Baby dedication

Missed school again today and went to a family event about a half hour away instead.  A cousin came to church yesterday and joined us for lunch to give an invitation to come for his son's dedication ceremony.  We all fed the baby after P spoke and then had lunch.  I was amazed at what a large family this was...the father that invited us is one of 8 and his father is one of 11!!!  It was a fun day, though every time I turned around it seemed like I was staring into the camera - especially when I was eating! 

Movie night!!!

All the kids gathered in the courtyard tonight and we watched "How To Train Your Dragon" which they really enjoyed.  It was great to listen to them laugh throughout the movie.  What a great way to end the day!

Communion Sunday

Today was my first time in church for communion in India.  And I got to be a part of two services in one day!  Last night, I was asked to go to a church in Jaggayyapet this morning with Prabhudas to his friend's church.  On the way, I was told that his friend died 2 years ago, but the son was now leading and Prabhudas has been going for a couple months to encourage them.  I didn't have my camera so did not get any pictures, but I enjoyed it.  Back in town, I ran back to the house to get my camera.  The church was pretty packed and I snuck out after putting my stuff down to get some pictures.

I interrupted the Sunday School classes for pictures as well. 

 After the sermon, it was announced that communion was only for those who had been baptized and others were asked to move to the back so that those participating in communion could move to the front.  The elements were prayed for then given to a group of ladies sitting to the side to get it ready for passing out to the people.  When the cups were being passed out, I noticed a few ladies following those serving and collecting the cups as people finished taking it.  

New Hope School

It's been on my heart for a few weeks to try to raise funds for the school as I really want these kids to have the best possible school environment.  It will take another $6000 to finish the classrooms on top of the church and then the benches will need to be purchased (25 at $32/each).  Everyone is doing a great job making do with what we have, but it could be so much better!  So I took some pictures today to use for an info sheet on the school I'm working on.  This is the best one (I think) of the kids and staff.

One of the pastors that live at the Bible school, took the camera so that we could get all of us in one picture.

Then it was decided we needed one with just me and the kiddos!  I love these little ones so much!!!  =)

Busy day...

After a little school, and a women's meeting, I had a little down time before heading upstairs to do some office work.  Before I headed up, it started raining which I loved even though it meant my laundry didn't get done today.  I did feel bad for the guys working on the water pump as I don't think they were enjoying the rain as much as I was. 

With the storm came some great clouds and I wanted to be outside, but I tried to stay focused. And I did pretty good until it started sounding like someone was sawing through the roof. As soon as a phone call necessitated a break, I dashed upstairs to see what was going on and this is what I found...

  

Ruth had some of the boys using rocks to scrub the black, slimy stuff that was coating the roof and clogging up the drains causing the rain to puddle.  They used the buckets to wash away the yuck that was scrubbed up by the rocks and started scrubbing again!   

I figured while I was up there, I'd grab a couple shots of the clouds before getting back to work downstairs. 

Women's meeting in Jaggayyapet

Went to another women's meeting today in the nearest town called Jaggayyapet.  We met in the home of one of the teacher's I work with and his wife served us lunch after the meeting. 

I shared out of Philippians 4 and referenced I Peter 3:3-4 focusing on developing gentleness.  The German ladies shared about other things but one referenced I Peter 3:1 and the other used one of the same verses in Philippians 4.  It was pretty cool that though we all had different things to share, they had a common theme and the same Scriptures without having talked to each other before hand. 

I moved to the floor to eat as it was easier to balance the plate on my knee. 

It was a bit spicy, but I really enjoyed it!     

Oh so studious...and a special guest!

I was only in school for the first class today and pulled out my camera to capture some of my hard workers.


 

 Little Seanna is 3 years old and belongs to one of the pastors that lives at the Bible college so she comes to join us from time to time during class and today, decided to work on her writing with the bigger kids.