These excerpts are taken from their blog. Read the whole blog here.
Kristen:
We had a parent's meeting last night. After talking with Bhaskar, we decided we should try and have one on the third Friday of every month so we can keep the parents involved and included in what is going on at school. Scott and I (along with all of the teachers) were very nervous that no one would come. I guess they had done previous parent meetings in the past and did not have the best turnout. At 5pm (when it was supposed to start) there were about 5 parents there. We decided to wait another 10 minutes, praying that more would come, while also trying to decide what to do if no one else came. God is so faithful. Sue, we had about 100 parents come to the meeting! It was such a blessing and a great opportunity for Scott and I to meet the parents and to encourage them to continue to come to the meetings. We are praying that we will continue to have success with their attendance.
Scott:
On January 26th, it was a national holiday here in India called Republic Day. This day is chosen to honor the memory of the declaration of independence of 1930. It is an extremely important day in India and it was such a privilege to be apart of their celebration. The school celebrated the holiday by having half a day of festivities instead of having lessons. The day before Bhaskar told us that the day would be filled with games, singing, dancing, and prizes. There would also be a flag ceremony.
When we arrived at school on Republic Day, the school yard had been transformed. There were streamers with Indian flags hung all over the yard. Orange, white, and green were everywhere. There was excitement in the air and there was a definite distinction between this and any other day. As the children arrived, they were all given small Indian flags to hold. Most of them also had flags pinned to their uniforms to honor the day.
These excerpts are taken from their blog. Read the whole blog here.
See some of the many pictures they took here.
From Liz:
It is WARM!!! I LOVE it. The temperature out side seems to be about 70-80 degrees and sunny and beautiful. When we arrived, Lance took us over to the schools which have 1/2 days on Saturdays, and we met all the children. Much to our surprise, there are NO other white people here, and people stare at us like a fish out of water and treat us like celebrities.
The children went crazy when we arrived all surrounding us saying "good morning ma'am" and "good morning sir." At one of the schools, I got out and about 50 kids came up and I had 2 little girls maybe 4 or 5 years old holding my hands and two little girls holding my legs. The rest were swarming around waiting for a chance to say good morning to me. I wanted to sweep them all up in my arms!
From Mark:
Like Liz said, it isn't Michigan in February! Things have been great so far. The kids were so excited to see us when we visited the school, and they are all so sweet. I'm so glad we can be a part of giving them a little bit of education or helping out in any way. I'm surprised with almost everything about India so far, except maybe the traffic. It's about what I expected, it's so weird to be traveling on the wrong side of the road! It will be interesting to start driving myself. Our accomodations, and really just everything that is available, have been much better than I expected. Our house is really nice, and we have a Chevy SUV type vehicle to drive around in. Yesterday Lance took us around the immediate area and showed us where to buy fuel, get groceries, buy clothes, get lunch, stuff like that. Our house is great, like Liz said, built like a fortress.
My last day was yesterday as it is a holiday here today. I have had such an amazing experience, thank you so much for helping me organise it. I had the opportunity to take classes pretty much every day which was sometimes challenging but always fantastic fun. The kids were such cuties and so enthusiastic and energetic! I am still overwhelmed at how warm and welcoming all of the teachers were, they really went out of their way at every opportunity to make me feel valued and looked after. I really enjoyed meeting Scott and Kristen - they are lovely people and i think they are going to have a wonderful time out there - I can see their work will be difficult but very rewarding. My last day at the school was very sad. The teachers were amazing - they bought me a Sari!! Its dark red and gold and absolutely beautiful - i couldn't believe it! I was also bought 24 red and gold glass bangles to match. Uma and Naga's mum was up until midnight the night before sewing the blouse! They gave me this at the start of the day so, after they had spent twenty minutes dressing me, i was able to walk around the four schools in it and give out the cakes i had bought in to all the children - i felt like a queen! Then at lunch time all the teachers gathered together and the Baskar gave a speech and then they presented me with four silver toe rings and a HUGE garland of flowers - Scott and Kristen took lots of pics so you should have a look through them if you get a chance. I just couldn't believe the level of gratitude shown to me for doing something which i enjoyed so much. It has really restored my faith in the human race!! We fly to Kolkata tomorrow, we are both keen to get travelling again after being in one place for so long - but I am so sad to leave such an amazing place and wonderful people behind.
As I think back and reflect on my trip to India pure joy and appreciation flood over me. It's been a little over two years since I answered the call to step out in faith and blindly follow God, and as always He delivered! I'll never forget walking through the slum into their school that first day. The children radiated Joy and happiness! I don't know how many of you have ever seen first hand their living conditions or can fathom the battles they go through on a day to day basis. But you couldn’t tell by looking at them. They have a way of holding onto hope and being little survivors like I’ve never seen! God did a mighty work in me and those kids. I know seeds were planted and I can't wait to go back and see the growth. I thank God everyday for that experience. And it wouldn't have been possible without the amazing dedication and heart that Sue and Jack have for these people. They truly did answer the call! And for that I’m grateful:) I would love to figure out a time that my husband and I can go back to India! It's been far too long!
