TIME IS WINDING DOWN       

 

            Greetings Everyone,

    Well the time has come already! its hard to believe we have already purchased tickets for our return flight back to U.S.A! we have been busy trying to get things organized and different things done before we leave. About a week ago we received some very exciting news, Westin and Jayme are coming to INDIA! This my friends boosted our moral greatly. They will be arriving the 11th of March and we will finish out the last three weeks here together.

     Below are a few photos of what has been happening here the past two weeks.

The wall around the land has been completed which is an answer to prayer, we wanted to have that completed before we returned home. Friday 2/28/2014 we will be leaving to visit two of the Children's Home and we plan to return to our apartment on the 2nd or 3rd of march.

Your prayers would be appreciated as we tie things up here before we return.

We had the privilege to go to the ocean one day!

Mat. 5:14a Ye are the Light of the world.

The wall around the land is FINISHED PTL!



Veronica brought us fresh Homemade  mini cinnamon rolls
while we were spending the day organizing and updating files
 

another wedding happened on our street.
 

Mom and Veronica made some awesome Homemade bread!

we purchased some Diaries for the children of the homes.

                           

 

 

 

 

                          OUR WEEK IN PHOTOS

Veronica Chillin with the young children



Mom enjoying her time with little Jochanna and Nehemiah



WE RECEIVED A BOX!! Thanks so much!! 

Chicken Livers and Gizzards! MMMHHMM!!!!

One awesome sunset



The building of the wall around the land.

Whaz Up,                                                                                                         Jan. 18, 2014     

 

    Maybe I needed Chris and Veronica to give the very same idea for the greeting.  Something different and that will hopefully bring a smile or if you are a grammar teacher, maybe a wince.   

     At the very beginning I need to tell each one of you; Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!! As we start into 2014 may our lives be pleasing to God and may we bring Him much honor and glory!!

                                                           I come not to ask, to plead

                                                                 Or implore You,

                                                               I just come to tell You

                                                             How much I adore You!

                                                                           H. S. Rice

                            I trust in the steadfast love of God for ever and ever.  Psalm 52:8

This year, let’s express our love for God in a way that is pleasing to Him… by living His commandments.

    As a lot of you know, I truly enjoy my flip calendars. It is very special and comforting to see the truth and encouragement that God has for me each new day as I turn the page. This morning, this verse was just what my soul needed.

    The end of Nov. found us on our way to visit the one Home we had never visited. We started with a 26 hr. train ride to Delhi. Followed by a 5 hr. bus ride to Chandigarh, then a 30 min. ride in rented vehicle to Good Shepherd Children’s Home.  We spent 3 days visiting the family and the children and enjoying them all. Since we were not going to be there for Christmas, the guys went to town and made Christmas purchases of clothing, shoes and blankets. We were able to give the children their Bibles too. Also we had taken coats for some of the children that needed. In Chandigarh it gets much colder in the winter and there they also speak Hindi, not Orriya.  This is why they had not received Bibles up until now… we had Orriya Bibles and so we had to purchase Hindi Bibles. Thankfully, Pastor Mukut, the Home director, was able to get the amount we needed. What a joy to give these children the precious Word of God and to see their delight!! About India… the children DO make it all worth it!!  =)  ( Truthfully, though, there are days when I have to remind myself of this. )

    We had decided to visit the Taj Mahal while we were only 5 hrs. away.  We took a bus to Agra and visited The Red Fort, a huge fortress, built by Akbar the mighty Mughal Emperor, with his sons continuing to build after him. We then visited the Taj Mahal… all I can say is it is truly worth going and seeing!!! Amazing- is an appropriate word also! They say if you go on a full moon night it actually glows a soft white.

    We safely arrived home Dec. 6^th, weary and worn, yet praising God for the wonderful memories and His protecting hand over us throughout all the miles.

     The rest of Dec. passed with a rush as Louis and ‘the guys’  (Chris & Chintu ) saw to getting Christmas items around for the remaining 9 Homes. This year each Home received material for every child to have a new outfit for Christmas, boys and girls. They also had Bible Covers ordered and stitched to give to every child that received a Bible.                                                                                                                                                                                        

     A wedding was to take place Dec.11, and so we journeyed to Parlakhemundi and attended. Only 5-6 hr. drive. =)  Very interesting to witness a totally cultural wedding! Wow! Try around 650 lbs. of meat to feed all the guests at the feast following the ceremony!!  Arrived safely home in Cuttack night of Dec. 13.  PTL for safekeeping!

     We received a couple treasured packages from loving family back home!! I cannot express the gratitude well enough… but a rich God- blessed THANKS is sent your way!!!

      Nana had a birthday in Dec. and her grandson and his wife had an anniversary. So, we had two celebrations here Dec. 15^th &Dec 30^th , with supper and cake & ice cream following. Let’s just say we made some good memories! =)

       Our hearts hurt when we saw that earth had lost a treasure. And our thoughts and prayers are continuing to lift Maryann and the families to God for His comfort, strength and grace during this time.

      Christmas Day was spent with both the Homes in Cuttack. We went to morning program at Love Charity Home and had lunch with them. Then, in the evening we went to Nirman and attended their Christmas Program and had evening meal with them. We also took John, Ruth and Susanna, our neighbors behind us, along. It was a very full day!! The Christians here celebrate Christmas in a big way… while the rest of India treats it as just another day. For all the fullness of our day… our hearts had a huge longing for those we were not able to be with!! We love and miss you each one!!

       New Years Day brought thoughts of Tennessee and special people and happenings to Chris and Veronica in a big way.  =)  Lots of great memories made and treasured!!  We attended an evening program at Nirman with meal served afterwards. Got home pretty late and we leave out in the morning to visit last two Homes. Sweet Dreams everyone and a blessed New Year. May God preside over your every day in very beautiful ways!!

       Everyone here tells me not to write too much of an epistle… so I’m going to try to wrap up Jan. in a couple paragraphs. =)

       We left Jan.2 for Sonepur Home followed by Phulbani Home and returned home to Cuttack on Jan.6. What we experience at these Homes is; precious children, lots of love, and memories that will last a lifetime… and time that always ‘runs out’ too quickly.

        The week following our return I will just call ‘The Week’. It was very stretching and good for me, but of course those kind are NOT easy in the process. Let’s just say simply, company, visitors, company, friends, company… I was thinking that I hope being a ‘ Mary’ still counts in today’s world. =)  Let me add the blessings we received were bountiful as well.  Hallelujah!!

         Chris’ birthday is the highlight of this week! 1-14-14 Chris celebrated his 24^th birthday. He invited four guys to enjoy it with us. We had a yummy meal and the best part of the meal was the cake- Veronica MADE his cake HERE and decorated it!! It was beautiful and delicious. Louis declares the toaster oven has already paid for itself. =)  It surely is fun to be able to bake again!!! We also have started our Orriya lessons again. Mrs. Esther was gone for one month helping her daughter who had a beautiful, healthy baby boy. PTL                                Good night and rich blessings to all,    The Hege’s

 

Most of the children packed into one auto to go to school.



Fun and games with the children.



We were able to visit the Taj Mahal 



Little Smuti basking in the balloons.



Solomon.



A very delicious homemade cake, Thanks to Veronica :).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Family and Friends,                                                                                       November 24, 2013

 

       Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!!  Although we have festivals and ‘events’ happening all the time. Thanksgiving is not an Indian holiday. So we will try to make every day a day of thanksgiving and think of you all gathered with family and friends and enjoying all the delicious foods that are made for this special day!!  Believe me, that is a beautiful thought picture!!  So truthfully… here is to really missing ya’ll during this time. Veronica has this liking of Ham for the holidays, sooo I packed this little canned ham.  Hmmm, will have to see how it tastes! 

      (  A side note…  I just have a great appreciation for a dear husband who brings me a bowl of homemade french-fries that are made and salted to perfection!!  =)

      November… a month, it seems, just started, yet now almost gone. I don’t know why it still surprises me how quickly time goes by.  Nov. 2, We were invited to Nirman Home for a ‘welcome back supper’ . This had been postponed due to the flooding that took place after the cyclone. We of course had a great time and a delicious meal. Nov. 3, We attended church service at Nirman. I always love when one of the little ones make their way into my lap. =)   Nov. 4  In the afternoon we went to Bhubaneswar to Mercy Home. We had a program and snacks with the children. Afterwards, we were invited to stay for supper. While it was being prepared we were able to show photo album and play some games with the children.  Nov. 5, I’m still trying to get over nasty cough, a.k.a. pneumonia, praise the Lord we can get antibiotics very cheaply here! So I am taking a rest day . In the afternoon the weather is sooo beautiful that I went on the rooftop and decided to get some sunshine and dig in the dirt. Always has a way of making me feel better!! Our landlords kindly gave us permission to use the flowerpots on the roof.  So we weeded them and got out the seeds that we brought from home and planted our little “veggie garden”!!!  Picture following!  Can’t wait until we can have fresh lettuce salad!!!!  Our next test will be… will we be the ones to eat our goodies OR the monkeys ??  Our neighbors have a beautiful eggplant and the monkeys faithfully eat each eggplant. Warning Monkeys!! Stay away, Far away!!

      Nov. 6 Today our dear neighbors started our language lessons!! Nana Elaine and her daughter Mrs. Esther come every evening 7-8 pm. , when we are home. We are in 1^st grade again, learning another alphabet and it’s sounds. Prayers would be greatly appreciated! Also attended a birthday celebration for a couples son.  There was a little service and food following, was a nice evening. There was a festival going on for one of the gods so getting to the party and home again is a story in itself!! We eventually arrived home and thanked God again for his protection that surrounds us so beautifully! Nov. 7, Veronica did wash today, actually she tries to do it every day, then it does not become mountainous. Chris rode bike to Nirman and spent the afternoon helping Bapi do some painting. Louis & I tried to get the Oriya alphabet stuck in our noggins. Veronica is excelling in this part! And Chris can now hold small conversations, something the rest of us are longing to do also. Nov. 8, Veronica is feeling “under the weather” today, her sinus’ are acting up. Louis took bike and got groceries and then Chris went back to Nirman to help Bapi again. I also got another wash lady hired today, the one we had last time was not available, with help of a neighbor interpreting. So although we all love the way Veronica washes and gets them so clean, this will give her 3 days a week break.  (  I can hear “why is it just Veronica washing?”  well, I decided if we came back I wanted a washing machine, and Veronica says there is not room, she will do the laundry, forget the washer. I actually do help some, o.k. a little =), just not when I have this cough, )    Oriya lesson.  Nov. 9, a day at home, probably a visit from Nana Elaine, she is so funny, she has adopted us. I guess because she is almost 73 she doesn’t have much of an appetite and especially for spicy foods. Well, she has “fallen in love” with Veronica’s Chai ( hot tea) and my potato soup. So most every day finds her here for the above and fellowship. This is the same lady who fell and hurt her hip so badly. God has healed so wonderfully, that daily she is climbing three flights of stairs ( 35 to be exact, she has counted = ) Praise The Lord!! She still has some pain in her hip, especially when she sits. She’s a blessing from God and quite a ‘character’. Nov.10, Sunday at Nirman, Louis had youth Bible Study in afternoon. Wrapped a gift all pretty with nothing inside ~  challenging lesson for us all! Nov. 11 Today it’s get all wash finished and start packing for an 8 day trip which will include four Homes. Nov.12, We start with a birthday party at Bubaneshwar Mercy Home, for the Director’s twin granddaughters, their 1^st birthday!! Went on that evening partway to Mohana Home. Stopped for the night at Baramaphor, and went to wholesale fabric store to buy material for Christmas clothes for each of the Mohana children. ( Ladies who sew and Quilt this place is a dream come true, and the prices amazing also!!  Come for a visit and we will see what we can do = ) WOW  Three stories of material!! Nov. 13,14,15, spent enjoying the children and mountains of Mohana, games,program, snacks, climbing a mountain. Great times!! Nov. 15, When children left for school at 10am. We left for next Home about 4hrs. away, Parlakamundi, and Peace Life Home. Met for supper and short program in evening. Got to see Auntie, who has been struggling with liver cancer. So good to see her again yet so sad to see the difference since July. Always a blessing and joy to reunite with the children!!  Nov. 15 even. 16, 17, spent at this Home. Here we had to take new photos of all 50 some children and get some info on each one. This we tackled on Sat. Of course took time to play games with children, handed out bookmarkers to use in their Bibles, and of course chocolates, which in India, is candy of any kind. Each day ended with prayer for Auntie, with the family. Nov. 18, Met with Binay and went to Mercy Home #2 . He is Director of two Homes.  Kasinagar is about 45min. from Parlakamundi.  And praises be, the roads are very good!! Which can be said of very few roads in Odisha!  Time at this Home is always too short! There are no Hotels in the village, so it’s usually only one day. We try to make the most of the time we have but it always seems rushed and not enough. There are twenty beautiful children here, we enjoyed a program, lunch, games and a special snack before having to say our farewells. Nov. 19,  We are to stop in for tea ( which turned into a breakfast feast) at Peace Life Home. The children are leaving for school so we say our good-byes and hand out chocolates and hugs. We are so glad we had the time we did with Auntie here also. When we arrived this morning they had her sitting in a chair on the porch, enjoying the sunshine and having her hair combed. (And on Saturday Nov.23, 2:00pm. The family called saying she had passed away. Please keep the Bardhan family in your prayers!! ) We arrived home in Cuttack at 6:30pm. Always thanking God for His miracle of keeping us and others unharmed as we travel. Nov. 20, We are all weary and worn, Louis is suffering from cough, sinus and fever. Chris is also coughing, but Veronica’s sinus’ seem to be better PTL. After putting a large tub of wash out for the wash lady, from the mountain of dirty clothes that always collects on a trip, we are taking an easy, down-time day. Tonite we do have language, so homework and study will ensue this afternoon. Chris and Chintu went in evening to special program the children were giving at Nirman. Louis, Veronica and I stayed home to take language. Nov. 21, I’ve got some of my energy back, Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus!! So today I got two tubs of laundry done and the “mountain of clothes” is diminished, but not gone. By the way, the weather in Cuttack is gorgeous, low 80’s during day and cooler at night. Great for drying clothes =) We had delicious pancakes and chicken gravy for brunch. Nana is glad we are back and stopped by and enjoyed Chai and a pancake with us. Nov.22, Got word today that Auntie Bardhan was taken to Medical and not doing well at all. Our hearts are heavy for Santa Murty ( her husband) and the children. Today is spent with them in our thots and prayers. After an afternoon of intense alphabet study, we did pretty good with our language this evening. Now on to sounding out small words. Nov.23, Went to Nirman Home in afternoon and took photo updates of all the children. Louis and Chris left a little early, as they are still feeling “below par”. Veronica and I were in girl’s devotion time and ended up staying for supper as well. Then because of a festival going on in town and auto-taxi’s not going into “the thick of it” Veronica and I got to experience our first “side-saddle” motorcycle ride, THRU the “thick of it”!! I was very glad I did not know at the time the motorcycle I was on has NO working brakes!! Yikes! Bapi did an awesome job I must say, after reassuring me not to be afraid, that he would drive slowly.  ~  Got word today that Auntie has been healed for all eternity.  Nov.24, Went to Love Charity Home for church today. We enjoyed it very much!!  Nov.25, We will be in Cuttack, again getting packed and ready for next visit… to Home above Delhi.  Our train is scheduled to leave Nov.28^th we will arrive in Delhi 24hrs. later and then have a 4-5hr. bus ride above that. We will return to Cuttack, Lord willing Dec.6^th. We truly covet and desire your prayers.  Thanks for all the prayers you are already faithfully sending on our behalf!!!  We are grateful to all for prayers and support, may God richly bless.                                                 

                                                                    For His Kingdom and His Glory,

                                                                             Melody and the Heges

Laundry day

Our new garden

Lettuce, Radish, Squash

Fries :)

 

Salutations to each one,                                                                                                       October 19, 2013

    After a long absence… we again bring news of what has, is, and Lord willing, what is going to be happening in our lives.

     What HAS happened… The end of July, my brother Jon Barnhart, wife, Traci and oldest daughter Crystal came to India for two weeks. In that time they visited several Homes, held our first conference for the Home director’s, their wives and any staff that could attend. (  Which by God’s grace and your unfailing prayers was a wonderful time.)  The day after the conference we all left for the USA! Since our anniversary was only a few days away and we were able to… we came home by way of France.  Although France was wonderful and so full of history and we enjoyed it so much, we headed HOME to where my heart was longing to be. After six months I was very ready to wrap numerous family and friends in long awaited hugs! =)  We were greeted at the airport by Westin & Jayme!!! What a beautiful reunion!! Thanks again for picking us up, you two!!!

     We were home for the months of August and September, two months spent loving up, catching up, trying to pick back up, clearing up, putting up and then on October 10, again giving up, yes, I think this is by far the hardest part for us. This time was really hard for me, I guess in part because I didn’t feel like I had enough quality time with my family and friends before it was time to leave again. So, God and I worked on some attitude adjustment lessons. With His help and His strength it is going better. I CAN do all things THROUGH CHRIST who strengthens me!!  Hallelujah!!  Thanks sooo very much to EACH of you for your prayers!! I cannot begin to tell you how much that means to each of us, and the difference we know your loving intercession makes!!

      We had a non-eventful flight over ( when flying, non-eventful is fabulous!! =)  )  We praise God everything went so smoothly. When flying into Bhubaneswar the wind had picked up and it was a little blustery. Chintu and Pastor Suresh, who were there to pick us up, informed us we had flown in on the last flight, ahead of a cyclone, which was whipping in from the Indian Ocean!!!  Wow!!  What timing!! Only our God!!  We arrived at our apartment 30 hrs. after leaving our home in SC. We quickly made two calls to let family know that we had safely arrived and to pass it to the rest of family & friends and to please be praying about the incoming cyclone and safety through it! Praise the Lord we were only without electricity for two days and internet… well, it just came back yesterday!  It reminded us of at home when a hurricane hits the coast… winds and gusts of approx. 50-60 mph. & lots of rain.  Other places still have no electricity and much wind and water damage!! Keep them in your prayers.

      That is a fairly quick tour of what ‘has happened’ since I last wrote on the blog. Sorry folks, those few months went zoom and were gone. I will now try to keep up and post regularly. I know it makes a huge difference in feeling connected when you can read and see a few pictures fairly frequently!!

       Now, what IS happening since we have arrived… a cyclone, no electricity, no internet, so that leaves Louis very unable to keep in touch with USA home and the Homes. We went to Susanna Digal, Veronica’s very good friend, and David Brown’s wedding, left the 15^th & returned the 17^th . Our dear Nana Elaine fell and seriously hurt her back. Yesterday, Louis, Chris and Chintu carried her down their stairs in a sheet and took in Chintu’s car to get x-ray and sonogram. We have been daily visiting and praying with her & her family. Last even. Her daughter came and told us the Dr. found no broken or fractured bones on the x-ray!!! What rejoicing!! To God be the Glory!! She has been in terrible pain though, so please pray that God will bring continued and rapid healing!! On the 18^th  Susanna and David had a reception here in Cuttack, so we attended that. Veronica has been busily scrubbing clothes, and cooking some delicious meals, and has visited with Nana. Chris and Louis got the bicycle serviced and fixed a few issues it was having. Right now, Louis and Chintu are out trying to get Christmas cards printed for all the children in the Homes. Each child will write a little and maybe draw something, some are such amazing artists!  Then we will have them translated and send to CAM, from there they will send to the children’s sponsors. Last Sunday we attended church at Nirman Home, tomorrow we will probably attend at Love- Charity Home also in Cuttack.

     What you can be praying for in the near future… we badly need to visit most of the Homes and update the children’s records for CAM. We are hoping to start on a round of Homes within the next 2-3 wks. We do not know how long it will take at each Home to get new photo and update each child and any changes. This looks quite big actually!  We also will soon need to do Christmas shopping for each Home. Usually clothes, coats, and practical needs etc. are met as Christmas gifts. The one Home that is about 18 hrs. away, and we have never visited, we want to try to do that within the next month or so. Also the land that was purchased just before we left in July, they want to get a boundary wall put up soon and of course start on the house… sometime =).  The house could and probably will be in 2014. So dear ones, although this is all contained in one paragraph, it is probably the next 2-3 months of our lives. =). 

     Thanks again for “stopping by” and caring and sharing with us in the work that God has called us to!! We earnestly need and covet your prayers on ours and the many beautiful people and children’s behalf.

                                                                             Our Love and Prayers Also,

                                                                                 Melody for The Hege Bunch

June Greetings to All,                                                                                                         June 14, 2013

      We have survived the May heat, with thanks to God and the inventor of the A/C system! People say within the next week the rains could begin … Onward Ho!  To another first… Rainy Season!! It’s hard to believe when you drive across the long bridge and the huge river underneath is all but dried up, that in a couple months it’s a rolling river that’s almost up to the bridge!!

       I talked with Mom, Traci and Westin and it sounds like the long, cold winter made the flowers and fruit especially beautiful and bountiful this year!! Here, the pineapple season is in =) and the mango’s and another little fruit called Liti, you peel the outside bumpy shell off and inside is the opaque white round fruit, that Veronica declares feels like an eyeball and yes it does kind of =) the taste is good tho. We truly do enjoy the benefits of all the fresh fruits and veggies that are readily available here!!

       A little about the engagement parties we attended. Yes! Plural. David Brown’s was in Phulbani, ( which is about like a trip to Harrisonburg, Va.) And we went and came home the SAME day!! Okay, that was the not so nice, but the engagement ceremonies were very nice and very interesting!! They have family and a few friends, a ceremony where they have singing, family gives their okay and blessing and the minister asks some questions and reads some Scripture. Afterwards, the girls’ family supplies a feast for the guests. The date for the wedding is also arranged. ( This of course is the short version, the long version would fill the page =) Then, Chintu had his here in Cuttack, on June the 5^th. That was very nice because Nirman Home was having VBS at that time also.

       Vacation Bible School started on May 26^th and concluded with big ceremony and feast on June7th. The parents of all the visiting children are invited and there was a crowd about like the Easter Celebration!  I had the privilege of helping care for the “babies” during these two weeks - five little ones about 2-3yrs. down to 1 yr. This of course suited me perfectly =) and my lack of the oriya language was overcome by love and hand gestures. The time we had to be there every morning will make some of you laugh, try 5:30am. Yes, our God has a sense of humor I do believe!  The first week we would have lunch there and then come home to rest. Towards the end of that week I got that nasty old cough again =( and Sunday was home with fever. We had prayer and God took away the fever. So Monday found us all back at VBS.  We would come home then around 10:30- 11:00, mainly because I was so exhausted. Then some evenings Chris and Veronica would go back around 4:30 and play Cricket or whatever was going on. It was a great 2 weeks, though very tiring. The children’s classes learned Bible verses and Chris & Veronica’s lessons were about the Armor of God. Lots of singing and fun games and relays after classes. Of course, there was plenty of their favorite game, Cricket, played also!! We even got to join in on a couple of the matches =)

   Yes, I do believe rainy season has officially arrived.  These people are amazing in the way they adapt. From heat that will fry you, then months of rain like we sometimes have a day or two of in winter. The kind that after a week you are climbing walls and saying “Get me outta here”. =) Thankfully it looks like our June and July will be very busy, trying to get last visits in to each of the Homes before time to fly back to the USofA!! Please pray that a couple things will definitely happen before we leave. First, we want each child to have a Bible. And we are working with the Bible Society and would like to hand them out on our trips to each of the Homes. Second, it looks like God has opened the door for the land, PTL.  They began searching in a totally different area, not Phulbani,  and almost immediately they found a nice piece of land. So far everything has “checked out okay” and they may be settling for it next week!! Hallelujah! Please continue to pray that all will go smoothly and in God’s will.

David & Susanna's Engagement



Chintu & Pinki's Engagement





This Is The Fruit Called Lichi




VBS




Singing At VBS




Getting ready To Start VBS




Pastor Suresh At VBS




Veronica With Some VBS Students




Some VBS Students




Two Students With OM CameTo Visit




These Two Little Ones Sang a Song At VBS




Abishak, The drummer Boy




Chintu With Some Very Tasty Mangos At VBS




The Cooks Arriving To Cook The Last Meal At VBS




Large Pots To Cook The Meal




One Of The Hindu Cooks Preparing The Meal




Lots Of Chicken to cook, about 175 lbs



My Wonderful Friend Uttam



The Evening Meal Cooking, Chicken Biryani




One Of The Care Packages We Received From Home




The Rain Has Started, Streets Are Flooded




The Roof Is Leaking In The Kitchen (:



Greetings of Love,                                                                                               May 23, 2013

    Hello to each of you and “ may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”~ 2 Thess.3:16  This was a beautiful verse in our devotions this morning and so I hope it blesses each of you as well!

    What is happening in our month, you may be wondering. So far it has been just the opposite of April. Because of  May being so very hot, (tomorrow they are saying 115 degrees, we  are hoping they are wrong = ) ) we had planned not to do a lot of traveling. Instead, we wanted to meet some of our neighbors and the owners of our apartment, things close to home. We did meet Mr. and Mrs. Das (the owners) one afternoon and they are a very wonderful and gracious couple. They have three daughters and they all live in USA! So Mr. & Mrs. Das spend 3 to 4 months a year in America! And they speak great English!! Which is always a huge help to us. =)  We were then invited to come for supper on Sunday evening. So we had a very nice evening of fine food and fellowship. She invited me to come anytime and she would teach me to cook some of her recipes!! Mmm yum   Then one evening she came up and visited with us. When she left she told us she would send up lunch the next day!  So now it’s time to try out our Indian cuisine cooking skills and have them to our place.

       On Tuesday May 14^th we had ladies Bible Study, for the women from church, at our place.  We had 15 people here and had a good time of prayer, praise and studying the Word. Followed by refreshments. They all seemed to enjoy and liked finally seeing where we live.

      We have also had “rooftop” conversation with two more of our neighbors and they also speak English =) and we are invited to visit them as well. We have been so wonderfully blessed with amazing people we have met and are getting to know. I know this is no accident and give praise to God for planning our “meetings” and making our paths cross! So pray for us as we also meet and minister in these hearts and lives. Hopefully, Thursday and Friday we will be able to go visit these neighbors.

      Tomorrow, May 22, 2013, we will be traveling to Phulbani for David Brown’s engagement ceremony to Susanna Digal. She is the oldest daughter of the Director’s at the Home in Phulbani. I will try to get some great pictures for a later blog. When we visited this Home in Feb. it was wonderful, Veronica found that Susanna and her birthdays are only 3months apart and they will both be 20!! The other wonderful thing was that they became good friends in the week that we were there! PTL

       This past week two other young ladies, daughters of the Director’s in Parlikamundi, Shanti and Christo came and spent almost the entire week cooking and showing us their recipes. So we now have our little Indian recipe book started and our meals this past week were delicious! We enjoyed their time here muchly! Shanti has a ministry with children all around. Her earlier visit to Cuttack in Jan. she had met with some very poor children and their families, and she wanted to go see them while here. Somehow she found the Pastors name who has meetings with the people in this area, they are mainly Hindu’s. Wow! What an amazing evening! A room full and overflowing with women, children and some men, hungry, spiritually hungry, and very possibly physically hungry also! Louis gave a brief message and we did some singing with the children. Then, so many wanting prayer… we really needed this!! God helped us see that even though there are arid desert times in our lives, don’t ever think of giving up!! There are sooo many hungry souls waiting, waiting for someone to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing fountains of LIVING WATER to THEIR desert places!!( this, dear ones, is not only in India, but in your “backyard” as well )  As we were leaving, one of the older women wanted us to come into her home and pray a blessing on her and her home. ( Have you ever had something happen that makes you very ashamed for grumbling and complaining about something in your life, that in comparison to another’s lot in life is nothing!! Yes! I know we are not to compare ourselves among ourselves. I do believe God does use these situations though to open our eyes) This lady’s home was a place under the stairwell in these apartments!! Her height may have come to Louis’ shoulder and in the tallest part she still could not stand completely upright! This was her home!! And I’ve been complaining about my hot little kitchen! Lord, forgive me!!

     Sunday found us at Nirman Home for church. During the service I got to hold my little Emanuel. Thank each of you so much for praying for him and please continue!!! We found out he is two and half yrs. old and he might weigh 15 lbs.!! He is so weak and small it is frightening!!

     The wonderful report and praise to God is: Pretty is home and she is eating good!!! So we are praising God for His work on her little heart and life, and also praising Him for prayer warriors like you! Thanks!! After services I got to hold her and love on her a little!!! I also got some photos of her and Emanuel. To me it always makes someone seem more “real” if I can say their name and see them, even if it is just a photo! She too needs to gain much needed weight and strength. Of course, many more of my precious ones, that time and page would run out in trying to tell all, but I hope these photos will speak thousands of words for me!! =)   

     I guess in writing this, you may get the idea that their lives are so full and they don’t talk about us at home. I wonder if they even miss us!! Never fear, my loved ones, you are loved and missed. Sometimes tremendously!! It seemed at the halfway mark, something happened. It was like this has been a long time, now I NEED to see and hold my dear family and friends!! Looking at profile pics… was good… and hard. You look so real, so close, so beautiful and dear, that suddenly you would become a watery blur and I would need my tissue box, just like I do now!!  BUT… God is good – ALL the time, and He has truly blessed us!! The technology helps a lot!! PTL for magic jack phone, e-mails, FB, and facebook messages, skype and boxes and cards from home, last, but greatest of all the prayers that we feel so surrounded by!!! Thanks seems such a small word at times, but may our Father magnify His blessings upon each of you and keep us each in perfect peace until we meet again!!!

                                                       Goodnight and Heartfelt Love to All,

                                                            Melody for the Hege Crew

Melody with Shanti one of the girls that spent the week with us.



Veronica and Christo a sister to Shanti



In a small house in a very poor section of town. These are Hindu
people that the pastor is reaching out to, the temple is in front of their house.



Shanti with the children



The little room is packed. Hindus eager to hear the word.



Speaking to the group

 

A dear older lady with a testimony for the Lord



Veronica with pastor Pani who has a heart for the poor
who have not heard the gospel



Children eager to hear the word of God



The room was full so some of the children were at the window



Some of the  Hindu children



A lady was living under these stairs and she called it home



Praying with the lady in her home under the stairs



The children as we were leaving



Melody with little Pretty,Emanuel and Tiki mom



Melody holding Pretty