This week for Team India has been a week full of new and powerful personal connections. On Monday we finally got to meet and speak with the family that lives next to us. They are absolutely spectacular people and make us feel like we have true family here in India. The family is so compassionate and willing to drop everything to do something for our team and we haven’t even known them for a week. We were also able to meet our host’s son and nephew, Stanis and Charles. These two spent a full day with us on the beach in Kanyakumari. They are such kind, intelligent and hilarious young men who keep us on our toes. Charles has also spent the rest of the week with us attending some of our work locations and has become an honorary member of our team. Being so close to our ages, he’s been able to connect with us in many ways. He’s also very willing to help out in anyway such as translating.
Thursday was probably one of our teams favorite days we’ve spent here. We were able to return to the school where we had previously done construction and activities with the children. The kids remembered us all very quickly and even call us akka and annan, which mean sister and brother in their language. The joy and love we feel because of these children is absolutely incredible. The weekend was full of fun events, which we were able to enjoy with all of our new friends. Friday was spent at the falls again. This time we were able to go paddle boating, do a bit of fishing, and watch some elephants sunbathe. In the evening we celebrated 4th July with a huge firework show and too many sparklers to count.
Our team spent Saturday afternoon bonding and in the evening we attended a Jumbo Circus. We ended the week with another amazing Sunday service. The church was celebrating 116 years, so it felt as if the service was one big party. Our team was able to dance and sing along with the whole congregation as well as share a testimony. The service also included a baby dedication, which the girls on our team were very excited about as we all got to hold the sweet baby girl. That evening we were able to visit Charles’ home and meet his whole family. They immediately took us in like we were their own and cared so much for us. This week our team has truly been blessed with a new and loving family here in India.
