UPDATE ON APPLE COUNTRY

I know it has been awhile since I posted. I will try to do better, but honestly, I don't know who is reading this. Anyway...
Apple Country is where the Victorious English School is located. It was started by Bill and Rae (my names for them) five years ago. Many volunteers have helped this school over the years. Bill and Rae poured their lives into this school. They showed the love of Christ to the children and the families. The school was quite different than the other schools because of the involvement of their American educational consultant, and many volunteers -all sharing the love of Christ, and praying for the people of the valley. Well, the other schools didn't like their success. The Hindu fundamentalists said that the god of their temple told them to close down the school. The parents did not want to pull their children, but the community members threatened them. The parents met with Bill and Rae and asked them to come talk to their god. Bill explained that he could not possibly do that -he could not acknowledge another god. Despite one more year on their lease, the landlord was also threatening Bill and Rae. He sent his sons to abuse Bill. 
The parents did not send their kids. The land lord is not threatening them anymore, since there is no school. He had been threatened that if he didn't run off Bill and Rae, they wouldn't do business with him. 
 Bill and Rae are in another town where Rae's brother and family live. They had already bought property there. He says he will return to Apple Country to continue to share there, but I don't know about the school. I think it may be finished -at least for now. 
Please pray for Bill, Rae, and the families who were touched by Victorious English School. Pray for the kids who have to go to new schools. 
When Bill told me about the people wanted him to talk to the gods at the temple, I was reminded of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. I couldn't help put pray that some act of God destroys that temple (but not the people) so that they would know God is the One True God!
 

When Missionaries Come off the Field

In my role, I have families who, for a variety of reasons, leave the field. My heart aches for them. I've recently had two families leave before they were finished with their term. A friend introduced this article to me with words that she wishes her church, friends, and family members had read such an article. She and her family left the field abruptly into the welcoming arms of one side of the family, as if they were the prodigal son returning, and to the huge disappointment of the other side. They were caught in the middle. 
What do you say to a family who has returned "home?" Here's the article with some helpful suggestions. One day I will have to leave. I hope it is for the reason of retirement, but nonetheless it will be a difficult transition full of emotion.
click here 

7 worst international aid ideas (via Matador Network)

Maybe their hearts were in the right place. Maybe not. Either way, these are solid contenders for the title of “worst attempts at helping others since colonialism.” 1. One million t-shirts for Africa Aid circles employ the cynical acronym SWEDOW…

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Home Again

It's always good to be back in my own bed in my home with Lady. I had a good sleepover with Aunty Gail, and a cute little Chihuahua mix named Charlotte. She's also on vacation. Lady went to Nepal for a week. It got so hot in our house her crayons melted. She had set them out to get ready for her next trip to Bangladesh. It involves some children's events, so she has been getting everything ready. Brand new Crayola Crayons from America. Melted. Lady was not happy.
Flat Me went to Nepal but Lady forgot to take photos! Hope she takes Flat Me to Bangladesh! I'll be vacationing with a new family with two boys, then I will go back to Aunty Gail's when Lady goes to Thailand Yes, I know. She is traveling a lot this month. Tell me about it. At least I get good treats and gifts.

UPDATE ON APPLE COUNTRY

I am back in India! I was not able to leave until June 2, arriving in India in the wee hours of June 4. The sweltering heat just zaps my energy, but still, it is good to be back. Within hours, Marley came home! Home is where your dog is! Thanks for all your prayers. 
The awesome volunteer team from Kentucky returned to Apple Country last week. I only wish I could have been there as well. I hope I can post some photos though. The team repainted the walls and decorations on the outer walls, put up plastic ceiling, added four computers to their computer lab, hooked up a sound system, added new tables and chairs, and new teaching materials. Chuck, Hannah, and Miss Julie returned with three others. Justin used to live in HP and is now in Kentucky! He's staying around for awhile. 
This kind of support advances what Bill and Rae can do for His kingdom. The van they purchased last time has made such a difference in their ministry in the mountains. What a blessing! 
This team also blessed Pastor Ajay as well, with ministry materials.
In other big news for Apple Country...
Stacy arrived just on the heels of the Kentucky team! When Bill and Rae dropped off Chuck and his team, they picked up Stacy, a college student from Florida State. Stacy will be helping at the school through the summer. Can you believe this brave girl? This is her first trip by air ever! What a long trip for your first time! She and I flew back to India together and she did great! The same day she arrived by plane, she also traveled by taxi, subway, auto rickshaw, and bicycle rickshaw! We couldn't find a boat. Please remember Stacy as she is in Apple Country this summer. So far, she loves it! 
I miss the mountains, especially with this heat, but I am determined to bloom where I am planted. Guess I better go water myself.

IN THE STATES

After three years in India, I am spending three months in the United States. I've been catching up with family and friends in Texas, Florida, and New York. I've had the blessing of sharing what God is doing in India, and saying thank you to my prayer warriors and encouragers. It's great to be back in my home church and enjoy corporate worship.
My favorite place is my beach. This is my place of solace, of respite; my place to commune with God. The waves carry my messages written in the sand. The wind conveys my cries and prayers and praises. The sea gulls and terns chime in. The dolphins and pelicans entertain, and leave me in awe of God's creativity. My beach is the first and the last place I like to go. The shells remind me that even things broken can be beautiful. I soak up the fresh air before heading back to the city with the worst air quality in the world. 
It's hard to leave aging parents, but I have their blessing. They know that when the time comes and they need me to care for them, I will come. And it will be my blessing. I do what I can while I am here. I don't take this time for granted. 
I so appreciate your prayers. How can you pray for me?
*Pray for my last weeks here in the US
*Pray for the volunteer team need for February 2014 -for God's chosen people to hear His voice and be willing to come
*For medical issues to be resolved
*For travel mercies as I head back to India around May 24 (hopefully)
Please lift up the workers in Bangladesh during this time of political unrest. Hindu and Christian minorities are getting caught in the middle. 
THANK YOU! 

Today is Kartik Purnima

This seems to be a major Hindu festival for my neighbors in my new neighborhood in Delhi. Here is information about it. 
The Purnima on the day of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month is known as Kartik Purnima. Kartik Purnima is also known as Tripuri Purnima and Ganga Snan. Kartik Poornima will observed on Wednesday, 28th November 2012. Lord Mahadev killed a demon named Tripuri on this day and hence, it is known as Tripuri Purnima. Kartik Purnima has immense religious value according to the Hindu mythology. There is a tradition of taking a bath in Ganga and donating lamps on this day. It is believed that Kartik Purnima provides Dharma, Artha, Kama and Salvation.

Kartik Purnima is considered as an auspicious day according to Hindu mythology. It is considered to be day of Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Angira and Lord Sun. A person involving in baths, charity, donation etc on this day receives fruitful results. Shri Satyanarayana story is read on this day and lamps are lit on intersections, under Peepal trees, in temples etc. Prayers offered on each Purnima beginning from Kartik Purnima give positive results.

Importance of Kartik Purnima Snan

Taking baths in different religious rivers has been a very old tradition in India. On the occasion of Kartik Purnima, a huge crowd can be seen taking baths on these different rivers. This day is considered auspicious according to various Vedas and Puranas. It is believed that taking a bath in a river, lake or any other place and remembering Lord Vishnu gives fruitful benefits.

Taking a bath according to a specific religious procedure in a sacred river helps in attaining salvation. No other month is considered to be more sacred than the Kartik month. Kartik month also has a scientific value. Kartik month ca be related to a seasonal change and taking a bath in the morning provides a person with immense energy. This also keeps a person healthy.

Importance of Kartik Purnima worship

It is believed that charities on this day is equal to a hundred Ashvamedh Yagyas. It is also believed that charities, donations etc in this month help in attaining salvation. All these things keep great importance on this auspicious day. Donations, charities etc. on this day, help in getting closer to Lord Shiva and keeps a person healthy and content. Kartik Purnima is one of the most important Purnimas of the year.

Importance of Kartik Poornima

Taking baths in river Ganga, donations, charities etc. relieves a person from all sorts of problems and helps in attaining salvation. All these things done on this day give extra beneficial results. According to a belief, these things help a person in going to heaven. It is believed that taking baths in sacred rivers or sacred places gives fruitful results. A lot of people take baths in river Ganga etc. on this day. Some of these places and rivers are Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada, Godavari, Kurukshetra, Ayodhya, Kashi etc.

According to Shastras, this day is the beginning of Lord Vishnu’s sleep. Kartik month begins when Sun enters Libra sign. People offer prayers and perform different religious practices during this month. Fasting in the Kartik month is considered to be the road to salvation in Kalyug.

MONDAY

Monday, the ladies on the team traveled to Sanjauli, and hiked a treacherous trail to get to a room crowded with 40 MORE children than expected! PTL! MP translated for Susan and Virginia, as they quickly had to adjust their plans. The children in this area mostly do not go to school. MP has a vision for starting a mission school here. Meanwhile, Sylvia finds here way through 30 women all crammed into a small room, anxiously awaiting her story of the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume.
Sylvia gave them each two vials of perfume and encouraged them to share one along with the story she taught. She rewarded correct comprehension questions with gifts.

Nancy translating for Virginia, and teaching a song in Hindi.

SUNDAY

Sorry I am delayed in posting these photos from the volunteer team's recent trip! These are from the Bible Club event at the Grace Home for Children. The team brought race shirts for the children and staff, as well as other items that help share the gospel message. The kids performed several songs for the team as a thank you. Sister Prabha prepared a delicious meal (without Indian spices) for the team!

 When righted, Anju took them off and out them back on this way, her preference!

Diviya loving on Marley.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

The last Big Girls Bible Club met together on Saturday afternoon. Many of these girls have been learning from the Bible for over two years. We pray they will choose Jesus. They know enough to make a good decision. Today they heard the story of the Samaritan Woman. They learned how she went immediately to share the Good News with her village. We pray these girls will share the Good News with their village.

 Painting white Tee shirts

 Painting bread with colored milk, then toasting!

Easy and fun painted bread. Sylvia shows their finished products.