After a 7 hour bus ride that seemed like more of a circus (Florescent green lights and loud Indian music; the picture does not do it justice…a true Indian experience) we made it to Mercy and Grace Orphanage.



As soon as we arrived we got a full blown Indian welcome! We were greeted by all the kids and signs/chalk drawling that said Welcome World Race. As if that was not enough, we had a special ceremony welcoming us and thanking us for coming. I love Indian hospitality. I even had some of the boys henna my hand which I later found out means I am about to get married. Anyone interested?




(The Kids forgot the “a” in Indian…I did not have the heart to tell them)

Here at Mercy and Grace, Madhava, his wife, and son Rajesh take care of over 100 children. Some are full orphans and some are half orphans meaning they have only one parent. In India, most kids have parents or families but because of financial reasons are unable to take care of them. This causes a great need for a home like Mercy and Grace.

 

Here at the orphanage, we are doing everything from teaching daily classes (art, music, English, drama, bible, etc), playing Kaberdee (picture follows…Indian Rugby), preaching, sharing testimonies and speaking life into those around us. I constantly remind myself that India is a place of only 2% Christian faith, so naturally Mercy and Grace is in the minority. When in a situation like that, you need all the encouragement you can get and we are blessed to be able to give it. They are able to look at our team as an example of what a Christian looks like. In the States, we have plenty of examples, but here, there is a very good chance that you are the only believer in the area. Talk about true faith and fully depending on God. Please pray that my team and I can continue to build into Mercy and Grace as brothers and sisters in Christ.