Yesterday was jammed packed full of experiences.We started the day at the Good Shepherd Mission HIV/AIDS Support & Care Center. Here are some pictures to share.
In the afternoon, we "took rest, Sisters." We are really liking the afternoon rest! In the evening, we went to the Hospital to see the patients who had been selected at the Medical Cilinic on Sunday. They will have cataract surgery about 11:00PM. There are about 25 patients. We got a lovely surprise at the hospital as a baby had been born in afternoon. A beautiful girl baby was loved on by Linda & Debbie! The mother was somewhat disapointed that she did not have a boy baby. The baby & mom made 5 generations of women present at the hospital!
We then went to Brother Daniel's village to worship. We were greeted by rows of children with candles lighting our way to the church. We were given large leis of flowers & then we adjourned to an outside praise worship. There was much music! Ahnand's son Andrew is growing into a handsome young man with a voice of an angel! It truely is like watching your nephews & nieces grow up when you come back to the Mission. They are a precious generation of believers who are not afraid to proclaim their love for Jesus Christ! We all shared the message and drove back to the Mission.
Our final "new experience" for the day was a heavy rain storm. Usually it is hot & dry when we visit, but this time hot & wet! We sat on the porch & watched children & adults hurry through the rain & puddles. God Bless the young girl who ran to Praveens house (twice) to get Chai for us! Heavy rain brings many visitors to the porch. We have had many Gypsies around the mission this time. The "civilized" Gypsies sleep in a group of blue tarp tents. They were here last week, but one afternoon...gone without a trace (except the trash). Now the "uncivilized" Gypsies who sleep anywhere they put out their mat are here. Henry & his family care for the Gypsies. Viola (Henry's late wife) used to wander through the Gypsy camp to see if there were any babies who needed blankets or clothing. Henry allows them to sleep on their porch when it rains, even though their chattering late into the night often keeps him awake. Henry & our friends at Good Shepherd are truly the hands & feet of God, providing for those who do not have anything.
We are having many exciting experiences and will have many exciting stories to tell, so when we get back, please be patient with us as we will want to share! We are preparing to go to Kolladom today & spend the night, so we will post sometime tomorrow.
Sister Vicki Gentzell
The following pictures: Mother and son aids patients; Prayer garden in front of HIV/Aids Center
Group in front of the HIV/Aids cottages; Linda loves the new little girl
