Safe in Hong Kong

Safe and sound in Hong Kong. A little hang out time and then onto our last flight and headed home. Thanks for following us and see you soon. 

Back to Teaching

Thursday, February 23

The day started an hour later as we got to sleep in a bit more, missing the first class of the day. After breakfast and a quick devotion we climbed on the bus to head to Grace Home. We taught two classes in the morning- each bring very successful as we have now learned the names of our students and have formed relationships with them. We had an early lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (which I'm not sure I can eat any more of...) and then prepared for another afternoon of teaching. At 2pm we traveled to a nearby park with the girls from Grace Home. Games of volley ball, soccer, badminton, jump rope, and dodgeball were happening all over. We played a huge game of sheep and tiger, as well as a name game called Matthew/Mark. I don't think I've ever had so much fun at a park. It was a blessing to be able to run around with the girls on such a beautiful day. 3 hours later we headed back to Grace Home for a fantastic dinner made by Annie (which of course includes chicken nuggets). With our day being a little shorter we went back to the hotel at 6pm to have our last reflection meeting. We discussed what we thought of India and our overall impression of our experience. Towards 9 we were back in our rooms, packing, thinking about our last day here, and how we will be ALL IN.  

Taj Majal

Yesterday we got the chance to go to the Taj Mahal! In the morning we found out that a very large group of grace home kids were coming with us, and some of them had never seen the Taj before. We loaded up on the bus and started our 4 hour drive to the Taj. Along the way we got to see a very different side of India, the country side. Instead of towering apartment buildings and crowded streets, we saw green fields and farms. When we finally reached the Taj and walked up to see it, everyone on our team was amazed at its beauty and immensity. We took pictures on pictures and even got to go inside. We learned about the history of the Taj and the story of the king and his wife who are buried there. We learned about the intricate marble carvings that are used to decorate the Taj and the time consuming job it is to create these beautiful masterpieces. We then had the chance to see first hand how they make these marble carvings. After all of this we started our long drive home and ended the night with a delicious dinner at McDonald's. 

Tuesday

Today was another wonderful day in India! First, we taught our different lessons, which taught us more about the difficulties of teaching with a language barrier. Thus, it was such an impactful experience being able to open our hearts to make an impact on all the kids we encountered. After our lessons, we hosted a VBS to the local street kids! This was one of the experiences that I will bring back, the opportunity to show God's everlasting love to kids who don't have the opportunities to experience that everyday!! So far, I have learned so much and I am so excited for more opportunities to impact everyone we encounter! 

VBS Day

Today was quite a day. After a full day of teaching, we had over a hundred kids from the neighboring slums come into Grace Home for a VBS. Going down the lines of kiddos and giving out high fives was extremely bittersweet. All of the slum children were so excited and full of joy, yet they were coming from such hard backgrounds. During our time with them, we stuck out our tongues and lost our voices as we sang to songs like Father Abraham and and Making Melodies. I think I can speak on behalf of the team when I say that although being with all the adorable, smiling faces was incredible, it was heartbreaking to see them leave. A lot of us were struck with the harsh reality that is the poverty of India today, but were encouraged by the continual hope and love that comes from Grace Home. We finished our day there with some volleyball and dance parties, singing to songs in both English and Hindi. Dinner was at a nice Indian restaurant and we loved trying delicious new dishes (and very spicy peppers). 

First Day of Work

Today's word was bold and I think our our group did just that. After eating breakfast we went off to Grace Home for the day. Once there we got straight to teaching. Today I taught middles with Sami. The first three classes of the day I taught a lesson on primary, secondary, and complementary colors. I was surprised how fun and exciting it was to teach the kids. They were so excited to learn and hangout with us. At the end of three classes we had a tea break and got to try Pastor John's chai tea while preparing for the next three classes. Sami than taught a lesson on similes and metaphors before lunch. Next we preformed three VBS skits and led the kids in the worship song My Lighthouse. We ended our time at Grace Home today by having time to time to play with the boys and girls. I learned while I may have been a good teacher I do not have a future in jump roping. I can not wait to see what God has for me these next days and to be bold in all I do by stepping out in faith.

- Gemma Luther

Teaching

Today was a great day! It was the first day of teaching for all of us. I taught the "littles" and they were all very cute. I was partnered with Annabelle and Lauren to teach that day. We prepared 3 lessons( made folders, drew pictures for the 1st grade kids at SFC, sang songs,). Hours later, we all shared our VBS stories to the students and sang "my light house". At the end of the day, we all hung out with kids: played volleyball, made bracelets, jump rope. Around 6:30 we went back to the hotel and ate McDonald's for dinner!

Church Day

There was one moment during church when all the Indian people were singing "hallelujah" and all their voices were so perfectly harmonized and it was so beautiful. I was nearly moved to tears.
After a really yummy lunch we played with the boys upstairs and it took a while to get everyone out of their shells but we played ninja and marbles and it was very fun.
The most fun part of the day, though, was going to the park and playing soccer/volleyball with the boys. Not only did it feel amazing to actually get some exercise, but the air of childlike peace and joy that enveloped all of us was refreshing as well. 

Shopping Day / Dance Part

Yesterday was a full day.  The first real event was the boys being late for breakfast.  This meant that I was super tired in the morning because Joey woke me up without warning and I fell out of my bed.  After our breakfast (which was quite good) we hopped in the Grace Home van and drove to the market place to do our shopping.  I enjoyed bartering with the shop owners and picked out some cool gifts and other things for myself.  After the market, we headed to Grace Home for the first time.  As we walked in, we were showered with flowers and the kids sang a song to us.  It was a unique and beautiful moment.  We proceeded to meet all the kids, and play a variety of different games with them, like ninja and the ABC game. We left Grace Home after a couple of hours of hanging out with the kids, and went straight to our friend Vikram's house for some great homemade Indian cuisine and a dance party that made our school dances look silly.  Today, our group got just a taste of the wonderful experiences that lay ahead of us.

Travel Day

We are officially safe and sound in India! Traveling was a long adventure but it was so much fun! I saw so many new things and it was so exciting to see another part of the world! It was incredibly long but we have so many fun and different adventures ahead of us that it made traveling that much more memorable! In the Hong Kong airport, all of us Americans were walking forward on the right side, and we were oblivious of the huge crowd walking in the other direction so we defiantly stood out! All and all it was a smooth but tiresome traveling day! I look forward to all these adventures that await us in India!!

Safe and sound in India. Travel was long but easy. Made it through customs no problem and found pastor John with ease. Drove to our hotel and everyone is in rooms hopefully sleeping. Made it to hotel at 3:30 am. Not bad. 

Will hopefully get some kids to share about traveling in the morning. Let's hope for some sleep. 

We are safe and sound in Hong Kong. Long flight and feels great to get off and stretch our legs. Getting some food and probably a walk before we head to INDIA. 

Team is doing great and excited to be together. 

We ARE LEAVING SOON

We are headed to India very soon. We need everyone at SFC at 3:30 am. That's right. 3:30 am. Please don't be late. We need to leave very soon after that. And can't be waiting around.

See you Bright and Early....or just early.