So… India!
When the kids came, they welcomed us with music and orange flower necklaces. Then we went outside for games, helped them with their chores, and study time. All too soon it was time to leave. What a contrast to the day before, when we were surrounded by people pushing from every side, people who didn't know Christ.
There is hope for India.
These little ones know Him.
Saturday morning we went to Tikri Border Leper Colony, where we spent some time talking with the people there. Some of the women allowed us to paint their nails–and some of them painted ours! The men talked for a while and ended up playing games.
Then we went back to AH and spent the afternoon with the children.
Sunday was church! I'm not sure if there's anything as wonderful as worshiping God in a formerly closed country with little ones whose faith has no bounds. What an incredible service!
Then, on Monday–one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World!
Because we secured tourist visas, it was important that we did tourist activities during our time in India. So we got up at 4 in the morning and rode out to Agra to tour the Taj Mahal. It was a long day, but a good one.
Tuesday, we returned to Asha House. But when the team left for home that night, Connie and I remained there to spend the night. We were able to witness the children's routine from morning until night, from their wake up at 5am, to their morning devotions, their bus ride to school, and their afternoon routines.
Wednesday we met the team at a second leper colony, then spent the afternoon at the market.
Thursday, was the saddest day of all, because it was our last day in India. Everyone woke up sad, not wanting to leave. The children all stayed home from school so we could spend time with them. We'd taken the time as a team to write four cards each to each child and staff member at AH, and presented those to them. They gave us a framed picture of the children of Asha House, something I immediately placed on my desk upon my return to work this week. Victor cooked his famous chicken briyani…. Incredible!
But all too soon, it was time to leave. We took off at midnight and landed in Atlanta at 10:30am on Friday.
Ten days on the other side of world, ten days in India. There and back again… so fast. But so worth it.
To all of you who prayed, all of you who sent in support, thank you so much. Thank you. This trip meant so much to me personally, to be able to return to a ministry I love dearly. Selfishly I hope to return again in the future. And I would love for you to come with me! Be on the lookout for news/information of an upcoming trip to India… those at Asha House would welcome you with open arms!
Some of my favorite of Connie's photos:
Above left–me taking a picture by one of the pools at the Lotis Temple. Right- me with Sapna, Lincy, and Simini, 3 of the incredible women who run AH and dear friends.
Connie and I:
Posts coming soon:
The children of AH
Spa Day at the Leper Colony
