Today we went to Bethany Blessing children's home. It was 4 stories with a total of just over 1,000 square feet. The first floor was the church and the top floor was the roof/boys' bedroom. Needless to say, it wasn't much for 23 people (19 orphans, 2 parents, and their 2 kids). It was also right next to the sewage river for Bangalore, so it didn't smell very good either. But, like the home yesterday, the children had so much joy. They were so excited to sing for us and to play duck, duck, goose with us! We did have a language barrier today, so it was harder to communicate with the kids, but our interpreter, Joshua, was wonderful. We got out the crafts (pictures below) and they had a great time with the paint & glue.
I was immediately drawn to the 3 older girls (ages 13, 14, 15). At dinner last night we talked about arranged marriages and dowries in India. Girls need a husband pretty much to survive here. All marriages are arranged and the bride's family must meet the monetary demands of the groom's family (dowry). I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to these girls in the next couple of years. How could this family afford a dowry? Or to send them to college? What does their future hold? There was one girl in particular (in the pink & white) who kept hugging me and holding my hand and telling me thank you. After a tour of the home, we were talking with Pastor James (the father to the kids) and I asked what would happen to the girls as they got older. He said they would go to college and then get married. I asked how he would pay for that. His response was, "God will provide." I then asked how much it costs for a semester at college. He and Joshua talked for a minute, converting rupees to dollars, and then said "$300." I was speechless. I had to walk away because of the lump in my throat.
First, I was convicted because Andy & I are already saving for our kids' college funds. When we need something, we figure out a way to pay for it. Rarely do we just trust that God will provide. Rarely do we NEED to. Secondly, we (Andy & I) could pay for these girls to go to college. No, we don't make a lot of money on one & a half teachers' salaries, but we could easily save $300 a semester. The tears began to flow as I realized how fortunate & how privileged we are. Also as I realized how often I have to have a plan for things. I'm still processing this, so I don't have a nice neat conclusion today. I'm realizing that meeting people who live in poverty makes a much bigger impact than just reading about it...
Andy & a few of the boys - they couldn't get enough of him! :)
Us with all of the kids at Bethany Blessing
I was immediately drawn to the 3 older girls (ages 13, 14, 15). At dinner last night we talked about arranged marriages and dowries in India. Girls need a husband pretty much to survive here. All marriages are arranged and the bride's family must meet the monetary demands of the groom's family (dowry). I couldn't help but wonder what would happen to these girls in the next couple of years. How could this family afford a dowry? Or to send them to college? What does their future hold? There was one girl in particular (in the pink & white) who kept hugging me and holding my hand and telling me thank you. After a tour of the home, we were talking with Pastor James (the father to the kids) and I asked what would happen to the girls as they got older. He said they would go to college and then get married. I asked how he would pay for that. His response was, "God will provide." I then asked how much it costs for a semester at college. He and Joshua talked for a minute, converting rupees to dollars, and then said "$300." I was speechless. I had to walk away because of the lump in my throat.
First, I was convicted because Andy & I are already saving for our kids' college funds. When we need something, we figure out a way to pay for it. Rarely do we just trust that God will provide. Rarely do we NEED to. Secondly, we (Andy & I) could pay for these girls to go to college. No, we don't make a lot of money on one & a half teachers' salaries, but we could easily save $300 a semester. The tears began to flow as I realized how fortunate & how privileged we are. Also as I realized how often I have to have a plan for things. I'm still processing this, so I don't have a nice neat conclusion today. I'm realizing that meeting people who live in poverty makes a much bigger impact than just reading about it...
Handing out gifts.
Some of the boys showing off their new clothes!
Helping the with the pictures - the boy above was born mute.
Showing off their artwork.
The view from the top floor/roof - the city sewage.
Us with the whole family at Bethany Blessing.
Tears come to my eyes just reading these posts...God is working in your hearts...he is answering our cries to him...He is working in and through you...AMEN!!! I love that you are allowing God to teach you, to stretch you, to sift you...I am so thankful for your hearts and for your influence in our lives. Love you both so much and keep the updates coming!!!
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