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 :).