We arrived in Vijayawada at 5:30am on January 8th, and
made it to Grace and Mercy Orphanage around 7:30am. We knew that we would be greeted with love, but we were not
prepared for the greeting that was presented before us. Upon arrival, all the children of
the orphanage were lined up with a “World Race Volunteers, Welcome” Banner and
clapping and cheering for us as if we were celebrities. [Don’t worry, it was all caught on tape
and will be posted in the next video.]
I can’t even tell you what an honor it has been staying here. Its only one day in, and we have been
treated like royalty. After
getting settled, our team went down and served the children their meals. In this moment, our first opportunity
to serve, it was evident that we are the Kingdom of heaven here on earth. We are representing Christ this year
through service and sharing the gospel.
I’ve been saying that all year long in preparation for the race, but now
I’m not just saying it, I’m living it.
After serving the children, they had a private breakfast set
up for us in the dining area followed by a welcoming ceremony in our
honor. The children sang and
danced for us, and we did the same for them. They presented us with breathtaking leis made of fresh honey
suckles and carnations-each flower representing a child at the orphanage.
Here are a few pictures of our welcome. There will be more to come as time
progresses here at Grace and Mercy Ministries.
