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.

Return to Apple Country

I've just returned from a trip higher in the mountains to visit Victorious English school, and help start the new term. I always love going there. I stayed a week, teaching each day from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, and training the teachers some days in the afternoon. The new school year is just beginning. Bill hired a new teacher this term, Sangeeta. I really like her. She is teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Thanks to a donation from Aunty Glenda, I was able to purchase some needed supplies, and some equipment for the school. Here are some photos from my latest trip. I hope these will help you pray for this rural school.

 The kids loved the tee ball set!

While I taught, the teachers and Pallu were gathered around a warm fire!

 Duck, duck, goose!

 Making name cards.

Principal Bill and his new desk.

 I taught the kids how to use tools to play with the Playdough.

 I love returning to the village across the river to visit these little sisters and brother.

 his is the goat I wanted.

This is the ewe I bought. Her wool and lambs will help Bill's ministry.

 The road home.

The roads were good -no trouble. The avalanches were cleared away, and the weather was great.

News From Bill in Apple Country

Bill has called me three times in the last two days. Seems there is drama with the small school. You may remember that I listed a school "van" as a top need for the school. Well, when I returned from out of country, he had solved the need. I took it off my pr list. Rae's married brother bought a small car and became the school's driver. Tuesday afternoon, angry parents descended on the Victorious English School to complain about the driving situation. Bill's brother-in-law has been late, or doesn't show up at all. One day, he went off during the day and faced a road block coming back. The kids were stranded at school. It's a sticky situation, being his brother-in-law.
So Bill calls me up and says, "Aunty, we need 33, 000 more rupees to buy a small car. The parents are threatening to remove their children." That's eleven kids. I asked Bill who would drive. He said he would! He's the first and 2nd grade teacher, and the principal already! Therefore, I ask you to join us in praying for this need, and the situation at his school. The parents are also demanding fencing, with which I totally agree. Rusty barbed wire is not appropriate. They still need trained volunteer teachers. We've been praying about those other issues along with the need for the school vehicle. Please join us!

Victorious English School

I had planned to be in Apple Country in February to help Bill and Rae open the new school year.  Well, my plans changed when I had to stay out of the country 60 days due to visa issues. I've been talking with Bill and Rae on the phone. They opened school with snow still on the ground. I sent some lesson plans for their pre-school and kindergarten until I can get there. Thanks to friends in Wake Forest, NC, I have some more teaching materials to take when I go next month. The needs are still great, but He is providing. In a few years the school will support their ministry in the area. I am praying for two believing English and Hindi speaking national teachers willing to volunteer there. It's difficult for the current small staff to teach the English curriculum.
The parents want a fence around the front of the property, but that hasn't happened yet. Bill and Rae are still praying for a school van, which will also generate income when used as a taxi. I am so thankful for those who have taken an interest in this tiny school. Some have sent supplies, some have expressed an interest in coming and helping to improve the facilities, and one retired teacher has sent funds to help. Bill and Rae are so appreciative. They covet your prayers.
I can't wait to return and try to help them fulfill their vision for the school.