises.
- We are all doing well, we are feeling well. We are tired and sore from all the work, but the food, crazy roads, monkeys and time change has not go the best of us yet. God has been so good to us he is constantly revealing himself to us in exactly the way we need him. We are very weary in our bodies but your souls are so refreshed. In our weakness he is made strong. If you seek him you will find him, and that has been true for us so far. We are so blessed. We are with our family from the other side of the world.
Monday, October 14, 2013
October 14/13
Today we work, with tired eyes. We did not get to bed till midnight and the alarm goes off early (5am) so today had all the makings of a long day. However, God is faithful and he will meet our needs. He is always there when we need him (because we stayed up too late dancing) and he was with us today. We got a lot of work done today, in spite of our weakness. In our weakness he is made strong. Today we painted the girls dorm, trim, and the ditch digging crew got lots done too. There has been a few tangles with the backhoe and the main water line, but that story is better told by Scott, and in person. Way better that way. Also today Lane went to school at Shanti. They only have up to grade four, so he went in with that class. At the beginning of the day the kids all stand at attention, do drills, and say anthem. They also have a hand check to see if their hands are clean and tidy. I leaned over to Lane to let him know what was happening and he slowly tucked his hands behind his back, knowing full well his hand would not pass inspection. It was really interesting to see how they conduct school. Very much like the old days at school, and I am so glad Lane got to see it. After that he joined in to the class, there were only 3 kids in that class, talk about one on one time. He did math, spelling and Hindi. I am really proud of him for being brave enough to go. That is an opportunity that he may never get again. That was the morning and he spent the rest of the day digging ditches, all in all a very great day.
October 13/13
Today was Sunday. We got to treat ourselves to an hour of extra sleep. We all got our fancy clothes on and it was so nice to have clean clothes and makeup. We headed down to the home for Sunday School. We are working on an extension for the Chapel so some of us got to sit under the open sky. It is so humbling to sit and listen to the children sing. After the Sunday School, we headed up to Subathu for a shop in the village. A few of the older children came with us to help translate for us, even though most people can speak enough English for us to get by. We did some shopping, and got Chocolate. Not sure how Chocolate got to the top of everyone's list but we were all dying for some. We had a look around and did some shopping. It seems crazy, I have only been here once but I found it so easy to jump in and help out those who have never been here with their shopping. Crazy what a little perspective change will do, or how just being one step ahead, can change your whole experience. Lane got himself an army backpack, and we got a few scarves. At 3:30pm we went into the old church for the church service. A few people snuck in a nap, not us of course. A Church service at 3:30pm in 30 degree weather, recipe for a nap. Jaame spoke to us and it is amazing how the human brain can switch between English and Hindi to preach to us in both languages at the same time. Jaame and Manju (the Bride and Groom) had come back with us to Subathu for the reception at the Children's home. After the service we walked back to the home for the reception that was to start at 5:30, we arrived at 5:40, we waited for an hour, and then at 7pm the reception started. Welcome to India. At 7pm Jaame and Manju walked down the pathway with all of us standing on either side. They were
beautifully dressed and smiling from ear to ear. Both of them are graduated from Shanti, so they kind of grew up together, I guess you could say. They met up in Delhi and that is how they ended up together. So there was a slide show of both of them, while growing up. It was so nice to see how everyone loved their older brother and sister. There was even the joke about not being sure if Jaame and Manju were daughter, or sister in law, or what to the staff at the home, because they raised them from being kids. The kids of course put on a great program, for the bride and groom. There were gifts to hand out and then....Dance party. I love their dance parties. They are like nothing else you have ever seen. Everyone was dancing and sweating, and we had a great time. Then it was off to bed, for our very weary bones have work tomorrow morning,
October 14/13 - Lane
Today I got to go in to the grade 4 class. First of all the period we had spelling and we read about Puru the Brave. I was reading Alexander the Roman King. After the period we had Math. We learned decimal points. After Math period it was break. We played cricket and I was pitcher. Then as we were playing, Prim, jumped on the roof above us as we were playing. Then the bell rang and then Prim got down. When we got in it was Hindi class. It took me at least 6 tries for each word. Well the teacher wrote them out for me and I can practice them now. And that was my day at School in Shanti Nikatan.
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