Herewe are ata the end of another wonderfully exhausting day! Today Annie and I worked construction. But today was about getting ready for Indian Independence Day. There are dignitaries coming to watch the program the kids have worked so hard on, and they want everything to look presentable. So, we weeded the track that goes around the soccer field. We worked side by side with each other, laughing and getting to know each other. The school was in plain view, and we could see the kids as they changed classes, or went to their various rehearsals. It kept what we were doing and why we were doing it in perspective. Nery, the construction coordinator, asked us questions like best date, worst date, biggest pet peeve -- lots of fun and different answers. we ranged in age from 15-50. After three hours of wielding short shovel hoe-like instruments, we were exhausted, but happy. Mosiah 2:17: "And I tell you these things that tou may learn wisdom; that you learn that when you are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." Connecting to each other through a common purpose.
Since the kids were rehearsing, we didn't get play time with them. But a few of us were able to go help the kids write letters to their sponsors. They got to use colored construction paper and markers! They were so happy! Each child can have up to four sponsors. One of the volunteers here is actually here for the third time. She is from New Jersey and is just a positive ball of energy! She has sponsored a child, and was able to meet with the family on Saturday -- parents' day. They brought their family album, and she was in it! She was so moved. The sponsors not only mean so much to the kids, but also to their families. The money from each sponsor, $30 a month, goes into a big pot for allmof the students, and is used for clothes, food, medical, teachers, and whatever else they may need. It's really amazing to see it all in action. Connecting through gratitude.
And finally, prayer time. We begin with a song, and I asked them to sing me a song in Tamil -- their native language. When they finished, I asked them what it was about, and they told me it was about God's love for us. So beautiful. Then they asked me if I would pray. I am just so grateful for this whole experience. We talked about God's love for us and that we have each been given special and unique talents to use in very specific ways while we are here. Then I asked them to sing another song in Tamil for the closing song. I asked them to tell me what that was about. They said it was about a story in the Bible of ten who had been healed from leprosy, and how only one man, a Samaritan, came back to say thank you. Such a poignant moment. Every one of these kids is in this school because one or both of their parents has been stricken with leprosy. So much to understand. Connecting the dots...
Since the kids were rehearsing, we didn't get play time with them. But a few of us were able to go help the kids write letters to their sponsors. They got to use colored construction paper and markers! They were so happy! Each child can have up to four sponsors. One of the volunteers here is actually here for the third time. She is from New Jersey and is just a positive ball of energy! She has sponsored a child, and was able to meet with the family on Saturday -- parents' day. They brought their family album, and she was in it! She was so moved. The sponsors not only mean so much to the kids, but also to their families. The money from each sponsor, $30 a month, goes into a big pot for allmof the students, and is used for clothes, food, medical, teachers, and whatever else they may need. It's really amazing to see it all in action. Connecting through gratitude.
And finally, prayer time. We begin with a song, and I asked them to sing me a song in Tamil -- their native language. When they finished, I asked them what it was about, and they told me it was about God's love for us. So beautiful. Then they asked me if I would pray. I am just so grateful for this whole experience. We talked about God's love for us and that we have each been given special and unique talents to use in very specific ways while we are here. Then I asked them to sing another song in Tamil for the closing song. I asked them to tell me what that was about. They said it was about a story in the Bible of ten who had been healed from leprosy, and how only one man, a Samaritan, came back to say thank you. Such a poignant moment. Every one of these kids is in this school because one or both of their parents has been stricken with leprosy. So much to understand. Connecting the dots...
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