Well, it seems as if we just got here, thinking back to when we met with A.M. Mathew and the orphanage in Mumbai on the second day of the trip. We are back in Mumbai now, preparing to make our way back home. Our flight leaves at 2:30 am tomorrow, but we are leaving from here at 10:30 pm. It's wierd how Traveling makes you lose all concept of time. Sometimes its hard to remember what we did an hour ago, or even what day it is. We have traveled so much this we compared to last week, so it just kind of flew by us.

From Angamoly we went to two smaller orphanages outside of Angamoly, ones that dont get visitors very often because it is so hard to get to them. We rode in the bus about four and a half hours, riding on the bumpiest roads you have ever seen. The first one we went to was where the tsunami happened, and a lot of the children were tsunami victims, or their care takers were affected by it. Some of the kids had parents, but because of the tsunami of other things were not able to provide enough for them to live with them. The last time someone came to visit them was last year, and it was actually another one of our teams . There are about 18 children there, and they all were so sweet, and were soo excited to see us. There was one girl, I think her name is Suni, that survived the tsunami. She was around seven or eight years old when it happened, and she was out in the water for two days. She survived by holding onto a piece of wood. How amazing is that! Everyone thought there was no hope, and she was gone. So you know that God had his hand on her, and kept her alive and safe until she was rescued. There are tons of incredible stories like this, and I'm so glad that we have got all the children's testimonies written down, so they can be shared with everyone. Mabu, the orphange director, was in terrible debt, but did not ask for anything but prayer. I couldnt even begin to tell you how humble and greateful he was when he was given money to help him out. He actually was in tears, and was speechless. Oh yeah, we bought a cow! It was for the tsunami orphanage, and will be used for milk, because it is so expensive to buy there. The second orphanage was about a hour and a half away from the last orphanage. We had a blast with the kids, doing bible stories, songs and playing games. Evey orphanage we have been to has just been so kind to us, and this one was no exception. They greeted us with the really good smelling flowers and gave us food and drinks. It's so amazing how fast these kids attach themselves to you, holding your hand and just wanting your attention. We could not explain how greatful these kids are that someone was coming to see THEM. Just the joy that we get to see on their faces is worth the trip itself. Every orphanage it was getting harder and harder to leave.

From there we went back to Angamoly and then Ten Kasi. The most beautiful place I have ever been! The mountains are awesome, the rivers and waterfalls, everything was so beautiful. We surprised Dr. Sam George, the orphanage director, at the orphanage. It was funny because he actually seemed kind of irritated because we just showed up, but was really thankful that we came to see them. What we learned was that his wife actually raised Veer from when he was 5 to adulthood. We had a lot of fun there, and were actually there for twelve straight hours. The orphanage is a school and a bible college too, so there were a variety of different ages there. The kids were awesome, and were funny too. There were two little ones that were actually found in the train station. I have heard so many stories, and I have to say that they are staring to run together, so I dont was to give you any wrong information. I'll let Cliff tell the testimonies, bacause they should be accurate. We got to spend time with the bible college students for a while, and get to know them a little. Some of them that I was talking to are graduating in Febuary, and asked me if I was coming. I told them I want to, but wasnt sure if I would be able to. One of the girls said that I will come and she will be praying that I get the money and everything to come back. Elizabeth, Sam George's wife went shopping with Allison and Eric and got all the kids new shoes. The kids were so excited about them. The one thing that really sticks out is a woman named Reba. She was found on the side on the road, and was so close to dead. I can say that I have never seen anyone that skinny in my life, she was literally skin and bone. She was so tiny and couldnt walk or barely talk. Mary and one of Sam's daughters Alison gave her a bath, and Allison and I were holding up a mat, and got to experience what was happening. I still dont even know the feelings that I had as I was witnessing this. We had a chance to pray for her, and it was awesome that she even let us, even though she was falling asleep at the time. They were going to take her to the hospital the next day, and take care of her until she didnt need to be anymore. Sam George and the kids took us to their new land that the India team actually broke ground on the year before. They made so much progress in only a year, starting out with only land and now having some building up, and stared planting vegetables, and a few more things. The Lord has really blessed that land and all they have done and are doing with it. They are planning to make that when the new orphanage will be. It's funnt because Sam George did not plan to have a huge orphanage and everything that came along in time. He planned to have just a small orphanage with just a few kids, but God had a different plan for him:) Now he has an orphanage and school with around 57 kids and students.

Well, we had a flight from Tivundrum to Mumbai yesterday, and that went good. Tia and I almost got off the plane when we were not supposed to. I dont know what we would of sone if that had happened! I definitely did not miss the smell of Mumbai, but actually wasnt too bad, because we have all got used to it. Today instead of shopping, we decided to go to A.M. Mathews orphange, and got to see them before we left. It was so wierd and sad thinking that we would not be going to any more orphanages.

So, I think thats it. Again I want to thank you all SO MUCH for keeping us all in your prayers. Just keep in mind all of the orphanages and the pastors and their families. Also, Veer had a flight and is home now. He is an amazing man, and I am so glad to have met him. Just keep him and his family in your prayers. The last thing is, I have some sort of rash thing that developed a few days ago, and I have no clue what it is. It started on my hand, but is now on my arms and legs. There just a bunch of timy little bumps and one of my fingers where it started is swollen and it itches. So, again thank you, and I will see some of you when we get home!

God Bless,

Kelly

Posted by Kelly Morrell at 8:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The othe night we were on the train on our way to Angamaly, lets just say it wasnt as nice as the last one, but it wasnt too bad. The only thing worth metioning really is Tia getting kicked out of her bed. She was on the middle bunk above a guy we didnt know, and when it got around 8:00, he wanted to sit, so he asked her to get up, so he could sit. We were all unaware of the 8:00 rule, so we were all kind of thinking that he wasnt the nicest guy for doing that. I am very proud of her for acting the way she did, because I was sort of expecting her to say something, but she didnt. It may of been that he wouldnt let her get a word it, when she was telling him she was moving, but... Veer was a gentlemen and gave up his bed for her, and sat up the rest of the time. I dont know what we would do without him, he has been a lifesaver. Thats just one out of many things he has done for all of us. Also, at the train station, there was a kid that kind of stuck with us for a while, and we got his story, and was actually surprising. He was a begger, but had parents, and wasnt forced to beg. He said he enjoyed do it, and kept the money for himself, and like the part about getting to eat. I guess there are many stories like that, but I dont know, It's what they grew up around I guess. It's just like you dont expect a little boy to say he enjosys begging, especially when he doesnt have to.

We went to the Emmanuel orphanage in Angamaly, which is a beautiful place, and a very nice school. The teachers are very nice and have huge hearts for the children. Actually met up with the South Carolina team, it was nice getting to see some fresh, familiar faces. We are actually with Kevin and Jeff shopping for the kids right now, and had some time to get on the blog. We got some games, and are getting a washer and dryer, and the children really need backpacks, because most of them are so full the zippers wont even close, or they are broken. The kids are so precious, and again all with huge smiles on their faces. They greeted us with flower necklaces, and smelled so beautiful. The South Carolina team was actually here yesterday, and the kids love them! We got to see them interact with them, and I took some video clips of them doing some songs and playing games with them. The kids are at school right now until 4, so I cant wait to get back there and spend time with them. We are here for two days, but some of us are going to Kottyam tomorrow, which takes about 5 hours to get their.

The hotel we are staying at here is called The Providence, and is not as nice as the last one we stayed at. They are trying to get us switched to the hotel the South Carolina team is staying in. It's not too bad, just some bugs, stains on the sheets and cold showers. Who could want more?

It was nice last night because we had a little worship session with Matt Green in our room. So it was like we were at church, and got to relax a little. I had a worship session on my ipod, and during the middle, guess whos voice appears... Flint. You can just say that Allison was so excited to hear his voice, it scared her. :)

Well, I think thats all for now, thanks for all your prayers. I love you!

Kelly

P.S. Wendy: Yes we do get to read your comments, and we all appreciate them very much! Thanks!

Posted by Kelly Morrell at 3:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

This morning we visited Gilgal Bible College to visit some of the younger guys we met yesterday. On the way there, I was feeling nautious, again. I have been feeling like this off and on since about a week before our trip and I dont know what it is. When we got there, I was dragging, I was tired and nautious. We talked and introduced ourselves, and then Eric felt like we were supposed to worship. So, some of the guys and teachers went up to the front and pulled out their instruments and song books, then began to sing. Let me tell you, you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in that room. The faith, love and gratitude they had for God was so strong, and it came out through their songs of praise. Mukesh, the warden and teacher at the college spoke a few words, and you could just see that he was so in love with God. All they wanted to do was praise God, and that is so awesome! I dont know what happened to me, but I walked out of that place just so overwhelmed with joy, I guess you could call it, that I couldnt even contain it, that they said I was glowing. I really cant describe it, all I know is that I didnt want it to leave, it was very comforting. I think we all needed a little reboost, and I know I got mine.

Right now I'm sitting in a cyber cafe at the train station, trying to put these thoughts and feeling to words, which is very hard for me. I cant wait to get on that train and go to sleep. For some reason the train is very comforting to sleep on it's almost like it's rocking you to sleep. It's and overnight train ride again, so we will be able to get some rest, because It's probably going to start getting harder and harder as the trip goes on.

After we went to the college, we went to the orphanage, and got all 13 of those kids plus three adults loaded into one vehicle to go SHOPPING. (All of us were in another vehicle) They were piled in there like a bunch of sardines. It was really an awesome experience because it was the first time they had ever gone shopping all together. Although some of us got a different version of the story, in which that they have never gone shopping period. They said it was VERY unusual for them to go all at once. They were so excited, all their little faces were lit up and had huge smiles on their faces. They were able to get two shirts and one pair of pants. You could imagine the chaos of everyone picking out what the wanted, trying things on, ect. So after they piled up again, we went back to the orphanage and ate lunch. I have to make a correction for a mistake I made in another blog. Melona, Jaison's wife, is who I was referring to, sorry for that. Anyways, she cooked lunch for us, and It was, again, wonderful. That woman is so sweet, and has a very kind and loving heart.

So today was our third day in this orphanage. For me, it is so much different than the last one, being that I actually got to spend time with the kids. At Emmanuel, I went shopping, so I really didnt get to spend time with the orphans. After hearing everyone's stories of what happened, and what they had been doing with the kids and what they felt for them, I guess I was kind of discouraged because I did not get to experience that. I wanted to, but it just wasnt there. Now that I've got to spend time with these children, I can say that I know what they mean. It feels so awesome, it really does make you not want to leave. We were playing with them, most of them are so talented at so many sports like football and cricket. I was playing volleyball with a few of them, and had a blast. It was kind of funny because they were not speaking English, so I couldnt understand what they were saying, which I think they wee meaning to. I had a feeling they were talking about me and plotting something. I finally figured out that they had been trying to get me all covered in mud from the ball, because everytime it would go in the puddle of clay they hit it towards me. But I was too good and they couldnt get me,:) even though I have stains all over my arms and feet. I actually have bruises on my arms from hitting the ball. I dont know what to say, thay are all just so precious. They were singing to us again, and their song are so beautiful. I really wish we were able to post some of the videos and pics, but it just hasnt been working out. We did our bible story today, and they all seemed to really enjoy it. A question Cliff asked when it was done was who wanted to be a Pastor when they grew up, and EVERY SINGLE had went up. It was like, wow, and you know most of these children grow up to become Pastors amd many other great things. Those children have almost nothing, but are so Blessed with so much more than just earthly things, like money or nice things, and even families. Although, they are all like one huge family, and it's so cool to see all of them together. I cant even begin to tell you how sweet they all are. I wasnt able to hear all of their testemonies, but from what I have heard, they are incredible, and I cant wait until you are able to read what they have all overcome, especially at such a young age.

Well, I feel like I need to say a lot more, but I cant think right now and I'm running out of time.

It might be a while before we talk to you again, because we are going to places which wont have internet. So I LOVE YOU and miss you! Please keep praying for us and the orphanages, and all the people we are going to incounter.

Kelly

Posted by Kelly Morrell at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A lot has happened in the last two days, but it seems like everything has been going very calmly, like we have had a lot of down time to just recouperate from everything. First of all, our train to Goa was about four hours behind schedule, then it moved to about four or five. Everyone says it's not a real train expeience unless your train is late, so... All the women from our group went into a women's waiting room type of thing, and we got to stay there until it was time to go. It was nice because it was pretty safe, and we really didnt have to worry about people coming in and taking our stuff. We played cards for a while, and just had some time to ourselves. The train came and we all boarded and got everything situated. We were all kind of at the point of being so tired, we were kind of hysterical and delirious at the same time. A bunch of hilarious things happened on the train, so you can probably imagine we had a good time. We all slept pretty much the whole train ride, well some of us. I can definitley say that I needed it. It was so beautiful along the way, the mountains and rivers, also there were some villages that were pretty neat to see. It was raining when it was time to get off, and Veer was saying we needed to get of as quick as possible. So as you know Mary had a little tumble off the train as she jumped off of it as it was still moving. :) There have been so many things along the trip that have just kept everyone laughing, which is really awesome to be able to do, even when your having a hard time.

So yesterday, since our train was a bit behind schedule, our plans got a little moved around( which is expected). We arrived about five hours late. We got to the hotel and went straight over to the orphanage in Goa, and walked in as they were reding their bibles. There are 13 boys, ages ranging from 7 to 14. After they were done, Yanga Mi, (a bible college student, and watches the boys in the orphanage) Started to tell us what they pray about. He also was an orphan at this orphanage. When he started to pray, everyone that was in the room started praying out loud, and I have to say, you could feel the power in their words. It was just so amazing to see this happening. After that, the orphans sang us a song that almost made me come to tears, I think it was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard, and it just made my heart, I don't know, it was so beautiful.( I took a video clip of it and we are trying to get it up and running tonight if we can) Job, the man that runs the orphanage, his wife was Marta was so awesome. There was a glow (as Tia put it) comimg off of her, and she was very nice. I have never liked coffee, ever, but I have to say that was the most amazing coffee I have EVER tasted! Oh, it was so, so, so, so, good :) AND she is a great cook! We had Fried bananas and lemon pound cake. It was REALLY good. He he, thats for Cliff R.!

Today, First we went to a Portuguese fort, with around 65 pastors and bible college students. For some reason there was a lot of peace with them. After that we ALL went out to eat at a vegetarian resturant, and then to the beach. It was beautiful, we were surrounded by mountains and giant rocks to climb on. Most of us got down and dirty playing fuutball:) and volleyball with a bunch of cow pies lying around just for us to fall in. We were also bombarded by a mob af roaming women venders, constantly in our face and following us everywhere. All of us were completely covered in sand when we were leaving. The weird thing is, is that we kind of feel like celebrities, because all of the pastors and people we were with kept asking us to take pictures with them. Tia and I think we were pretty much on every camera. A reason for that is probably because Cliff kind of announced to everyone that we were single and was trying to marry us off. :) We went back to the orphanage in Goa, got to play with the kids for a while. We played badminton the whole time, and the ground was kind of muddy, so we were all slippin' and slidin' all over the place, it was a lot of fun. Those kids just always have a smile on their face, and it makes you smile when you see them. Their was one that I feel in love with, his name is Poah ( Poe) and he had the cutest smile. They are all really awesome, and I hope we get to know them better tomorrow. They are all so disciplined, getting up at 5:30 and having prayer, going to school, coming home for luch and having prayer and devotionals, going back to school, coming home and having more prayer and devotionals at night. It's pretty amazing and it makes you really think, why dont we have that much discipline. I know that it's pretty much necessary to have that here, but it doesnt give us any excuse for not doing it where we live.

It's great that we are all building relationships with each other, and they are growing even more all the time. The one thing that never stops is our laughter, which has been pretty much a constant thing with this group, and is much needed. I was actually having a hard time in the beginning, just with some different things I personally have been dealing with, but as each day starts, I keep feeling so much better, I dont even know how to explain it. I think that this group is helping each other so much, in so many ways, and I'm just excited to keep seeing what God is doing through us and in us. I am still having a problem with stepping out in prayer, I'm not sure if it's fear, or what, but if you could pray for that specifically, I greatly appeciate that. Again, I thank all of you that have been gratiously giving your time and praying for all of us, we definitely couldn't do this without God and your prayers and support. If you could also pray for Veer and his family. His kids, if you didnt already know, are home and were very sick with a viral infection, and it was very hard on Veer not being able to be their for them. They are getting better, but of course could still use your prayers.

Wow! God is just so AWESOME!

I love you guys so much, and I miss you!

Love,
Kelly

Posted by Kelly Morrell at 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Yesterday we visited the Emmanuel orphanage in Khairpada. It was just so amazing how sweet those kids were, and how tiny they are. The first hand you shake or the first hug you get, you realize that this is really happening. It still seems almost surreal that im actually here, but at the same time it feels almost too real. Just to see their sweet smiles after all they have gone through and still going through, is worth the trip, and it's enough to make your heart melt. There's really no way for me to express to you how India is, except like everyone else says, you have to see it for yourself. As much as I have heard things about India from others that have gone, it is nothing compared to experiencing it for yourself.

As we walked into that orphanage, you could feel the joy coming from the children. They were just so happy to have people come in, and just love them. It was fun when Tia started singing and dancing for all the children, then they all started to join in and the whole room was filled with their beautiful voices.

Eric, Jeremy and I went shopping with A.M. Mathew and his wife Suma and their daughter Christina (she is adorable!) to get things they, and the orphange needed. Suma's face was just glowing the whole time, especially when it was time to get a food processor, something she has wanted for a long time. Also, we got them a washer and dryer, and a few other necessities like mats for the children to sleep on, pots, and a couple other things. They were so grateful of everything that the team did. Once we got back, we got to spend some time with the kids, playing with them, games like football(soccer), and praying for them. They sang for us "Jesus is a Winner Man" and "Lord I lift your name on high." That was a lot of fun. We also did the story of Shadrach, meshach, and abendego, which they seemed to enjoy. We all had an awesome time, and I cant wait to see what happens at the next orphange. It's just so heart breaking when it's time for you to leave, and they're all asking if your comimg back. It's kind of like, what do you say to them? We just loved them as much as we could, and that's all we know to do.

For me, I'm having a great time, especially the car rides. As crazy as they drive you would think I would be having a heart attack, but it's a blast. It's all that you would think of India and so much more. Our journey has just began and I can't wait to see what happeens next. Tonight we are taking a train ride to Goa, it takes about ten hours. As we discorvered this morning is that it would cost less to travel by plane, and it would only take 2 hours. But we all need to have an Indian train experience, so that's what were doing.

Well, were supposed to check out of the hotel at 12, in about 2 minutes, which isn't happening. Were about four shops down from the hotel in a cyber cafe, upstairs in about a 10' by 10' room with only a fan, with 9 people. So I guess that's it for now. Thank you again for all you prayers and just continue to pray.

I love you!,

Kelly

P.S. I did not forget my passport, I just forgot to bring it to the cyber cafe! :)

Posted by Kelly Morrell at 1:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)