One of the joys of visiting Good Shepherd is spending time with the children who live at the mission. Good Shepherd in Puttur provides a home for 150 children who have either no parents or parents who are unable to care for them. The hostel in Kolladam run by Henry's brother Prasad does the same for 30 boys. In the picture on the left Laura is spending time with some of the girls.
Ashley shared the following:
Our team had a little free time this afternoon so a few of us decided to wander over to the children's dorms to see what the kids were up to. As always, the boys were occupied playing cricket, but the girls were thrilled to see us. After lots of handshaking and hugs the girls decided that it would be fun if everyone joined in a rolicking game of "capity" They organized us and themselves into two rows facing each other. Then, in one collective motion, they all began to sprint around as the game of "capity" commenced. Thoroughly confused as to the rules of "capity," I decided my best bet was to just stand still and observe. Wrong. Out of nowhere I was plowed into by a group of laughing girls. Apparently, this meant it was my turn to be "it." I was escorted to the center of the game between the two lines and was instructed to "run!" I turned to one of the girls and asked for further clarification. She explained everything saying, "Sister Ashley, just capitycapitycapity, yes?"
A lot of our communication with the people here has been similar to this, difficult and confusing. Regardless, we have learned to communicate and have had a lot of fun together. I still Have no idea what the point of "capity" is but it doesn't really matter.
Our team had a little free time this afternoon so a few of us decided to wander over to the children's dorms to see what the kids were up to. As always, the boys were occupied playing cricket, but the girls were thrilled to see us. After lots of handshaking and hugs the girls decided that it would be fun if everyone joined in a rolicking game of "capity" They organized us and themselves into two rows facing each other. Then, in one collective motion, they all began to sprint around as the game of "capity" commenced. Thoroughly confused as to the rules of "capity," I decided my best bet was to just stand still and observe. Wrong. Out of nowhere I was plowed into by a group of laughing girls. Apparently, this meant it was my turn to be "it." I was escorted to the center of the game between the two lines and was instructed to "run!" I turned to one of the girls and asked for further clarification. She explained everything saying, "Sister Ashley, just capitycapitycapity, yes?"
A lot of our communication with the people here has been similar to this, difficult and confusing. Regardless, we have learned to communicate and have had a lot of fun together. I still Have no idea what the point of "capity" is but it doesn't really matter.
Chad describes giving the gifts to the children on Saturday evening:
"On Saturday night we had an event with the Good Shepherd kids. We gave them the gifts that we brought. Each child also received a set of clothes from us. (The clothes are not ready-made. Everyone over here buys fabric at the textile shop and then has a tailor make the clothes. I had 2 shirts made for me and I paid the tailor $4 total. I splurged on the fabric because it cost $6 total.) It was bittersweet watching the kids get their stuff. They were excited to get these trinkets. Hair ribbons. Pens. Calculators. Markers." All the purchased gifts were donated by members of Grace Evangelical. The clothing material was donated by the team members.
The mission also houses several elderly people who have no where else to go. Some of these are lepers but others have disabilities that prevent them from being able to work. They have a home and are fed and cared for and given basic medical attention for their needs. This gentleman has lived at the mission for at least 10 years and the children all help care for him.
It is Monday there now and the team has a large medical camp.