Saturday we went to Tikri Border Leper Colony, where we spent
some time talking with the people there. Some of the women took turns painting
each other’s nails, while I preferred to play a new version of badmitten.
The men spent time “talking” and ended up playing games.
Everywhere we go, people want to feed Don.
My new friend…she had her first born about a month ago. She asked how many children I had and I shared that I could not have children. It bothered her so much… she clung to me and insisted that I hold her baby the entire time I was there. She gave me her stuffed teddy bear as a gift. I left her the flower I wore on my hat.
These woman missing toes, finger…continue to cook and care for their husbands and families.
I think I won.
Kristen captured these next few pictures…Here I was sharing a bracelet with this sweet woman.
Probably my favorite picture from the trip. I’ll share more about the next few pictures in a later update.
Sunday was church…and we made sure to have our scarves
ready. 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! I’ve purchased from Asha house the rug (see picture below) they used to
kneel on. The hours of prayers, the tears… the smell. All captured in the rug that is now in my home. Come visit!
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.
Tuesday, we returned to Asha House. But when the team
left for home that night, Kristen 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, prayer, to their morning devotions, more prayers, their bus
ride to school, and their afternoon routines.
The bunks are 3 high. It amazed me that when it was time for bed, they knew without being told. They would lay on the one sheet fully clothed and were soon asleep!
Prayer before school. Brig, the oldest is in the green shirt. He is 18 and wants to be a worship leader.
It’s off to school for all but 6 of the children. Sonu, the boy looking into the “bus” wants to go to school. When he was brought to Asha house, he was a little slow. He has improved greatly. His chores include locking and unlocking the gate through out the day, taking care of the dogs, taking care of the 3rd youngest and more. I love this little man. I wish I could have brought him home with me. He is happy at Asha house. When he grows up he wants to be Victors driver! Next year, if finances allow and he continues to catch up…he too can go to school!
Connie, 1) you are doing wonderful things for this world and being His hands and feet and 2) you are got to be one of the best photographers I’ve ever known. If you have a website where some of your others are let me know. I remember seeing some in your office that were in Guatemala and other places that were so beautiful. What an irony that some of the most magnificent and beautiful places in the world have such poor and suffering people. Thank you for what you and Don do to share with them the love of Jesus Christ and a hope for life everlasting.
Connie!! This blog and the other two are amazing. I am so going to start seriously praying about the next trip yall take–I would love to go if God allows me too!! 🙂 I love you!! Keep on being the hands and feet of Jesus, so humbling and God is going to richly bless you! 🙂