After dinner at the Children's Home tonight, we heard quite a commotion outside. When we opened the gate, we found this...
Indians take the term "Wedding Party" very seriously! They party for days leading up to the event. One of the traditions is for the Groom to ride through the neighborhood on horseback to the Bride's house - with his friends and family leading the way. They stop every few hundred feet to dance in the street, and people come outside their homes to watch and dance with them!
I love that the Groom really does appear to claim his Bride on a beautiful white horse! It's just like a fairytale! He looks quite dashing, doesn't he? (I wonder where I can find an outfit like that for my husband? ;)
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Welcome to Asha Mission!
Today we spent about 8 hours visiting Asha Mission - one of the Children's Homes we are partnered with in India. I can't express how incredible these children are - and how good it is to see them so happy and well cared for. They sang and danced and played and prayed - and we were so blessed to be a part of it all!
We got quite the welcome when we arrived (as you will see in the video). What we weren't able to shoot was all 32 children hugging us and introducing themselves to us. It was the sweetest thing!
I spent a lot of time with the girls in their room. I told them I only have brothers at home, and asked if they would all be my little sisters? They were more than happy to agree! Before the night was over, Susheela, the oldest girl, had given me a pair of earrings that she insisted were "too big and heavy for her" - no matter how I argued that she should keep them. At 13, she has only a few belongings tucked in her bunk bed, yet she wanted me to have something of hers. I was beyond moved and put the earrings in immediately. They will remain one of my most treasured possessions.
One of the gifts we brought for each of our Children's Homes, is a copy of The Jesus Storybook Bible. I was able to have "storytime" with the kids and read them "David & Goliath" and "Daniel & The Lions Den" at their request. Their Bible knowledge both amazes and humbles me. These kids know the Word and they are hungry for more!
They are also hungry for more EDUCATION. We heard about how hard they work in school, and that they have received outstanding marks and honors in their classes. The house mom and dad, Sharma and Sasi, are incredibly proud of them, and they shared some of their dreams with us. These children want to be doctors and nurses and teachers and policemen when they grow up.... but it's up to you and me to be sure that happens.
The children asked us repeatedly today, "please do not forget us". We promised them we wouldn't, and that we would share their stories and their needs with all of you. We told them that you cared about them, that you wanted to know more about them, and that you would be praying for them. They were encouraged and excited to know that there are people in America who care about them!
Over the next few days, we'll be sharing more about the kids at Asha Mission, and what some of their needs are. I can tell you right now that need #1 is a bigger house, considering there are 32 children crammed into 2 small rooms with no place to sleep or play or study. So keep checking back to hear the details of their current living conditions, and to find out how you can help. Together we can provide for these children and empower them to reach their dreams!
We got quite the welcome when we arrived (as you will see in the video). What we weren't able to shoot was all 32 children hugging us and introducing themselves to us. It was the sweetest thing!
I spent a lot of time with the girls in their room. I told them I only have brothers at home, and asked if they would all be my little sisters? They were more than happy to agree! Before the night was over, Susheela, the oldest girl, had given me a pair of earrings that she insisted were "too big and heavy for her" - no matter how I argued that she should keep them. At 13, she has only a few belongings tucked in her bunk bed, yet she wanted me to have something of hers. I was beyond moved and put the earrings in immediately. They will remain one of my most treasured possessions.
One of the gifts we brought for each of our Children's Homes, is a copy of The Jesus Storybook Bible. I was able to have "storytime" with the kids and read them "David & Goliath" and "Daniel & The Lions Den" at their request. Their Bible knowledge both amazes and humbles me. These kids know the Word and they are hungry for more!
They are also hungry for more EDUCATION. We heard about how hard they work in school, and that they have received outstanding marks and honors in their classes. The house mom and dad, Sharma and Sasi, are incredibly proud of them, and they shared some of their dreams with us. These children want to be doctors and nurses and teachers and policemen when they grow up.... but it's up to you and me to be sure that happens.
The children asked us repeatedly today, "please do not forget us". We promised them we wouldn't, and that we would share their stories and their needs with all of you. We told them that you cared about them, that you wanted to know more about them, and that you would be praying for them. They were encouraged and excited to know that there are people in America who care about them!
Over the next few days, we'll be sharing more about the kids at Asha Mission, and what some of their needs are. I can tell you right now that need #1 is a bigger house, considering there are 32 children crammed into 2 small rooms with no place to sleep or play or study. So keep checking back to hear the details of their current living conditions, and to find out how you can help. Together we can provide for these children and empower them to reach their dreams!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
An update from India!
Wow! What a whirlwind the last few days have been! We've driven from Birmingham to Oxford, AL - flown from Atlanta to Korea, then flown to Thailand, then flown from Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai (Thailand).... spent three days there before flying back to Bangkok (Thailand), and then hopped a plane to India!
We've been blessed with pretty good flights - especially the first 2 (This is where I say all sorts of good things about KOREAN AIR - sooo much better than Delta - and where I'll share that on the 6 hour flight from Korea to Thailand we had 2 rows of seats to lay down and sleep on - we were so grateful!) so we've been handling jet lag pretty well. Our 3 days in Chiang Mai were spent resting and hanging out with our good friends the Wards, including their precious new addition Teanna!
How sweet is that little giggling face?! She is seriously the happiest baby I have EVER seen! I snagged this picture from facebook, but I can't wait to get back in 3 weeks and get my camera focused on this little one!
We arrived late last night to India, and we've spent the day settling in our new "home" (for the next 2 weeks) and preparing to visit our Children's Homes tomorrow. It's been a bit of an adjustment here - since it's been almost 4 years since we've been to India. I'd forgotten how LOUD it is! I'm really thankful I brought earplugs, or I would not be able to sleep through the music and honking horns outside our window!
We're also adjusting to the food here... pray for us (kidding...sort of...) Neither of us like curry, and it is in everything (somehow, it was even in the french fries I just ordered!) and the spices are.... well... HOT! We each drank over a liter of water at lunch, and from what I remember of my last trip, the spice in that meal was nothing compared to most Indian food! But if spicy food is our biggest problem, then I think we're doing ok. As I've found little things that annoyed me today (because living and working in third world countries is not always "comfortable" ;) I am working hard to remain grateful. The TRUTH is, I have so much to be thankful for!
I am trying to give myself some grace too, as I think my mind and emotions are a little overwhelmed from all the transition this week! I keep waiting for the inevitable moment when I speak Thai to someone in India....or Hindi to someone in Thailand (when we return in December).
And speaking of my emotions - today I had a rough morning. I'd forgotten more than how loud it is here, and what the food tastes like....I'd forgotten how difficult the spiritual climate is. It's hard to explain really - and some of you may think this sounds kooky or too "supernatural" for you, but there is a spiritual darkness and chaos here that I just can't quite put into words. I woke up this morning crying for no reason, struggling with depression, and feeling like a weight was literally sitting on my chest. Thankfully after a prayer from my husband I was better - but I was naive to think we wouldn't have to actively fight this chaos and darkness DAILY. Please pray that we will have discernment every moment of the day and night - that we will know when and how to pray - and that we will be LIGHT in the darkness here.
As I'm rambling through this "stream of consciousness" here, I want to share an update with you today about Asha House (one of the Children's Homes we are partnered with here in Delhi). First thing this morning, I got an update from our partners, telling us that 3 new children came to the home this week. My initial response was excitement, and I tweeted about how I couldn't wait to meet the kids. But as the day has worn on, my heart has become heavy. 3 new children in our orphanage, means 3 more children without a mom and dad. As thankful as I am that they are in a safe and loving home tonight, I am grieving the fact that they are orphans. I can't imagine what they must be feeling right now. I've been praying that they are comforted during this transition and that they know they are loved. Please join me in praying for them - all I know right now is that they are 2, 4, and 5 years old. I'll share more of their story next week.
As I write all this, I'm not sure if my heart is ready for this country. There is so much to grieve here, and at the same time, there is much to celebrate. I'm looking forward to sharing each experience with all of you!
I'll leave you with a quick video update Rusty shot today. I felt like I was in the circus with the crowd we drew - the only white people to be seen, randomly shooting a video in the middle of a busy street - apparently we were quite the sight! I wish you could've seen the crowd huddled behind Rusty while he shot this... it was so hard to stay focused and complete my sentences with all of them watching! (haha!)
If you haven't done it yet, then I hope you'll sign up for our blog updates at The Sound of Hope, follow us on twitter, and "like" our facebook page, so you'll be sure to see all of our upcoming videos, stories, and pictures!
We've been blessed with pretty good flights - especially the first 2 (This is where I say all sorts of good things about KOREAN AIR - sooo much better than Delta - and where I'll share that on the 6 hour flight from Korea to Thailand we had 2 rows of seats to lay down and sleep on - we were so grateful!) so we've been handling jet lag pretty well. Our 3 days in Chiang Mai were spent resting and hanging out with our good friends the Wards, including their precious new addition Teanna!
How sweet is that little giggling face?! She is seriously the happiest baby I have EVER seen! I snagged this picture from facebook, but I can't wait to get back in 3 weeks and get my camera focused on this little one!
We arrived late last night to India, and we've spent the day settling in our new "home" (for the next 2 weeks) and preparing to visit our Children's Homes tomorrow. It's been a bit of an adjustment here - since it's been almost 4 years since we've been to India. I'd forgotten how LOUD it is! I'm really thankful I brought earplugs, or I would not be able to sleep through the music and honking horns outside our window!
We're also adjusting to the food here... pray for us (kidding...sort of...) Neither of us like curry, and it is in everything (somehow, it was even in the french fries I just ordered!) and the spices are.... well... HOT! We each drank over a liter of water at lunch, and from what I remember of my last trip, the spice in that meal was nothing compared to most Indian food! But if spicy food is our biggest problem, then I think we're doing ok. As I've found little things that annoyed me today (because living and working in third world countries is not always "comfortable" ;) I am working hard to remain grateful. The TRUTH is, I have so much to be thankful for!
I am trying to give myself some grace too, as I think my mind and emotions are a little overwhelmed from all the transition this week! I keep waiting for the inevitable moment when I speak Thai to someone in India....or Hindi to someone in Thailand (when we return in December).
And speaking of my emotions - today I had a rough morning. I'd forgotten more than how loud it is here, and what the food tastes like....I'd forgotten how difficult the spiritual climate is. It's hard to explain really - and some of you may think this sounds kooky or too "supernatural" for you, but there is a spiritual darkness and chaos here that I just can't quite put into words. I woke up this morning crying for no reason, struggling with depression, and feeling like a weight was literally sitting on my chest. Thankfully after a prayer from my husband I was better - but I was naive to think we wouldn't have to actively fight this chaos and darkness DAILY. Please pray that we will have discernment every moment of the day and night - that we will know when and how to pray - and that we will be LIGHT in the darkness here.
As I'm rambling through this "stream of consciousness" here, I want to share an update with you today about Asha House (one of the Children's Homes we are partnered with here in Delhi). First thing this morning, I got an update from our partners, telling us that 3 new children came to the home this week. My initial response was excitement, and I tweeted about how I couldn't wait to meet the kids. But as the day has worn on, my heart has become heavy. 3 new children in our orphanage, means 3 more children without a mom and dad. As thankful as I am that they are in a safe and loving home tonight, I am grieving the fact that they are orphans. I can't imagine what they must be feeling right now. I've been praying that they are comforted during this transition and that they know they are loved. Please join me in praying for them - all I know right now is that they are 2, 4, and 5 years old. I'll share more of their story next week.
As I write all this, I'm not sure if my heart is ready for this country. There is so much to grieve here, and at the same time, there is much to celebrate. I'm looking forward to sharing each experience with all of you!
I'll leave you with a quick video update Rusty shot today. I felt like I was in the circus with the crowd we drew - the only white people to be seen, randomly shooting a video in the middle of a busy street - apparently we were quite the sight! I wish you could've seen the crowd huddled behind Rusty while he shot this... it was so hard to stay focused and complete my sentences with all of them watching! (haha!)
If you haven't done it yet, then I hope you'll sign up for our blog updates at The Sound of Hope, follow us on twitter, and "like" our facebook page, so you'll be sure to see all of our upcoming videos, stories, and pictures!
Thanks so much for reading, and thanks for your prayers and encouraging comments too!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Success in the Chaos
Today we're headed overseas again, this time to spend 6 weeks in Thailand and India visiting the 5 Children's Homes we support through The Sound of Hope. As we were preparing for this trip, we've been reflecting back on all God has done so far this year. Rusty wrote an awesome blog last week highlighting some of our successes, and I wanted to re-post it and share it with all of you. Please pray for us during this trip (especially with all the flooding in Thailand). We are asking you to pray for favor, for blessing, for traveling mercies, for divine appointments, for our health, for our work, for our partners, and for the children we care for. PRAY in EXPECTATION - we know God has big things in store for this trip!
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It's been an INSANE year - traveling, weddings, moving, etc - lots of transition!
But in the middle of all the CRAZINESS, we've seen God show up BIG in our organization, The Sound of Hope. Here are just a FEW of the highlights ::
INDIA
* We were able to provide winter uniforms for the kids in two of the orphanages we support. Why is this a big deal? Because, without those uniforms the kids could NOT go to school. One of the things we STRONGLY believe in as an organization is making sure the children get an education.
*Secondly, we met all the medical needs for 2 sweet little girls who are dependent on this medicine for their survival. For more on that story, click here.
SWAZILAND
* Nsoko is the poorest area in this country, which makes it the perfect place to invest in a community garden project. This is HUGE because not only will it benefit our carepoints and give the orphans and vulnerable children healthy food to eat, but it will benefit the people of the Nsoko community as well. We love this project because it promotes self-sustainability, something we strongly support. You can read more on this here.
THAILAND
* First, we were able to raise the funds needed to bring 13 new kids into The Refuge, a children's home in a refugee camp along the Thai/Burma border. The 13 kids came DIRECTLY out of the violence in Burma. Now they have a safe place to live, receive an education, and be exposed to a godly couple who run the home. More than words, Hebrew, and his wife Sernagay, LIVE out the Gospel - and that speaks loudly to the kids around them.
* Secondly, if you've been following our journey this year then you know we've been trying to raise a TON of money to build a children's home in Northern Thailand. This project is called the Promised Land. The plan here is to rescue and care for children who are potential sex-trafficking victims, plus provide a safe place for kids coming out of the violence in Burma.
I'm VERY happy to report that we have recently purchased a home that will be used for those purposes! This became official just a few weeks ago. We're excited - our partners are excited, and we can't wait to see the impact this home will have in the area. For the rest of this story, check out this blog.
God is VERY good!
Let me be clear - He absolutely showed up in a HUGE way for us this year. In turn, we've been able to pass the blessing along to those who need it the most. I'm seeing more and more that we are simply a channel, a funnel of HIS blessing! I LOVE it - it's all about stewarding God's resources!
We leave in a matter of days for another international trip. This time we're going to India, and then we'll swing back through Thailand. If you think about it, please be in prayer about this journey. Pray for God to be glorified and for us to be a blessing to the people we serve.
Lastly, I want to say THANK YOU! Thank you to all the people who have supported us and continue to do so. These are your successes as well. They would NOT have been possible without YOU! So lets celebrate them together!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Testing, 1, 2, 3...
Sooo, a few days ago I realized that the google group I sent up for "email subscriptions" to this blog has NOT been getting my updates! SO sorry friends! Apparently when I did my little blog makeover, I didn't add the address back in... oops! That means the last email update you got was July 24th!
I'm hoping that most of my regular readers came to check out the blog anyway (even when you didn't get email reminders). But just in case you didn't - there is a LOT you've missed over the past 3 months! If you don't have time to read all the blogs I've posted since July, then I hope you'll at least make time for these 2....
Trust me - they are good ones! Oh yeah... and you should know that we MOVED to ALABAMA! (Seriously - you've got a lot of catching up to do!)
I'm hoping that most of my regular readers came to check out the blog anyway (even when you didn't get email reminders). But just in case you didn't - there is a LOT you've missed over the past 3 months! If you don't have time to read all the blogs I've posted since July, then I hope you'll at least make time for these 2....
Miracles Happen (Part 1) :: Life on the Fringes
Miracles Happen (Part 2) :: Everything Changes
Trust me - they are good ones! Oh yeah... and you should know that we MOVED to ALABAMA! (Seriously - you've got a lot of catching up to do!)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Brillard!!!
I just wanted to share a quick post from Jackson, MS. We came this weekend for the wedding of my dear friend BJ Agnew, and it was an absolutely beautiful (and fun!) day!BJ and I have been friends since our first week of college at Auburn, and we've made so many wonderful memories together. From SGA, to the summer we were roommates, and the time she drove me at 4am one morning to Mobile for a Miss Alabama Preliminary pageant complete with themed "road trip music" (what a friend!)... we have "been there" for each other through so much. She is one of my sweetest and most thoughtful friends, as well as one of my CRAZIEST and most fun friends! (No one else could talk me into doing something that almost got us arrested! HA!) We've never had a dull moment together!
I was honored to be asked to be the soloist for her special day, and also to serve as an honorary bridesmaid. The Agnew family is so precious to me, and I was glad to be able to contribute something to her wedding. I sang "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" during the ceremony, and it was truly a privilege!
When we found out they didn't have a videographer, Rusty and I shot some footage (which we're hoping to put together after our trip overseas). For now though, I'll leave you with a few of my favorite pictures that Rusty snapped yesterday afternoon!
The Happy Couple!
BJ and her sweet Daddy...
Don't the moms look beautiful in their orange and blue?! I loved this shot of everyone laughing together! It really was a day overflowing with JOY!
With the other lovely "honoraries"... I really enjoyed getting to know these ladies!
I have no idea what we were laughing at, but this picture makes me smile!
My handsome date for the wedding! ;)
Yes, that's the beautiful BRIDE wearing her soccer cleats! I've never seen anyone
with that much skill in a wedding dress, haha! These two love their sports!
And speaking of sports... we'd like to say a big THANK YOU to the
guy who brought his iPad so everyone could watch the game! Seeing men
and women huddled around this cheering at a wedding reception made me
so happy to be back down SOUTH! ;)
And speaking of football... don't you love the orange and white cake and blue champagne flutes?
I saved the best for last! This is my favorite shot of the day. Aren't these ladies BEAUTIFUL?!
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Congratulations Ricky & BJ!
We pray that you are blessed with many years of happiness together!
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Wednesday, November 2, 2011
October Baby
For those of you who thought I was announcing an October pregnancy, think again! Sorry friends, but this is all about an incredible movie that I want you to see, called...
I have to begin by saying, that I am typically skeptic of "Christian movies". I have seen many of them, and while they have sweet story-lines, there is inevitably something cheesy about them. (Am I allowed to say that as a Christian?! Are you mad at me now? Sorry... just being honest!)
This film is not. Somehow - even with a theme of redemption and forgiveness... a pro-life message... and at one point scripture being shared - I found it authentic. REAL. Heartbreaking. Beautiful.
I IMPLORE YOU - please go see this movie! A special limited release is happening right now, and if I understand correctly the demand for it will directly affect how long it plays and how many theaters it is released to in the future. To quote their site, "An independent movie like OCTOBER BABY lives or dies by its Opening Weekend, and then it's a week to week decision. As long as the movie is selling tickets, it will stay in theaters."
So please go see this movie! It's playing in Alabama, Mississippi, and one city in Tennessee. You can see the list of theaters here. And fyi - if it's not in your area, you can "demand it" by pre-selling 1000 tickets. I know that sounds like a big number, but all it would take is one church to get behind it! There's info on how to do that on the site too.
Some fun facts for those of you in Alabama - it was filmed in Birmingham, Dauphin Island, and Mobile, and the lead role is played by a beautiful girl from Dothan! I went with two of my girlfriends tonight and we loved seeing the familiar scenes of our home state throughout the movie. You can watch the trailer below...
Now, for those of you who don't know, the movie is about a young girl who survives an abortion and is then adopted.... but she doesn't find any of this out until she's 19. You can read more here.
Believe it or not, this has actually happened before! Gianna Jessen is one of the most outspoken, INCREDIBLE women I've ever heard speak, and she is an abortion survivor! She recorded a beautiful song for the movie, and you can hear her talk about her involvement in the video clip below.
If you'd like to download her song, you can buy it here. I bought it tonight after seeing the movie and can tell you it is absolutely gorgeous in its entirety. And while I have you captive, I'll tell you that you should also go watch this video where Gianna speaks in Queen's Hall, Parliament House, Victoria. Australia - on the eve of the debate to decriminalize abortion in Victoria. It will move you, inspire you, encourage you, and challenge you.
Believe it or not - I am not connected to this movie in any way. I'm not on their "street team", I'm not a personal friend of anyone involved, and I'm not being compensated for writing this blog in any way. I just saw a beautiful film with an incredible story of redemption, and I wanted you all to know about it. I hope it gets the support it needs to be seen by MILLIONS of people in America. I think it would bring real healing and forgiveness in the lives of people who have had abortions, or been touched by abortion. And I hope and pray it will prevent future abortions. God has a plan for every child's life! Gianna is living proof!
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