Sarah`s Box

As you read in my previous blog, the poverty experienced at the Rampora school really touched my heart. Several people responded to my blog post with a willingness to financially support the school. As a result of this Mr.Brooks, Coach Smeltzer and I began brainstorming for ways to provide for the kids. One idea that was presented as an option was to create a box of supplies which would be presented to search respecting school. The cost would include $150 monthly pay, due averaging $3 per child. Overall this would create a budget of $1500 per year for the school supplies. Eventually I would like to support up to four schools. Veer, myself, and all of our supporters will begin with the Rampora school and, hopefully, after one year, be able to support another school.

This project will enable Veer to enhance his mission work in India. The supply Boxes will not only give Veer a chance to expand his influences, but will provide an opportunity to gain the trust needed to spread the Gospel.

Each box will include:

• -2 notebooks per student

• -10 pencils per student

• -pencils sharpeners

• -erasers

• -rulers

• -crayons

To help support this project, go to Faith`s website at http://www.grapevinefaith.com/AboutUs/SpiritualGrowth/India/tabid/452/Default.aspx and click the Donation link located at the bottom of the page. Through Pay Pal, the money will be transferred into Veer`s account so that Veer`s staff can put together the Box. After Veer donates the box to the school, he will take a picture of the kids actually receiving the box, so anyone who donated money will see the positive outcome of their help. The picture will then be posted on the "Team India 2010" blog as soon as possible.

From the desert to the Palace!

 Hi, this is Maria.  We spent an amazing night in the desert and then got up and loaded up the camel carts to go eat breakfast. After breakfast we made our way to the bus and drove five hours to the city of Jodhpur where we did some shopping....FUN FUN FUN!!! Dr. Smith had said when we were done shopping that the team would be taking a tour of this beautiful palace, so when the shopping was finished some of us were kinda tired and did not want a tour....BUT....when we got to the palace it was not only a palace but also a BIG BEAUTIFUL HOTEL :) :) We were all in awe :)  The surprises continued as the general manager updated all of our rooms to suites and our dinner was upgraded as well. For dinner, every one dressed up and met in the incredible lobby.  The dinner had been moved to the beautiful outside lawn, where there was a path that had been lit with candles.  The girls were escorted by the guys to the diner tables. The area where we ate is also where the ending of the movie "Night with the King" was filmed. Diner was amazing!!  The food was prepared perfectly and served with great precision.  We all felt like kings and queens, being served hand and foot :D!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Hi everyone! This is Victoria again!

Today we headed out from the desert tent city and made our way into the city of Jodhpur to do some shopping. As I rested on the five hour bus ride to the shopping center, I remembered the incredible view I was able to experience in the desert. 

As soon as I found out we were staying the night in the desert, I was so excited to see the beautiful sky at night. Not until we were there did I realize how majestic it really was. A countless number of stars dotted the sky too numerous to even try to count. As I lay there staring at the sky,  I thought back to the story of Abraham and the promise God made to him. God said He would make Abraham's family as large as the amount of stars in the sky. It occurred to me that God continues to keep His promise to Abraham even after thousands of years. I then realized, while looking at the sky, just how faithful and majestic our God is. I also came to the conclusion of how small we really are in comparison to the rest of the universe, and yet we are God's most prized creation. Looking at something as magnificent as the stars in the sky made me feel so incredibly insignificant. I then remembered that man is God's love, not the stars in the sky or beautiful sunset or sunrise. Man. I thanked God for loving us so much although we don't deserve it. This trip has been so eye opening in so many ways that I couldn't have even imagined!:)

Thanks  so much for letting me share my thoughts! 

Blessings!

Victoria

Memories of Camel Riding

Hey its Pierson Sizelove. Today we took a 2 hour camel ride into the desert where a whole tent palace was waiting for us. While I was on the camel I got to reflect back on last week. I thought about all the kids I got to meet and get to know while at Veer's school. I enjoyed learning more about their culture and how they do things. I realized that we are not much different from them (except for the way they use the bathroom).  We both go to school and learn everyday, we both take time to pray during the day, and we both enjoy playing sports and getting to run around with friends. 

One of the funniest parts on the trip so far was when I got a massage from Brother Sanjay, a local masseuse. He started out just massaging the head and he ended up taking my shirt off for me in his store....kinda weird. He ended up coming to the school 3 nights in a row and I got a massage each night. Overall I have had a life changing experience in India.

This is Veer Singh and I want to write on Piearson blog. If you want to change your life just contact Piearson. More information please contact Michael.  It has truly been a blessing for me to minister with these most excellent young men.

This is Mr. Jon Brooks sir.  I know that you parents are enjoying the writings of your students.  Please know that if you have any questions due to the partial telling of story and events, we will be home in 3 days to tell all!  I love your students and are so proud to be leading them through this great adventure.  God is so good!  (Brother Sanjay is coming home with us and we will line up massages on a first come, first serve basis!!)

Ratatouille

Hey everyone! This is Hannah Novak, and today I'm going to tell you about the most disgusting experience of my life. Yesterday, we visited a Rat Temple in Deshnokh. The temple was beautifully ornate on the outside, but inside, the smell of rat poop overtook us instantly. There were rats scurrying across the floor and climbing all over the walls. It was obvious that the rats were diseased because their tails were falling off and their fur grew in clumps. The smell was putrid and everyone felt like their skin was crawling. The spiritual death I have felt over India was strongest in this place. I could feel God's heart breaking. But what affected me most of all was that these people were so ardently worshipping something so vile. Rats are small and powerless, and they represent everything dead and decaying. There were dead rats everywhere. My God is not dead. I worship a god that is HUGE and POWERFUL and GOOD, and it made me angry and sad to see people living in such darkness. Later, we visited the home of Blessy*'s father, who has been a pastor in India for 45 years.  We participated in a prayer service which consisted of traditional Hindi lyre music and traditional Christian hymns. It was a beautiful portrayal of the universal nature of Christianity. We were in a tiny room on plastic chairs singing out of ancient, poorly translated hymnals, but it was one the most beautiful worship services I have ever taken part in. These people are so on fire for God and its tangible. How unique to see so closely the juxtaposition between a place so dark and dead and a place so filled with the presence of God.

*Blessy is Veer's wife

Sunday Morning Worship

This morning we participated in Sunday worship with Veer and his friends.  It was surprising how many similarities there were between Indian worship and American worship.  Veer led the Indians in singing Hindi hymns, while John Hughes led the English speaking people in praise and worship music, accompanied by his guitar.  After we sang, Dr. Smith and Pastor Brooks each gave a mini-sermon that was translated into Hindi by Veer.  We then partook in the Eucharist and were able to observe Veer consecrate the elements in Hindi.  Veer passed out naan while one of his friends followed him with some grape juice tasting liquid.  We concluded the service with an offering and shaking everybody's hand telling them, "Praise to the Lord."  With the exception of the Hindi, worship with Veer was much like mine.  It was truly an unforgettable experience.  

This is our last day at Veer's compound, and I am sad to go.  I will miss all the boys here, especially Jeremiah (the boy I am holding) dearly.  However, I cannot wait to experience the other parts of India, and for that, I am ready to move on.

Oye! Cale Morris

Hands and Feet

Hi everyone! This is Victoria King. For those of you don't know me I am one of the tenth graders here in India. I can't begin to tell you how incredible this past week has been! I am so amazed that it has gone by so quickly. Throughout these past couple of days we have met incredible children here at Veer's school who have nothing to give but love. The orphan boys who Veer takes care of are just one example of the love that we have continually seen this week.  Their fun spirits and wide smiles always bring a grin to my face. I always love to see the way they are ready to serve! The students we've met also give nothing but love and happiness. On the morning of a school day, when we walked down the hall, every kid would turn to shake our hand and say, "Good morning ma'am!" or "Good morning sir!" Throughout the rest of the day the students would be so excited to see us that when it was time to go to class they would pull us along with them. It was so cool to be able to experience the way these kids are being taught. It is awesome to experience a different culture. I am so excited that God has chosen me to be His hands and feet here in India, and am so thankful that God has brought me here to see his love in a different country. This is my first trip out of the United States, so to see God in a different place has made Him so much bigger to me. His love is never ends. He has continually shown up to comfort, provide, and teach this Team India. He has personally shown me that He is always in control and will take care of any situation if we simply put all of our trust in Him and His perfect will.
I can't wait to see what God is going to do as we continue to travel through this beautiful country. Please keep us in your prayers and thank you for keeping up with all that we are doing!:)
With love,
Victoria King