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

Leaving the Boys of Beawar

Hey guys this is Becca Wesley; It is 9:30 am here in Beawar and the team is packing up to head to Aijmir.  This week has been incredible! I can't even describe how awesome it is to interact with the kids at Veer's school.  I figured it would be difficult to connect so quickly with them because of the language differences but it was quite the opposite.  These kids only want your love and attention; It doesn't matter what you try to say (though they like laughing at you attempt to speak in Hindi) or what you teach them.  They simply want to see a smile on your face, take pictures with you and of you, and most importantly, they ALL want to shake your hand.  There was one little girl in particular, Aditia, that I will leave Beawar thinking about daily.  The day after we met she brought me a beaded bracelet that she spent the time to make for me and I have kept it on ever since.  The orphan boys living with Veer have been the sweetest kids to all of us. They really touched my heart just to see their willingness to help at all times and the joy that radiates from their faces no matter what they're doing.  I know that God will use these boys to change the world for Him.  

A little side note: The second day we were here we went into town to buy Indian dresses, so the guys had to accompany all the girls.  Brandon and Mr. Brooks took a few guys to go see Brother Sanjay for a head massage.  Now, when you think about a massage.... we think of an American massage. Walking into a candle lit room and waiting on the masseuse to come in, right? This was not the case.  The guys can tell you better, but from what we heard it was quite the experience.  None the less, Sanjay came to the compound 3 nights in a row with his friend who did Henna tatoos.  I got henna on my hands and forearms that first night (which isn't good for a perfectionist, FYI) and the last night I got talked into a head massage.  It was interesting at best.... it hurt pretty bad and my hair resembled a lion's mane when I was done.  That's not an exaggeration... ask around. :)  Anyway, India has been an awesome experience and I'm so thankful God chose me for this trip.  Thanks for reading my blog! :)

 Love you! Becca Wesley 

Lace up your dancing shoes!

Namaste fellow Americans! Well that is one of the few Hindi words i have mastered, but love language keeps communication trucking. Last night was the infamous annual function. We had no idea what to expect, and quickly began to lace our dancing shoes as tight as they could go. The curtain opened as we prepared to throw down some hoedown and we were quickly faced with over 1,000 beautifully colored saris and wide-eyed faces. We completed 4 dances: the hoedown throwdown, a salsa, a lyrical dance (preformed by shannon and emily, absolutely stunning), and jai hoe (preformed by senior girls). The dances could not have gone any better and we were thankful because these kids were rocking the stage and we could not let them down.
WE preformed a powerful drama (or mime as they would call it here). while preforming it, God defintely made an entrance onto the stage. He wrapped the acotrs in Hs arms and the glow around them was full of His radiance. The message was presented, which for most of these people was the first time to hear about our precious Savior. We continue to pray for those in attendance last night, for we know many hearts were softened and seeds planted.
The group is doing extraordinarily well and can definitely feel the support of your prayers! Thanks you so much for listening to my rambunctious ramble and before i part i was wondering if someone could manage an airdrop of cheeseburgers and milkshakes? we will be in the desert for a couple of days, and that would complete this ever-spinning circle :)
wishes and kisses!!
brittney joy

A Perfect Storm!

We've got a perfect storm brewing here. 

Not a physical storm....... 

The Annual Function is tonight; no way to tell how many will come but some estimate betweeen 800-1500.  On this night, Veer's school displays with all pagentry their musical talents in grand Indian form. 

People are asking Veer for invitations.  Jon and I went with Veer to personally deliver invitations to special guests on Thursday.  Into the MAYOR's office, into the POLICE CHEIF's office, into the hospital owner's office, into the owner of the cement factor's office; all welcomed Veer with gratitude.  Many of the who's who of Beawar will be there tonight.   Featured on Veer's invitation are the names of the 3 chief guests of honor, including our very own Dr. Edward Smith.  This is simply the way the culture here works.

Enter Faith!  This year's function includes 28 Americans who have been seen in local papers with color photographs no less than 3 times since our arrival 5 days ago.  Many of the men Jon and I visited with Veer recognized us from article published that morning about the team from America. 

Even as I type, our team perfects their dances and skit.  They will perform the skit based on Lifehouse, "Everything" (look it up on YouTube for more details).  Jon will come behind and speak on our shared struggles as humans.  Veer will conclude with the Good News.   

Monday morning begins open enrollment for Veer's school.  He is ready to add a second floor by faith if 350 students enroll.  He has 265 currently.  He will have to add another floor. 

God has made it clear to Jon, me, and several other team members that Veer's greatest need here is to hire an administrator that will oversee the functions of the school.  This would set him free to press on in the church work to which God called him.  Guess what it would cost to cover the salary of a Master degreed educator to oversee this school?  $215 month or $3200 for the year.  If there is one thing I have learned in India, God provides.  Just pray. 

The aftermath-  What will happen tonight when the audience of 98% Hindu audience witnesses the Faith skit, "Everything"?  What will people say tomorrow in the streets of Beawar City about Emmanuel Mission School?  What if 400 kids apply for enrollment and Veer an administrator in place on day 1 of the new school calendar in April? 

It drives my wife nuts that I am a storm watcher.  The bigger and darker the clouds, the more I want to be outside.  I wish you could see what I see here.  The Faith students are just doing what Faith kids do......lead & serve.  Yet, we are just beginning to wrap our minds around the perfect storm in which we find ourselves. 

For such a time as this.........

Brandon

The Rampra school

Hey guys, it's Sarah Sisk again! Mr. Brooks asked me to share an experience that I had here.  Yesterday I had the privilege to go to a school in the village by Veer`s school. The school was called Rampra, it was a public school.  Most of the parents worked in the chicken farm next door. It became quickly evident that the children were extremely poor. We pulled up and there were 33 children in the little court yard.  They had huge smiles on there faces as they greeted us. There were four small building that made up the school. The need at the school was evident.  The children all wore worn-down clothes and were filthy.  We gave them 2 pencils and a big sharpener.  They treated the pencils like gold. We looked around the room after passing out the pencils and saw that they had nothing to write on. The need at the school is so great I can't even describe it to you. After going to the school we walked next door to the chicken farm and saw thousands of chickens. The chickens went crazy while we were in there, and according to Mr. Brooks were "for sure gonna lay some eggs". 

What I envision is when Faith comes to India again, spend time at the Rampra school and just love on the children. Some of those children we could tell they have a very hard life, and just needed love and a few school supplies so they can be educated and not have to live that life forever. For the next trip, we should get supplies for Veer`s school and also for the school in Rampra.  I also see the teachers at Veer's school partnering with Rampra school teachers and training them to bring the best education possible to that village. Seeing the children broke my heart! it was hard to think that  children could really live like that. I am so excited to see what we are able to do at the school in the future and see where God takes us with the incredible chance to show His love. 

From a mom's point of view,  I love watching the students play with the children.  When the recess bell rings, I see kids play in the courtyard area running and laughing in a joyful manner.  Caroline and Ally continually wiping snot from Joanna's nose while she wanders around making everyone smile.  Michael B. running and running with no kids able to catch up with him (we decided this is a great place to bring our cross country team).  Cale, Michael F., and Gretchen playing tag.  I love looking out and seeing Michael B. and Cale teaching classes soccer drills and later having a soccer game.   It makes our select soccer games look tame. Shannon taking charge of the dances and starting to realize the impact that these dances will make on those who watch the performance.  We hear there will be over 1500 people attending the annual school function that is crucial for elevating the status of Veer's school in the community.  John playing his guitar for one of the devotionals with Veers "boys." Victoria, Brandon, Caroline, Daniel, and I learned to play cricket with the boys.   John, Ryan, and Tommy riding the small bus to take the children home with sixty-one students packed into a ten passenger vehicle (I still don't know how they all fit).  Pierson always has a swarm of kids around him.  Becca working on the computer (while avoiding a lizard), moving the paper office into the 21st century when she would rather be loving on kids.  Sarah setting up Skype for us to talk to the Faith kids at chapel.   Hannah setting up the food and being a servant -by the way, most of us actually like the vienna sausages served with rice.  Michael F., Brittney, and Emily starting their day with the orphan boys for a time of prayer and worship. We are learning that India time is much different than American.  They are not in a hurry and do not stress about much of anything.   At times, we rush to be ready, only to chill for "five more minutes-Indian time."  Parents, be proud, your children are doing a great job exhibiting servant hearts.  The girls have not complained about sleeping on the floor and having to share one bathroom.  I have not heard the boys gripe once. They are not using western toilets-you can ask them about it- and are using a pail to shower.  Safia has been a huge Blessing.  She has been translating non-stop, dancing and fitting in great with the girls.  She has definitely given us an inside look at the India culture.  From a mother's point of view, many of you would be proud of your child and his/her ability to adjust to this wonderfully strange environment, which is a stretch. Please continue to pray for Gods will and direction in each one of our lives.
God is good, all the time!

Kathy Brooks (Faith mom)

Goal!

Hey everyone, I am excited to say that the soccer goals are up and being used. Many of the younger kids just herd the ball, but once we moved up a few grades, some skilled players emerged. The goals are perfect for what we are doing. It forces the kids to communicate with us and great relationships are forming. We are having so much fun!!  Also, Saphia is doing a great job translating!
 thanks,  
Michael Baillargeon

Pics and more pics!

Lovin' kids?....Easy!!!

New foods...funny faces!

From flowery greetings to birthday cake surprises, India is truly amazing!

Two adult sponsors playing patty cake, Henna hands, and seeing oneself through a different set of lenses.

Red Rover Red Rover let the Indians come over!

Hey guys! It's Caroline Kay Thornton here. For those who don't know me, I am one of the seven tenth graders here on TEAM India. Let me tell you what a joy it has been to be in this amazing country! I have never left the United States, so to say the least, it is a HUGE culture shock. We've seen the best and worst of India while traveling through this country. Some of the things we've experienced have challenged us spiritually and drained us emotionally. Things from dead pigs in the streets, the stench of human waste, and the desperation and chaotic actions of people striving to earn money. I can't wait to see how God will continue to use us to bless these people and glorify His name! 

Today, we played with the kids at the Emmanuel Mission School. Some of the games we played included red rover, outdoor soccer, racing with the kids, and ice and water. I learned today that "ice and water"is equivalent to the American game freeze tag. The inspectors of the public schools came today, so all the students showed us their science projects, and we assisted them on presenting the projects to the inspectors. 

This has been a chance of a lifetime to get to come and see this beautiful country. I have experienced  a roller coaster of emotions, but it has been incredible! God is working in and through us giving us the strength we need. I know the team would agree with me when I say, "God is good," and we are so happy to be here doing work for His glory. 

1 Peter 4:16b

 Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!

~Caroline Kay

18 in India

Hey everyone! This is Shannon Sanderford and I want to give you a taste of what Team India experienced today!As I'm sure you can see from the previous post and photos, our Indian adventure is off to an incredible start! Although the long hours of travel and few hours of sleep were draining, we have been filled with excitement and adrenaline that keeps us going. The country of India is unlike any other place I have ever visited. The culture is rich, full of color and beauty and the people are hard workers. It has been such an incredible blessing to be a part of the Indian culture these past few days.

Today was my 18th birthday, and I must admit, although I was so excited about coming to India, I was sad that I would be away from home for my birthday. However, I could not have asked for a better way to spend my special day. This morning we woke up and prepared to meet the students at Emmanuel Mission School for the first time. As all the children came through the gates, we were so excited to meet each one. They all had huge smiles on their faces and shook every hand with delight and a greeting of  "Good morning Sir" or "Good morning Ma'am". We were just as excited to meet the children as they were to meet us. We were able to interact with them and sit in on their classes and watch them practice their dances for the upcoming Annual Function that will take place on Saturday evening. They have such pride in their school and all that they are learning and they were so happy to perform for us.

After the children left, we ate lunch and then many of us ventured to a traditional women's clothing shop. The girls were able to pick out beautiful traditional Indian outfits to purchase. It was amazing to see all the work that went into each piece. They are bright and colorful and richly beaded and there are are so many to choose from! We all walked out with a beautiful outfit to wear.

Tonight we are all hanging out at the school or as we call it, "Veer's Palace".  Some have taken naps, and some have just reflected on all that has happened today. We also had the privilege of a masseuse and traditional Henna tattoo artist coming. We all loved getting to experience their services. The night was topped off with a lovely birthday cake which Hannah prepared for us in the microwave. 

It has been a great day, and one of my most memorable birthdays to say the least. (But I did miss you fam!) I believe I can speak for the group in saying that we are all in awe of India and the realization that we are finally here. The Lord is richly blessing our team and I feel sure that He has called us here for His purpose. All praise be to Him for what He has done for us. We serve an awesome God- both in Texas and in India.
Ps- You just haven't lived until you have had an Indian head massage :)

We Have Arrived!

Hi there! This is John Hughes writing! I am one of the four senior guys on this trip, and I will be giving you the update for the past 24 hours! Like Sarah was saying, the 6 hour train ride allowed us to see A LOT of India. It was eye opening to say the least. Although we saw dirty cities and impoverished communities, I found everything to be absolutely beautiful. I enjoyed photographing God's amazing creation from the train even though it was consumed by poverty and famine. After we arrived in Ajmir, a team of porters assisted us in carrying our bags from the train over to a pink Volvo charter bus waiting for us a block away. From the train station, we drove to a hotel a few miles away and ate at a restaurant for lunch. Once our bellies were filled with barbecue and curry chicken, we began our 1 hour drive to Veer's compound. I'm not sure about everyone else, but on this bus ride, I was asleep the whole time! Since it was about 2 A.M., in reference to my "body clock", I was hitting a brick wall of jet lag! I was sooo tired I couldn't help but sleep the whole way to the compound. It wasn't long before everyone was awake and the bus was pulling up to the compound in Beawar! As we passed through the front gates, and watched the security guard give his salute, we knew WE HAD ARRIVED! Coming off the bus we were greeted by Veer's children and given leis strung with fresh flowers. 
After we unloaded and freshened up, we boarded Veer's school bus and drove into town.

In town we stopped at the tailor's store where the all guys had the opportunity to get custom made suits! Some guys got ties, shirts, and full suits, but as for me, I only got a coat. Overall, it was essentially mass chaos. Everyone was running back and forth, looking at fabrics, and bargaining with the suit makers. Anyways, we picked out our fabrics, got measured up, payed for our new clothes, and drove back to the compound to head to bed.

This morning, we all woke up in time to greet the students at 8:00. This was a great experience to see their morning routine and their classroom activities.  After observing for a few hours, taking pictures here, and capturing video there, we joined the kids for recess! This was wild. As you can see from the picture below, many of us discovered a common language found in sports. We raced, chased, and also ran away as we were being chased by the kids. It was a great time to interact with the students and have a lot of fun! Anyways, the last 24 hours have been one wild ride and I can't wait for the next two weeks! God has already showed up, and I know he will continue to do so! Over and out!

-John Hughes

The Beginning

This is Sarah Sisk, I am a sophomore  at Faith Christian School, and it is my first time in India! So far it has been awesome. We started the trip off with a one hour and thirty  minute plane ride to Chicago. THEN, we boarded a plane  for a sixteen hour flight to Delhi. The plane ride really did not seem that long. Most of the team slept for the duration of the flight. Once we arrived in India, we proceeded to Customs to collect our baggage. Then we headed out of the airport. As we were exiting the airport, there was an armed military man with a huge gun...feeling pretty safe at this point. We boarded  a charter bus and then headed to the hotel. Actually, the hotel was a very nice once. Once we arrived at the hotel, we checked in and got our rooms. Once we reached the second floor, we saw an exit sign and decided to investigate. Opening the door, we saw a creepy hallway... no lights. We decided it was best to leave that area unexplored. At 4:00AM, we received our wake up call. We met in the lobby at 4:30 AM so that we could make our train. The train ride was crazy. We had seats in a sleeper car, which was not what you would envision. All of our luggage filled the luggage racks. We even had to cram stuff under people and stack it in the seats. 

There were two bathrooms: one with a western style toilet and one with an Indian style, which is a hole that goes under the train. GROSS! India is so different from America. Along the train tacks are shacks where people live. People use bathroom out in the open. 

Cows, camels, dogs, and goats roam around the streets. God is going to do great things on this trip, and I cannot wait to share the good news!!!