Today, Monday--Jan. 13, Randy departs from Kolkata back to Manitoba. Rebekah and I are very sad to see him go. Randy wishes he could stay for the entire journey but must return to responsibilities back at our home and business. So, this morning will be shifting belongings from suitcase to suitcase and weighing them to ensure they're within weight limits. Randy appreciates when I travel with him because he doesn't really have to pay attention to where he is going. So, I will write out an exhaustive list of what to do at each airport, etc. Flying on Air India requires an extra security tag clearance for carry ons and if you don't have that, you're denied your flight. This was something he didn't understand was necessary on a flight into Kolkata, so I want to make sure all the T's are crossed and I's are dotted! We will finalize the purchase of the car for Tabitha's Heart today before he goes and have our "last supper."
Meanwhile, a couple of days ago we assisted in picking up 55 sets of school books for children at the center. This stop represented only one of the schools the children attend. There are several more schools and more books to pick up and distribute. Rachel also placed an order for numerous backpacks for the students which should be ready for pick up in a couple of days.
We went to the Assembly of God church, again, yesterday. They had a guest speaker from Oklahoma who was very engaging and humorous. Rebekah enjoyed this service much more than last week's. We also attended second service which begins at 10:30 vs. 8:30 and I found the people to be more awake and lively! At one point, they sang a song in Hindi. It was absolutely beautiful! I didn't understand any words until they said, "Yeshua." Then I knew they were singing about Jesus.
After the church service, we took a taxi to Big Bazaar (their small version of Walmart), stocked up on a few more snack foods, and met Rachel. We headed out to the girls' home for the afternoon. The girls were unaware of our visit and were so excited to see all of us (especially Rebekah). Rachel unloaded the bags of clothes and toys we brought. I tried to take some pictures and a bit of a video but it was quite difficult to get quality shots due to their overwhelming excitement and crowding in around Rachel so closely! What a blessing to watch them pick clothing items that would fit them and share the stuffed animals and barbies.
One of the girls had been given a scooter for Christmas (I'm not sure if it was from an extended family member or sponsor) and it was so fun to watch all of them take turns riding throughout the house (yes, that's the benefit of having cement floors). Again, I am in awe of their willingness to share the few things they have. They have a strong sense of community, much stronger than I experience with most North American youth.
Rebekah and I stayed at the home and played a game called Housie with the girls. It's an Indian game like Bingo with a twist. They really had fun and built their numeracy skills while playing. We sang and danced and hung out with them, building relationships. We brought some candy to share and that was a hit. I also brought henna and one of the older girls loves to do henna so she drew a beautiful and intricate design on Rebekah's arm and hand (front and back). Rebekah was beaming from ear to ear. I told the older girls how Canadian women will pay good money for henna done at spas and salons. They couldn't believe it! They said that what Rebekah received would cost about 100 rupees (approx. $1.50).
While we were at the house, Randy and Rachel ventured out to find somewhere to put the tires on her van. They were successful. Again, amazed at the low cost of labor (that only cost 100 rupees). Apparently Randy had a short experience of driving in India! Woah! Glad they ended up back at the home safely, lol!
I think you are caught up for now! I'd better get to my list writing for Randy and prepare for our day. So glad to hear the weather has gotten warmer back home!
Until next time...
Meanwhile, a couple of days ago we assisted in picking up 55 sets of school books for children at the center. This stop represented only one of the schools the children attend. There are several more schools and more books to pick up and distribute. Rachel also placed an order for numerous backpacks for the students which should be ready for pick up in a couple of days.
We went to the Assembly of God church, again, yesterday. They had a guest speaker from Oklahoma who was very engaging and humorous. Rebekah enjoyed this service much more than last week's. We also attended second service which begins at 10:30 vs. 8:30 and I found the people to be more awake and lively! At one point, they sang a song in Hindi. It was absolutely beautiful! I didn't understand any words until they said, "Yeshua." Then I knew they were singing about Jesus.
After the church service, we took a taxi to Big Bazaar (their small version of Walmart), stocked up on a few more snack foods, and met Rachel. We headed out to the girls' home for the afternoon. The girls were unaware of our visit and were so excited to see all of us (especially Rebekah). Rachel unloaded the bags of clothes and toys we brought. I tried to take some pictures and a bit of a video but it was quite difficult to get quality shots due to their overwhelming excitement and crowding in around Rachel so closely! What a blessing to watch them pick clothing items that would fit them and share the stuffed animals and barbies.
One of the girls had been given a scooter for Christmas (I'm not sure if it was from an extended family member or sponsor) and it was so fun to watch all of them take turns riding throughout the house (yes, that's the benefit of having cement floors). Again, I am in awe of their willingness to share the few things they have. They have a strong sense of community, much stronger than I experience with most North American youth.
Rebekah and I stayed at the home and played a game called Housie with the girls. It's an Indian game like Bingo with a twist. They really had fun and built their numeracy skills while playing. We sang and danced and hung out with them, building relationships. We brought some candy to share and that was a hit. I also brought henna and one of the older girls loves to do henna so she drew a beautiful and intricate design on Rebekah's arm and hand (front and back). Rebekah was beaming from ear to ear. I told the older girls how Canadian women will pay good money for henna done at spas and salons. They couldn't believe it! They said that what Rebekah received would cost about 100 rupees (approx. $1.50).
While we were at the house, Randy and Rachel ventured out to find somewhere to put the tires on her van. They were successful. Again, amazed at the low cost of labor (that only cost 100 rupees). Apparently Randy had a short experience of driving in India! Woah! Glad they ended up back at the home safely, lol!
I think you are caught up for now! I'd better get to my list writing for Randy and prepare for our day. So glad to hear the weather has gotten warmer back home!
Until next time...
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