Visiting the Elderly

We were sooooooo blessed yesterday to have the opportunity to visit one of six homes for elderly Indian men and women. These are often people whose families have died or, just as frequently, whose families have taken their property and their money and have then kicked them out and refused to care for them. There is not a space in India for the elderly. Harvest India takes them in (many of the folks they take in are from a Muslim or Hindu background) and provides them with food, shelter and a loving community.

The home that we went to is currently housing 13 men and women. This visit was probably one of the biggest highlights for me so far. There was one woman who reminded me of my own grandmother (my dad's mom) -- she looked pretty frail but was quite strong, she was VERY enthusiastic (when everyone else said "Hallelujah" and raised their hands, she consistently shouted, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Haaaaaa-llelujah!!!" and waved her arms around with gusto). After sharing a bit of her story with us, she then started singing and dancing for a minute or two for us. She was funny and moving and sweet -- so many things. Most of us just wanted to take her home with us. 

A few of them shared their stories with us and each time it was very moving to hear just how grateful they were for what little they have (while Harvest India provides for their needs, this is literally all that they have --  a bed, food, and some people around them who love them). Most of them recognize Jesus as Lord after having moved into the homes and so they then become the prayer warriors for Harvest India. 

There was another sweet woman who was pinching all of our cheeks and noses and who thought it was great fun to tickle Brian (for like 5 minutes -- love it!)

At any rate, I absolutely loved the time that we spent praying and laughing with, hugging, and taking pictures of these precious people.

Yesterday afternoon while Chris did some teaching at a local Bible school, some of the girls went shopping and a few of us stayed back to prepare for our next ministry time with the women at Asraya. Sarah and I are really excited about meeting with them tomorrow. She and I, as well as Eva, will be sharing what God has placed on our hearts for them. Please remember us in your prayers! Please pray that God would continue to break down walls that may be in place between us and the women we want to love & serve. We are so grateful that God is with us and goes before us -- preparing our hearts and preparing the women of Asraya for what He will do. Whoo!!

Will try to post an update before we move on to Pedappuram but I can't guarantee that I'll have the time.

We will also be meeting with women at the House of Grace and Freedom Centre which are similar ministries to Asraya. Please pray, again, for Sarah and I as we plan and prepare for our time with these women!

And now... a few pictures (however many I have time to upload...)

Motorcycle rides!

Sewage (it's  not in pipes underground here... this is another reason why flooding can be so detrimental here):

One of our favourite quiet places: 

Marketplace: 

Cow. In the middle of that ^ Marketplace. A few minutes after this, it lay down. In the middle of the road.

Harvest India prayer warriors (woman in front of first image is now commonly known as the "Hallelujah woman"; the woman in blue and green behind her is the one who loved to pinch our cheeks/noses and tickle us... Brian, especially.):

Anything for a photo... :)