Full Day at Grace

Day 6

This morning we went straight to Grace Home and began teaching right away. I taught the uppers and we did a really cool lesson on Jackson Pollock. The kids really got into splatter painting and it was fun to see them unleash their creativity. They are all such wonderful artists and it’s amazing to have their ability now be displayed through pictures hanging in the classroom. After teaching we got ready for VBS and prepared all the songs and skits. To finally preform something we had been working on for the kids, made it worth all the work. We then had a delicious dinner and heard the story of Grace Home from Pastor John. To hear about how God worked to make this place what it is today was really cool. We ended the night with the talent show that showcased the talents of the Grace Kids. It was remarkable to see all the dances and everything they put together. The amount of love that they show each and every one of us is unparalleled and it’s hard to think about leaving. I pray that they may all feel loved and wanted by God wherever they go and that Grace Home may always thrive.

-Anna

Day at the Taj

We woke up at 6:00 and got ready to go to the Taj, when we walked out to the bus all the girls were waiting for us, it always amazes me how every single time we see them it’s almost like the first time. They were super excited and always were smiling. We took a four hour bus ride which we thought would be super painful but it actually felt like only an hour so it wasn’t bad at all. When we got to the Taj Gemma almost got hit by a TukTuk and a bunch of people kept trying to sell us things but the best thing to do was ignore them because eventually they would stop trying. When we got to the Taj we had a tour guide who spoke English well I would say but spoke rly fast so I couldn’t tell if he was speaking in Hindu or English. Anyway we actually leaned a lot about this beautiful grave. We got to the actual place of the Taj there were a ton of people there and they kept sneaking us in their selfies and being very obvious by just shoving their phones in our faces. It it was a funny experience. The Taj was insane it’s crazy how symmetrical it was, being made around 4,000 years ago. Then we went inside the tomb and saw the graves which were beautiful. The entire time at the Taj we all took around 20 minutes to take pictures at 1 spot which was worth it but a little lengthy. On the way back the bus ride felt a little longer but at the end the older girls started singing worship songs and it was cool hearing the songs we worship to. We could sing along with them which I thought was awesome :). After that we got McDonald’s again and it tasted really good considering the fact that we were all starving. And all in all it was a long but awesome day.  

Day 2 at Grace Home

Yesterday was our second day teaching at Grace Home. We had some last minute schedule changes, as originally we weren’t planning on teaching today. So this meant pulling some things together last minute, but everyone did great. Some of the kids didn’t come to school today since the plan was for us not to be there. This meant less classes which was neat to get to talk to more kids individually. We got to rotate to different age groups then we normally would as well which was cool to get to meant some different kids that we hadn’t taught before. 

After teaching we had lunch at grace and got a chance to catch our breath from the sudden change of plans. We played at Grace Home in the afternoon which is always a lot of fun. Getting to play with the kids after teaching is special. There was a pretty serious game of volleyball that took place. Even the teachers of Grace Home jumped into the game. 

We headed back to our hotel and had pizza for dinner.  Tasted really good. Team meeting to wrap up our day. Early to bed, as we all are very tired by the end of our days. 

Day of Teaching

This morning was our first day of teaching and as nervous as I was coming into it, it was INCREDIBLE! I taught upper school with Deine and taught my Creative writing lesson.  I genuinely have not felt so much joy than I have today. Interacting with the upper school boys and girls and getting to know their joyful personalities only made my passion for teaching deeper.  After lunch, we stayed at Grace Home to play with all the kids. We played volleyball with the older boys, colored with the littles, and made beautiful bracelets with the girls.  A couple of the girls even braided our hair with beautiful, fun hair styles! After dancing and playing all sorts of games for hours, we sadly had to depart. We went out for dinner for Indian food and it was some of the BEST food I have ever had. However, the food never stopped coming... and no was never an answer to more food.  

Sunday

so yesterday was filled with so many fun activities. We woke up early and went to church for 3 hours. It was so amazing to see God working in another country and to see how everyone was worshipping. None of them were afraid to sing at the top of their lungs. I shared my testimony yesterday and was insanely scared because I was worried that no one would relate but afterwards I had people come up and thank me for sharing and how impactful it was. We then went to pastor johns house for lunch and the variety food was AMAZING! We then went to the most beautiful park and got to play soccer with all of the boys and we played other games like No Didi, volleyball, monkey in the middle, lions and deer. After we went back to the hotel got some McDonalds, shared some devotions, and prepared for teaching the kids! 

Church Day

Today we went to church and after they did a bit of their own service they completely gave it to us. We have four student share testimonies and other lead worship. The church was a combination of both English and Hindi was was interesting to observe how they incorporated that. Everyone was so greatful for the testimonies shared and it was a great experience to worship god with people of another culture. We then was to pastor johns for a great lunch and then to a park to play with boys from grace Home. This was a very joyful time of laughter, interacting with them, and playing a huge a game of soccer. I loved talking to the boys my age and just asking them about their lives.

First day in India

The best part of today was definitely meeting all the kids at grace home. We arrived there in the afternoon, and as we walked in they sprinkled flower petals down on us and performed dances, and gave us all beautiful necklaces of flowers. We had a lot of time to play and talk with the kids, and they were all so kind and energetic and welcoming. I played outside with some of the younger kids, and they spun on a spinny carousel thing for a seemingly impossible amount of time. They forced me to ride it a couple times and it was terrifying, and I was so impressed by how they never seemed tired or dizzy. They were so playful and joyful, and I can’t wait to get to know all of them better over the week. 

Travel day

Dear readers 

Hello from India! We made it after a long 30 hours of travel. After our first flight, we had a 6 hour layover. Then when boarding our second flight, we had to change planes because the plane’s probe was broken. Other than the plane’s PROBElem, it was smooth sailing. We arrived at our hotel at 2:00 AM, and went straight to bed. Jet lag isn’t too bad so far, but we’ll keep you updated. 

XOXO Melissa Thomas 

Switching Planes

We had some plane trouble (never left Newark). Weare waiting for a new plane to take us to India. Good spirits still which always helps. 

Landed in Newark

We landed in Newark and have a decent layover to hang out in the airport. Hopefully we don’t get too bored. 

India2018

India2018 Kicks off bright and early. Be at Terminal 2 Departures at 4:45 am as we get set for a long couple days of Travel. Half the fun is getting there.