A Note from Shelley

When one is faced with the opportunity to go on a trip like this, certain ideas of how it will be tend to surface. Throw all that out the window. I tried really hard not to expect anything when I was told that we were going to a city with 20 million people to spend time in the slums and then travel to smaller city of 750,000 to work/play/present skits to 50 children in a home for orphans. It was SO much more than that!

Kolkata was very crowded. I never imagined what 20 million people looked or felt like much less experienced traffic the likes of what we experienced. Take Manhattan and add rickshaws, cows, people, bicycles and lots of motorcycles. All in the street. Multiply it and see what you get. Amidst all that, we ended up on the outskits of town in the slums where we met the most incredible women that had chosen to join the sewing ministry that our friend Smriti with Mudpath Ministries started. These ladies are taking classes twice a week along with a bible study. The awesome thing about this is they are learning a trade that will provide for their families while learning about God and His love for them! They showed us their sewing and were so proud. Seriously, pleats and puffy sleeves. One yound lady, Lita, quickly became a friend. She was abandoned by her husband when she could not conceive. My heart really went out to her. All the ladies were beautiful, smart and seemed happy regardless of their circumstances. I look forward to hearing about their progress. Smriti has a love and passion for the slum ladies that will move Mudpath Ministries to more slums and have a huge impact on lives. It's a privilege to be a part!

Rajamundry was more my speed, although you still have rickshaws, cows, people, bicycles and lots of motorcycles. All in the street. Rajah was more in the country with fresh air by a huge river. The G Brothers were gracious hosts and the kids at the home were very excited to see us! We had lots of quality time with the kids in Rajah. So smart! So quick to learn English! If only their language of Telugu was as easy... The Rajah Home is home to about 25 girls and 25 boys who have either been orphaned or are children of widows who cannot support them. Each little face was precious. I know a friend who would have adopted all of them if she could. I'm excited that these kids get a chance to learn, to be encouraged, to be nourished spiritually/physically/emotionally... There's still a chance that when they reach the age of 10 that their extended family could take them out of the Rajah Home to go back to work in the rock quarries. That's the understood age to put a child to work. During days with the kids, we were stretched, challenged, entertained and loved..and it was all given back to them as well! I tried so hard not to cry when we had to leave. Fortunately, Randy was ready with the jokes to ease the transition. I heard only about 1/3 of the kids are sponsored right now, so that is a challenge that needs to be met.

That is by far not the extent of what we experienced, but I will let you go. We leave for Frankfurt in about 5 hours. Time for a rest...and a wash of the feet.