Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Mirrored Truth

Value and confidence is one area in which many women lack wherever you may live. I want the women here to know they are special, that they are beautiful and full of value.


For our story at sewing class, our desire was to share with the women that the Lord has given each of us a purpose in life along with unique gifts. I wanted to give them something tangible to remember with this message.


My teammate had the idea to buy them each a mirror, write a verse on them, and give them to the women. We decorated the small mirrors with their names, the words "you are beautiful", and Ephesians 2:10 which says, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."


We tried to explain through stories that they have a purpose and God has made them specially to fulfill these things.


They were really grateful, and I hope they treasure these mirrors forever and that they feel valued. I know I am only one of the many that comes here to work with them, but it is awesome to think that all our efforts put together make a difference in their life. 


Breanna
Short Term Volunteer - India

Friday, June 17, 2011

Love is Calling YOU.

Pyaar = लव = Love

"...But the greatest of these is 
love."   ~   1 Corinthians 13:13

This week we've spent a lot of time looking at love, what love is 
and where love comes from. It's a word defined in so many small ways, 
but can literally change someone's world.


" My own family doesn't care about me... why do you?"
 ~ *Anne









This statement brought tears to my eyes as *Anne spoke after
telling me the tale of how she had attempted suicide earlier that
morning. Their pain is so real and so deep. *Anne's story is one
of many taking place daily here and all throughout India. These
women have lost all hope and seek the only escape they know...
They are why I am here, Bringing God's unfailing love to the 
children His heart yearns for. 

"Father break my heart for what breaks Yours, give me open 
hands and open doors, put Your light in my eyes and let me see
that my own little world is not about me..."

So often I get caught up in my own little world, my troubles, my
wants, my needs. Me. Me. Me. Living in the midst of the least
of these makes me realize my constant selfishness. My own little
world is NOT about me. This is what God is always reminding
me of, in those moments where I am hurt or upset He puts in
perspective my short comings. It is through His love that I love.
There is nothing I could give these girls without Him, it is His
hope and love they so desperately need...
                                 
                                               "So when you get the chance,

are you gonna take it?
There's a really big world at your fingertips


And you know you have the chance to change it


There's a girl on the streets, she's cryin'


There's a man whose faith is dyin'

Love is calling you..."

Katie
Short Term Volunteer - India


*Please Note: Names are changed to protect the women

Greetings from Goa, India!!

     Teacher TEACHER!! choruses of this ring in our ears as we walk into the community where we work.  The smallest amount of attention you show to the children just lights up their faces and makes their day.  They just want to be able to greet you saying "Hi teacher!" and shake your hand sometimes hoping you have a small piece of candy to give them.  The other day a couple of us volunteers played soccer in the street with the boys of the community!  My FAVORITE thing so far!  The joy and laughter at having not just a soccer ball but two teachers to play with them!! :) 
     It makes me realize how much I selfishly take for granted. I could run to the store and get a soccer ball anytime. To these boys though, it is a special treat they get to enjoy for a couple hours.  Christ is teaching me to never lose the wonder of a child.  He's reminding me to appreciate and be amazed at all the small things he has created and blessed me with. What a blessing for me to be able to make these boys feel loved and included just by inviting them to join our game! 


Ella 
Short Term Volunteer - India