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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! :)
Comments
Kelly,
It is so awesome to hear of your experiences! I'm so thankful you are all doing well and having a wonderful time. Your writing is so enjoyable to read and helps us to 'see' some of your experiences through your eyes. I'm so proud of you, Kelly! I've shared your writing with some co-workers. Maggie, here at work, even forwarded it to her pastor, who went to India last year! I love you, Kelly. Keep Writing! And be safe, baby!
Posted by: Becky Sutherland | September 20, 2006 8:33 AM
Hey Kelly! It's so wonderful to hear from you. Keep it coming. We are praying for all of you. Love, Miss Kim
Posted by: Kim Greene | September 20, 2006 9:17 AM
Hi Kelly,
It is great to read what you posted.
When you get back, forget about ever driving the suv... A learner's permit, Indian driving experience... Have MERCY! :)
Keep up the good work and stick close to Jeremy, if there is a problem you don't have to be the fastest just faster than him!
Love you kid, err young lady.
I look forward to your next post.
Cliff
Posted by: Cliff Rainer | September 20, 2006 9:50 AM
Ha, I knew that you didn't forget your passport! You'd be back in school by now! Glad you are enjoying your trip, don't forget to try and grab some of that yummy candy for Ash (not to mention I like it too!) :). I certainly can understand the heartache of not being able to tell the kids you won't be coming back but take each moment for what you can and make some memories. We all get selfish with our own needs and situations and it doesn't make us too happy with ourselves when we see how these people live... I hope you get to learn to sleep standing up like Tia! Be safe and please don't leave Jeremy behind :( (Bad Cliff!)
Posted by: Janie Rainer | September 20, 2006 10:35 AM
I am so glad to hear you are doing so well and have such an amazing experience. We miss you at Beta, but we are so proud of you and know that you are busy doing God's work over there! Be safe and we will see you soon. Love, Keri
Posted by: Keri Lewis | September 20, 2006 2:34 PM
Can't believe I'm gonna say..ur...write this...but after reading all these posts, I feel a desire to experience what all of you are experiencing ;-]
(I probably shouldn't have put that in righting huh, if I'm not 100% willing to suit up..lol)
Blessings to everyone
Posted by: Wendy | September 20, 2006 2:37 PM
HEEEEYYY KEEELLLLYY
I am glad you are having a blast! And I am glad to see your writing it's awesome. Love you girlie and miss you! I will keep praying for ya!!
Love Ash
Posted by: Ashley | September 20, 2006 3:10 PM
Hey Girl...
I'm so happy for you... and definately the children! A person to hug and love on... you are so precious!
May you soak up this experience and as you give out the Lord will fill you back up!
I miss you and can't wait to hug you!
Love You ~ Amy
Posted by: Amy White | September 20, 2006 10:57 PM
Kelly Bean - It is neat to see India thru your eyes & heart. Thank you for sharing both so eloquently.
I know this is a trip of discovery for you - finding God & the world is so much bigger than you ever imagined. You are probably finding you are so much stronger than you thought but we have known you are made of so much good stuff. I also suspect the Lord is teaching you about His love & expanding your heart thru this journey.
We love you & believe in the very special young woman you are already & the one you are becoming. India will be a better place because you were there.
Love, Aunt Pat
Posted by: Pat Brookins | September 21, 2006 9:04 AM
Hi Kelly,
Greetings and LOVE from your cousin in California! What a beautiful life experience for you at such a perfect age. Open your heart to all that God is teaching you and you will experience His path of JOY your entire life! I'm delighted to hear you are helping others for that is truly what our life on the Earth is all about. To grow spiritualy, we must Share God's LOVE. Hope to see you at Thanksgiving this year.
Love and Blessings,
Cousin Dawn
Posted by: Dawn Walls_Bain | September 21, 2006 2:03 PM
Kelly,
I'm so glad that you are in India to experience all that the Lord has for you. You are truely a bold and courageous lady. I know that God has even more adventures around every corner and train station. You have such a huge heart and I know that God brought you to India to just lavish LOVE on all the kids there. I love you Kelly and I'm so excited for all that you are doing. I can't wait to hear all of your stories. Know that Joe and I are praying for you and the team. We can't wait to have you back.
Love,
Michelle V
Posted by: Michelle | September 22, 2006 11:00 AM