Such Anticipation and No Letdown

I woke up at 2:30am on April 1, 2012 and couldn't fall back asleep. I ended up just laying there till about 5:30am. The kids were up singing praise songs as usual. They were in different outfits today. They were wearing orange and blue for Palm Sunday festivities. They celebrated by holding palms and parading around the town drumming and singing. I was able to catch the end of the parade!

Javeen in the Parade

End of the Parade

Beginning of Palm Sunday Parade

We had a church service at 9:30am. All of the children's homes were brought to Mercy Home for the celebration. When the kids were coming in, I felt like I was going to be sick because of the anticipation of seeing all of the kids from my first trip. Chandu saw me and came over. He remembered me! He was being shy again though. He didn't hug me or anything but smiled.

The Kids Coming In

Manoj Loves the Camera

Chandu and Me!

We had the church service and then a skit for them depicting Palm Sunday to The Resurrection. They did an activity where they had to put in sequence what happened. They responded very well. I was hanging out with Chandu at that point trying to get him to warm up again. He finally started to have fun and smile. We then sang some songs with them. I sat amongst them because I wanted to be closer to them. God loves these kids so much. They are all very special! Before the puppet show and more songs we went to lunch and had a few minutes to play with the kids. I gave Chandu a piggy-back ride. He had never done that before and loved it! He was smiling so much and giggling. His laugh is so cute because it is that of a child's.

Church Service

Friends from First Trip

Activity

Chandu and Me

All of the other kids wanted piggy-back rides as well. I was very tired after that haha. When the children were going to sit down Chandu and another boy grabbed my hands and led me to sit next to them. Chandu rested his hands on me. It was really precious. It was one of those special moments that will be remembered forever. I feel sick if I even think about what these children have gone through, losing a parent, maybe both, being abused, picking through trash to survive, etc. I love sitting with the kids. There is just something about holding their hands. I heard my name being yelled from behind. I looked back and it was Vicky, the boy who had given me the bracelet. He patted the floor next to him signaling me to sit next to him. It was hard to leave Chandu because I love him so dearly but there are millions of children that need loved. I sat by Vicky and all the other kids around inched closer to me wanting my affection. I moved again to sit with Javeen. He wrapped his arms around me giving me the biggest hug ever. He said I am his brother. He told me he wanted a picture of my family. He asked me how my sisters were doing. It blew my mind that he had remembered so much from the little conversation we had in July of 2011. I told all that were around me that I had been praying for them daily. I told them that I missed them very much and that they mean a lot to me. I knew I would be back again. I am roped in for the rest of my life. I can't get enough of these kids. We had a puppet show for them and played hand games. I got to play with Rajesh. He was so happy I remembered his name.

Some of the Children

Me with Some Mercy Home Boys

Another Group Photo

Me and Vicky

Me and a Friend

It was time for dinner after that. We had dinner with all of the house parents. We never get to spend that much time with them. It was really nice to get to know them better.