Serving Orphans: Any Uncertainty Thrown Out the Window

Down to the last minute and even while still in flight I questioned whether I should be going back to India. It wasn't because I didn't want to go. I had been waiting to see the children for so long. My health was the reason I had doubts. I was unsure of what my body could handle shortly after having mild pancreatitis. My body was clearly still recovering because I was still having pain and felt nausea from time to time. I had encouragement from family and friends to go so I made the trek. I had to toss aside all fears about travel and my health and trust that God would take care of me.

I didn't have the ideal start to my journey across the world. My first flight was cancelled. I remember thinking that maybe this was a sign that I shouldn't go. One of the passengers in the line said maybe it's the opposite of what I think and that I needed to get past this and the trip was going to be amazing. They got me on another flight that left considerably later. I sat by an Indian boy about the same age as me on my first flight from Cincinnati to Chicago. He fell asleep so I didn't get to talk to him about anything. I get to my next flight and there he is again! We ended up sitting by each other on the next flight. We asked each other our destinations and come to find out we were going the same place. Below is a picture of him in the Abu Dhabi airport.

My Friend at Abu Dhabi Airport

God placed this person in my journey to calm my nerves about my travels and health. This was the first time I was traveling by myself all the way to India. I had traveled to Europe before but India is so much farther. We got to know each other well. He was going to Hyderabad for his sister's wedding. He is from there and works in the U.S. now.

I arrived at about 4am on March 31, 2012. We immediately loaded up the bus with our luggage and drove to Mercy Home, which is about a 3 hour drive. I was whooped. When we reached the gates I had so many emotions rush over me. All the memories of my first trip flashed in my head. I was so happy to be back. It was like I was home. I couldn't wait to see the children. My tiredness was the farthest thing from my mind at this point. We began unpacking everything. As I was getting my bags, I saw Javeen who I had spoken to for like 10 minutes or so but had a connection. He dropped everything in his hands and ran over to me. He gave me a big hug and said he has been praying for me ever since my first trip. Already my journey was worth it. To show this kid that I cared enough to return meant the world to him. He remembered me despite having spoken to him for such a little amount of time.

Me and Javeen

I didn't get to talk to him much because we had to finish unpacking and he had to go back to school. I was eager to see how he was doing. We cleaned and unloaded for a couple hours then took a tour for those who hadn't been there before. There were already changes since 7 months ago. There is a new water heater for cooking and new rice steamers! It was very impressive.

New Fire-Pits and Heating System

New Rice Steamers!!!

After the tour we had lunch and prepared skits, crafts, and activities for the week. The kids were out of school at 4pm so that gave us a couple hours to play with them before dinner. I went out to see the boys. As I walked out onto the field I heard some boys yell my name. My heart sank because they remembered me. Small things make a difference in this world. We played ultimate frisbee and talked for awhile. A little boy came up to me and told me his name was Vicky. He then held out his hand and said he had a gift. He opened his hand and in it was a bracelet that said love. I couldn't believe the poorest of the poor who has absolutely nothing wanted to give me something. He helped me put it on. I was told it is a symbol of friendship in India.

Ultimate Frisbee with Mercy Home Boys

Vicky the Boy Who Gave Me the Bracelet

Mercy Home Boys

Playing with the children always goes so fast. I saw Samson again, the boy that wanted me to remember his name. I was able to talk to him for awhile. Then they had to go to dinner. Vicky said bye to me several times. I could tell he didn't want to leave. We went to play with the girls and jumped rope, clapped hands, etc.