Dedication

The band and singers sang the Welcome song for each person and special guests--whew, I thought we were going to be singing ALL day!!

Sister Diann reads the dedication for Terry's cottage.




Robin says a prayer.









Sister Diann displays the sign.

Brother Doug and Sister Helen read the dedication and Sister Deb prays for Phyllis' cottages.

Pastor Stacie says the prayer for the Jesus room Sister Diann dedicated to the team.

People enjoying a wonderful meal!

Banana leaves for plates--Doug & Pete used the leaves for plates and ate with their hands but the rest of us remained Americanized!!!

Jen-It's good to be back... I'd say it's good to be home but I don't want to scare anyone! You really do feel so welcome here, and you know it's where you are suppose to be. I said when I was here in '97 how stunning the children are here, and nothing's changed. Pete had devotions the other morning and the verse he chose was Matthew 18:5- "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.". This verse totally explains Good Shepherd Mission. Henry is completely open to God's will. He surrenders it all, and in his weakness God's grace gives him the strength to provide for so many. You can see the love of Jesus coming through in the faces and smiles of all the children here. Henry receives these children with open arms and in return he is blessed over and over again.

Henry and his grandson, Henry Samuel, Praveen and Anita's son.

[Jesus] took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. -Mark 10:16 (NIV)

Tuesday Night

The team was treated to a wonderful meal last night by Praveen and Anita. Before leaving, we saw the new slit lamp that was purchased with your generous donations. Brother Henry and Praveen and ALL the satff are so excited and appreciative of the gifts--slit lamp, dental chair (funds from Grace Evangelical in Missouri), microscope, clothing gifts for all the children and staff, blankets for the children and 50 poor people, a dedication meal and celebration (funded by Sister Paula Flippin), a meal hosted and served by the team, dinner for the medical staff, only 4 medical camps which the strikes cut short because we were unable to get to Kolladam--please note, all medications not distributed at camps is then distributed free at the hospital--and lastly, part of the prayer garden (the rest of the garden will be completed as the cottages will be finished--more donations are needed for it's completion). We have a list of needs and concerns for women health issues to work on next. One last note so it is not forgotten,Praveen has decided to have the 5 residents for the HIV/AIDS center begin residing now rather than February 1 even though there is no furniture, ceiling fans, lights, and other amenities in which donations are needed.

Deb--This musical chorus has played over and over in my head for the past ten days:
"We are standing on holy ground, for I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise Jesus now, for web are standing in His presence on holy ground."

Wherever God is present becomes sacred and he is surely present at the Good Shepherd Mission. We have felt it again and again.

Mary has spoiled us. We have such a variety and abundance of food for each meal (but nothing goes to waste because what is not eaten goes to the children). We came back one day to potato chips.

The Dedication!!

What work has gone into getting the cottages ready and how beautiful they are!!! This picture shows Terry's cottage. Can you see the brick walkway?

The psalmist wrote, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped." -Psalm 28:7 (NRSV)

HIV/AIDS Center

We started the day working at HIV/AIDS center--lots to do because the dedication is tomorrow. We really wanted to work on the prayer garden but the brick layer had to do the work so we went with the flow!!! Deb, Jen, and Morgan are painting the walls.

Robin is helping filter the sand from the gravel.



Doug and Pete are transferring gravel.





Robin - Philippians 4:9
"Put into practice what you have learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together will work you into his excellent harmonies."

I hope to be as gracious, open, and loving as the people I've met in India. Their wide open arms and hearts are truely an expression of God's excellent harmonies.

Morgan- I want to thank my wonderful family for allowing me to take this journey. The Good Shepherd Mission is a place all should see, hear, or experience for themselves.

Pete says hi and tell my mom to send money. (Don't worry-we ARE bringing him home!!!!!)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. -Colossians 3:23 (TEV)

Monday Night

Monday evening after working in the prayer garden-- Mary and the girls walked into town and brought back lungies and house dresses to choose from. The lungies were a huge hit as you can see!! Pete bought 2 and wants to buy 2 more!!

Pete REALLY likes his lungie!!

The team has spent a lot of time laughing and there was quite a roar coming from the upstairs of Henry's house. The many blessings that the Lord has been showering on us has just been incredible!!

Pastor Stacie-"Beloved, let us love one another because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.". All the beautiful children and people, their warmth, welcome and hospitality have shown us God's love. We have been incredibly blessed by the experience of being with them and getting to know them. It has been a privilege and joy.

Diann-A wonderful journey-India truly is a most beautiful country- PEOPLE, LOVE, JOY, FUN-God's love!!!

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people." -Luke 2:10 (NRSV)

HIV/AIDS Center

Diann is carrying over bricks for the wall.

Tamping dance. Everyone is helping press down the sand.

The countdown is on. As you can see, lots of progress has been made at the HIV/AIDS Center--well, the dedication is on Wednesday and it's Monday evening!!! We are preparing the dirt for the bricks which we will lay tomorrow.

Pouring wet dirt, stones, and sand for the footers!!

This is the sunset the patients will see each night from the center.
The beauty of the Lord's creation.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. -Psalm 27:4 (NIV)

Monday

The children are not in school because of the strike so our little buddies came to see us this morning. They were singing while Doug played the guitar. Then Sisters Moran (as Ganesh calls her), Jen, and Robin taught them to dance!!!

This woman brought her baby to the clinic today at the DMV (dept of motor vehicles). More people had been expected but because of the strike, people did not leave their homes. However, we did see 430 people and gave 80 Hep B shots.

People lined up to see the doctors. Robin triaged and one man stood in line to see her 3 times.

Sunday evening we hosted a dinner at Hotel Kences in Tiraputi for the medical staff. Everyone had a nice time speaking with the doctors and thanking them for the wonderful work they do at the GSM Hospital. Plans began for a new dental chair to honor Dr Charlie. Praise the Lord!!

He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. -Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Sunday Morning

We are off to Nindra, Henry's boyhood church, in our Sunday finest!!!
It didn't take long for Mary and Grace to wrap us. I guarantee the sarees will never be wrapped the same!!! The young girls tried to braid everyone's hair (haha) before putting beautiful jasmine flowers in our hair. The wind from the van ride didn't help our hair either.

Before heading off to Nindra, we drove past the HIV/AIDS center. The men are working long days in preparation for the celebration January 6th.

When we arrived in Nindra, we were given an ox cart ride through the village to the church. We were led by singing--no band!! Helen gave the message with Robin closing in prayer. Another memorable day at GSM.

God creator and spirit of all creation geny remind us we are not in control of life. Your comfort and grace are free to all people, and we are deserving of these blessings. Encourage us to pause and appreciate every moment of life. May we continue to motivate, inspire, and contribute during our magnificent journey together. We pray that our words and actions promote peace, justice, and love to all people. Amen.



After returning from Nindra, we were surprised by guests from the USA. Jeanette and Janet came to see Jennifer and the group as a reunion from their 1997 trip!! (just kidding - it's a picture from '97)

The psalmist wrote, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'" -Psalm 122:1 (NRSV)

Saturday Night

The team traveled to Jayaranipuram to see the church dedicated to Annabelle Werner. What a thrill for Jennifer. The church is in need of repairs. An outdoor service allowed for many to see and hear the word of God spoken by Doug and Diann. There was a lot of singing and dancing. Afterwards, the children received blessings and then back to the mission at 9 pm for our dinner meal.

Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers. -James 1:22 (NRSV)

Medical Camp

What a way to start the day!!! Praveen picked us up in the Charlie van and drove us to the base of the hill. We had 5 boys helping us up.
The first part of the climb was gravel road with sage and mint plants covering the area. Then we had slippery rocks and man eating thorns to maneuver around. The boys searched the area for cobras but found none. As we sat on the rock at the top, we enjoyed the gorgeous sun as we drank chai tea. The view of the Puttur area was beautiful--on one side, we could see the HIV/AIDS center and on the other side, we could see the Good Shepherd Mission!!

God is good!!!

Before the medical camp, Robin was making sure our dobi was doing a good job washing our delicates!!

We had an awesome medical camp!! 800 people saw doctors and 130 children received Hepatitis B vaccines!!




Some of the children were crying and screaming before entering. In fact some came in kicking and screaming. And then there were times when Doug and Deb had to hold. It was a truly awesome feeling helping all these people.

Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." -John 8:12 (nrsv)

New Year's Day

We served the children lunch.

New Year's Day morning and the children have come over to greet us with Happy New Year!!!!

The only word that can describe these children of God is precious!!


Pete and Diann show the children how to brush their teeth. Every child received a tootbrush and toothpaste.


Deb is placing a cross necklace on one of the girls. The children received necklaces, beanie babies, lace bookmarks, mini frisbees, hackey sacks, and yo yos. The boys loved the yo yos.


Robin and the children in the Ashram.

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. -Proverbs 22:6 (NRSV)

New Year's Eve

The Children love Doug!!



As in all celebrations in India, the music is LOUD!!!!!!

There is no end to the celebration! Pete, Morgan, and Doug dancing!!
We couldn't get them off the stage.



Mary,who prepares and serves our food, waits for communion.




The evening celebration began with 7 baptisms. Pastor Stacie presented Bibles to each in honor of Dr Charlie Wolfe and Mr Terry Connor. Venkatapathi, sponsored by Jeanette & Dean Mausolf accepts his Bible.


Jennifer & Diann helping with communion.


If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! -2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSV)

New Year's Eve Day

We blessed the new air conditioner donated by Dean Mausolf's parents.

Whatever medicines are not dispensed at the medical camps are then distributed back at GSM. We learned that the word in Telagu for pharmacy is mondula shop. We also learned the word for go is po. People at the camps apparently thought they were to visit each room. After checking their prescription slip and realizing they had already seen the doctor, we would say--mondula shop po


We visited the Bone Setter's Hospital this morning. The doctors are all related and use egg and mixes it with leaves and herbs. While waiting at the railroad crossing, the tailor came by looking for Doug & Pete to measure!! The tailor at the train crossing.


We spent a little bit of time touring the cottages at the HIV/AIDS Center. We are removing rocks and helping spread the dirt in the prayer garden. The rakes had a big shovel part and a little handle--yes, we had to stay bent over to push the dirt around.

The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden. -Isaiah 58:11 (NRSV)