I was warned that my senses would be assaulted on the World Race. While that was somewhat accurate for Nepal, it’s even more true for India.
My nose has been assaulted by the stench of trash & squatty potties.
My ears have been assaulted by the crazy music and obnoxiously loud horns.
My eyes have been assaulted by the vision of people showering and using the restroom…in the streets.
My taste buds have been assaulted by the spicy food.
And my body has been assaulted by rough grounds, dirt, sweat, lack of sleep, and unexpected hospital visits.
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(I should mention that India was the country I had been terrified of because of the assaults listed above.)
Despite all of these things, however, India slowly ran away with my heart.)
My team worked alongside another team (PAC) this month. We partnered with Sarah’s Covenant Homes (SCH-which is an orphanage for children with disabilities and special needs), and our job was to simply love on them and spend time with them.
In India, the disabled are strongly looked down upon. Most children, like those at SCH, are abandoned by their parents due to the Hindu belief in reincarnation. They view them as a punishment, therefore treat them as worthless and unlovable. SCH currently cares for around 140 kids, a lot of which do not currently have foster parents.
Within a few of the foster homes our teams chose “best buddies” for the month. My buddy was Cassia, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy (and is so beautiful!). For a couple hours each day we just hung out, went on stroller walks, read stories, and had some good jam sessions.
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In just this short time that we’ve worked with SCH and have gotten to spend time with the kids, a few of my senses have been assaulted in an entirely new way:
My ears have heard the sounds of laughter and excited screams from countless children.
My eyes have seen the toothless smiles of kids who are ecstatic about the park, a water party, and simply having a new friend.
And my body has been used as a napping post, a drool catcher, and a jungle gym.
(My nose & taste buds remain the same, however.)
What started as a completely terrifying and intimidating experience ended up being a month I’ll never forget. It certainly has not been easy, as I imagine no month on the Race will be, but it’s been so worth it.
Even now, as I’m attempting to recover from whatever stomach ailment is attacking me, I’m so thankful for this month and what it has taught me. And I’m so thankful for SCH and the incredible work they do for these kids. This one (Heidi) has especially stolen my heart:
{Photo: cred: Melody}
((I may want to come back for her someday…seriously.))
Our last day in Ongole, India is this Sunday (where did the time go??). My team will be in Bangkok, Thailand for a day, and then we head off to Phuket for the month. While I’m sad this month is coming to an end, I’m so excited to see what God has in store for us next month!
Fundraising Update: my next deadline is coming up on October 1st, and I must have a total of $11,000. If you’d like to help keep me on the Race, simply click the Support Me link to donate! Thank you and God bless!
(Photos will be added later)
