Caroline Out

I have been back in Ohio for a week now.  This means that my summer mission is over.  And thus my contribution to this blog.  I know that there is a lot that I need to take from this trip.  I need to learn not to limit God.  He is the Ocean and my brain is a soda can.  I cannot kid myself by thinking that I can fit the ocean in my soda can. (I.E. I am limited in what I can understand.)  Also, I have learned a lot about trust.  I have learned a lot about the time I spend with God.  And I have learned about acceptance.

I want to carry this knowledge with me throughout the rest of my life.  So...here I am writing my last blog post.  I am waiting to here from future jobs and trusting God always for my future.  I guess that is all I can say.

Blessings, Peace, Love, and Grace to you all.

Caroline Out

Home Again but Not Really

I am back in the states.  Not in Ohio but in Colorado at the Base.  Tomorrow I go home...so I am psyched about getting a bubble bath (instead of washing from a spigot), and sleeping in my own bed will feel nice.

I stole some photos from our team leader and thought I should put them on here...especially since Alesha loves my photos!  Haha!  Miss you Alesha!

Brittany and myself doing the comical pantomime for the kids.

Megan helping with a craft.

Leading an "Action Song"!  This is the Lord's Army...can't you tell this is the part where you ride in the Calvary!  Haha!

Photos

This is Vijaya.  We work together in the mornings in the kitchen to make breakfast.  She is a very good cook.  She has taught me to make Chai and now that I have bought some from a vendor, I am excited to try my hand at it back in the States.

Yesterday we did some slum ministries.  Basically they are illegal hut communities within the city.  We prayed for people and loved on the children.  We brought toothbrushes and toothpastes for the people there and also played games, told stories, and blew lots of bubbles.  :-)

Today

The day before yesterday we spent the day with orphans affected by AIDS and yesterday we went to the clinic that treats HIV, TB, and Leprosy.  Those are diseases with stigmas in this culture so this clinic is one of the few that help them.  It is run by Christians who not only treat the diseases but help the families.  They get jobs for widows and pay school fees for children. At the clinic some people sorted pills, assisted doctors or prayed over patients.  I did a lot of praying.

After that we did a program at a school for the untouchables.  They are the children from the lowest class in this society (the beggars and trash collectors).  I loved on these kids and yes...we touched them.  We showed them that they are equal in God's eyes not matter what the society says.

Today, we are going to take a break.  We are going to Old City for a fun day.  It is a well needed break.

Wish I had more time but I have to go.

WOW!

Things are going great here...I wish I could explain everything but time is short.  We put on a program at one school of 200 yesterday.  There was dance, skits, testimonies, songs, and such.  After it was over we had to walk past the swarming kids to leave.  They all reached out hoping we would touch their hands and begged for autographs.  This was a humbling experience for me...because we were being treated like super-stars, and we are not.  We are there for Jesus and no one else deserves the praise.

This morn I learned to make Chai in the kitchen.  I have been helping out there lately which is a very good experience.  Vagia has been teaching me a lot about cooking and especially tea making.  I told her that I would make the best tea in America because I was taught by the lady who makes the best tea in India.

Today we drove over 5 hours total to go to a church and an orphanage.  This was great.  We sat on floor mats at church (girls on one side and boys on the other).  And even though I could not understand the praise songs I clapped along.  Afterwards people came up to me seeking prayer and I gave it.  Then we took a break for some Chai.

At the orphanage we ate.  Then we crammed into the small building that couldn't hold us all.  Only 4 of us stayed in the building because it was so crammed.  So they lead the kids in songs, crafts, and stories.  I was one who sat outside waiting.  I normally would have been put out because I seemed unhelpful but this time I felt peace.  God was up to something.  Outside the little courtyard I was sitting in, there were maybe 20 children with their faces pressed against the surrounding fence.  They heard the kids singing and wanted to join.  I went and spoke to the mission leader.  He said that the pastor told him the children were not allowed in because they were not orphans, but later he changed his mind and all of us in the courtyard (all who couldn't fit in the building) joined the kids with candy and coloring pages.  IT WAS AWESOME!  The outcasts on the other side of the fence got to join the fun because we were there.  I believe that was God's plan all along.

Lastly, I think I should tell you something funny.  After leaving the Squatty Potty (which is an experience because of all the clothing I am wearing...seriously, I could fit two of me in my pants), I didn't realize that I had my top tucked into the back of my pants.  This is bad!  The Punjabi tops must always cover the butt.  I was digging in my bag for Hand Santizer (which you must do descreetly so as to not insult your hosts) and a woman approach me.  She asked if I needed help.  I thought she meant with my bag...and I was like, no thank you, smile.  Then she left, came back and asked if I needed help.  Still no...then she came back one more time and pulled my shirt out of my pants.  I was so embarrased.  but it was really funny.  Now I have learned, always ask, "help with what?"

~Caroline

Luke 12:31

I am really learning what it means to die to self.  You see, you can't afford to be selfish here.  It would drive you crazy and ruin you.

So even if you are hot and wearing a ton of clothes while trying to use the Squatty Potty, you deal with it.  Even if you are sleeping on a floor mat in a crowded room with no floor space and people put their junk on the only space you can call your own (your mat), you deal with it. Even if you can't sleep or if you spend so much time helping cook breakfast that you didn't eat your own, you deal with it.

But, you see, once you can truly die to the selfish desires of the flesh, then you can lie spiritually.  I pray that my flesh no longer holds me back.  I trust that God will provide for my needs if I make others my primary concern.

Luke 12:31
"He will give you all you need from day to day IF you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."

I capitalized IF because we too often forget that there is a clause there.  That we have to keep up our side of the bargin to reap the reward.

Anyway, on a happier note.  I love tea time (left over from the British reign).  It is Chai and it is amazing.  Also, people speak British English...So if you are asked in the airport if you are carrying a "torch" in you bag. Don't panic!  It is not a blow torch and you will not be tackled by TSA...it is just a flashlight.

Love to all,
Caroline

Update

Yesterday was soo long..but good.  We spent about 3 hours sitting in the church praying for the people in the prostitute colony.  The pastor would bring a few people in who were seeking prayer and then after we finished he would bring in more.  Then, we played with the children of the prostitutes...they were so excited.  Some of the younger ones were a little skiddish about the strange pasty white people..haha!

After that we went to the pastors home for lunch. Some of the food was very spicy so even if your lips are turning red and the tears are flowing, you still had to smile.  You also eat with your hands...well hand, the right one only.  And in this process I kept dropping stuff.  I ended up dropping a handful of rice in my drink....haha.  But to be polite you must finish all your food and drink so I downed the rice water.

Things are great here, even in the heat.  And the people are very generous.  We are going to a kids home today to do VBS (Joshua and Jericho).  Pray for us...:-)

Blessings,
Caroline

In India

I was surprised to find that I would have Internet access during this trip.  But I have been blessed. 

The flight was LONG!  Almost 22 hrs and I haven't slept.  We went straight to work today with our in India orientation.  So I ended up nodding off so much during the talks that they probably think I have seizures..haha.  They are so generous though.  :-)

As for my first impression, I love this place.  Right now it is rainy and very humid, but it is keeping it slightly cooler.  We are sleeping on mats together in the room so it is like one big sleep over.  We hung our mosquito nets and clothes lines up, and we are leaving in like 10 mins for Punjabi suit shopping.

Tomorrow's the Big Day

Ok, this is it.  We are leaving tomorrow.

    I wanted to share something amazing that happened today though.  This is for God's glory!
Okay, we were praying for the people of India.  And we were asked to pray that the Holy Spirit would lay on our hearts what exactly to pray for.  Like clear our minds and let our thoughts be the thoughts of God.
    So, I was like, "Okay, God.  I want to clear my mind but I really suck at it.  I don't really know if you can even speak to me like that but I will try."  After a little struggle to clear my mind, God really laid my team on my heart.  I know we were "supposed" to be praying for India but who am I to stop God.  He especially laid six of the team members on my heart.  These six were struggling a lot (not visibly though...but God showed me things that the people had not even revealed).  I then told the group what had happened, but didn't say who the six were because that would be inappropriate.  But we prayed a general prayer for the team.
    A little later in the prayer meeting, one of the six spoke up and said that my prayer (as general as it was) touched her.  And she laid the struggle down for the team.  AND WHEN SHE SPOKE SHE SAID THE EXACT THINGS THAT GOD TOLD ME SHE WAS STRUGGLING WITH.  I was amazed!  I couldn't believe that God used me in this way.  That is the kind of thing that only the "really strong" Christians do.  But then I am reminded that God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called.
  So I am trying to keep an open mind, expect great things, and not get in God's way but instead have him work through me.  Please keep me in your prayers,

See you when I return,
GRACE AND PEACE,

Caroline

Never Prepared

I have discovered that I will never be prepared for India.  We only had an Hour of culture training today and my head is spinning.  Here is some stuff to remember:

• If you look a guy in the eyes it means that you want to sleep with him...so when talking to guys, look past them.
• Pointing your foot at someone is a BIG offense.  Don't sit in a fashion that points your foot or shows the bottom of it.
• You must reject food or Chai twice when it is offered.  Then accept on the third time.  This way you are not over eager...
• Indians watch American television like Baywatch and Survivor, and they think that all Americans act that way (even Christians because they think because we are a "Christian Nation" all the people on television are Christian.
• Don't touch or disrespect in anyway the cows.
• And so on...

 I have a lot to remember and that is not even the half of it....

~Caroline

SLEEP?

Ok..so it is 1:30ish in the morn and I just finished packing...I think.  I hope.  I really don't want to forget anything important..and I am the type who will always feel like I am forgetting something.  (though I usually am..haha)

I will leave for the airport in 3.5 hrs...But I don't even know if I can sleep.  You know the excitement that you get at the start of an adventure.  OH BOY!  Long night ahead.

I spoke to Laura today on the phone.  This is new.  I really liked it.  You know she is a world away and I miss her.

Anyway...As good as it feels to sit on the bed listening to Owl City and delaying sleep...I really ought to go to bed. 

Goodnight Folks,
~Caroline

2 days...

Wow...it is coming up. Packing is a pain and my room is a mess..(but that is not so different from usual).  Anyway, I wanted to give you a few links. 

If you are interested in receiving a daily text from YWAM starting the 8th (until the end of the trip) follow this link and fill out the thingy in the bottom left hand area.   These texts will tell you what we are doing and where.  In others words.  I will not be able to actually update this blog in India.  Here's the Link!

Ok...if you are curious about the weather where I am Click Here.  This way you too can enjoy temps in the 90's with 75% humidity.  I WILL BE BREATHING WATER!  Oh my!

Anyway...I just got my flight itinerary too..and that looks like a long trip...

Leave - DENVER CO: 840PM

Arrive - LONDON LHR term 5: 1230PM (the next day)

 I wish I could do something fun in London here...but alas..only two hours in the airport.

Leave - LONDON LHR term 5: 230PM

Arrive – HYDERABAD INDIA: 500AM (the next day)

I am looking forward to your prayers on this trip.  Thanks guys!
Blessings all,
~Caroline

TRAVEL SIZED

So...I went to the store and got some stuff for the trip.  I perhaps had a little too much fun in the travel sized isle.  I got Off to spray on my bedding and Organic Bug Spray for me...(under 3oz so I can carry it on everywhere) and some Band Aids just in case. Also; sunscreen, toothpaste, and baby wipes (which may replace a shower in some cases, says our mission leaders).  Can I just say that I am stoked now?  I leave in like nine days.  WOW!  NINE DAYS!!!

Now, I would like to tell you about what is going on spiritually in my life as I prep for this trip.  Sadly though, there is not much to say.  I wish I could say that I have been growing and feel spiritually equipped.  But I haven't and I don't.  I spend so much time teaching the kids in church that I have only been in service one day since I graduated college.  Not good.  And that one day, I cried like a baby while I sang the praise music.  Imagine not seeing the person you love the most for two months and not knowing when you will see them again.  Then multiply that by whatever number would make it equal to your creator..and you got the emotion.  Now, I am not saying that I don't hang out with God.  I still read my bible and pray.  But it is different when you can come to him in worship.  I really miss that.

Wow...I digress.  Anyway, here's to knowing that God doesn't call the equipped..He equips the called.  And I want God to use me in whatever way he decides.

Thank you guys for your support.
~Caroline

Packing List

I got my packing list today which is super exciting!  I have lost a little sleep though because I now have India on the mind all the time.  In India you are expected to dress modestly, which involves showing no leg.  It's going to be 100 degrees over there.  So, on our first day we girls get to go shopping for Punjabi Suits.  They are so beautiful (See the below photo).  I am so excited.  They are fairly cheap and our female mission leader recomends we get two for the time we are there.  I may get three and avoid handwashing so many clothes while we are there. I am excited to immerse myself in this way.

Anyway.  I will wear this back in the states too because it is so awesome! Just saying.

I want to take the time to thank everyone who has been following this blog.  The fact that you care enough to read our posts really touches me.  You guys are awesome.

Blessings, Grace, and Peace,
Caroline R.

An Update on Laura

I haven't heard much from Laura becuase it has been hard for her to get to the internet.  But this note I got from her this morning.

"A few days ago, I was working in the Nest, which holds newborns to 3 month olds and 2 new babies came from the hospital! I'm going to attatch pictures so you can see them. They're about half a month old.  They're sooo tiny."

                                                                             

I am glad to hear she is doing well! And I was sure that you guys would be glad to hear too!

Blessings,

Caroline

So...I bet you can guess what this is.  Yep!  My visa came through.  And I have bought my airfaire.. and picked up the malaria meds today...so everything is covered.  No more money to put into this trip.  YAY! So I guess all I need to do now to prepare is pray. Thank you everyone for all of your financial help...now I could use your prayers.                                                          

Grace and Peace,                                                         

Caroline

Saturday, June 4

The last few nights I’ve been on night shift, which is where we basically spend the night cleaning and feeding the tiny babies who eat every 2 or 4 hours. The first few nights were rough because I was so tired, but I’m getting more used to it now.

Last night, though, was very different. It was about 8:30 and we had only been cleaning for a little bit when we heard screams coming from the main house. The main house is attached to the nursery and is where all the adopted kids and family of TLC’s founder live. We stood there wondering for a moment if the kids were just rough housing, when we heard screams for help and one of the kids ran in and grabbed my night shift leader. In the next hour, we found out that a gas heater in one of the boys’ rooms upstairs had exploded, his room was on fire, and he had been badly burned. We rushed buckets of water upstairs and hurriedly carried the children downstairs into our nursery. It was really difficult because the kids were all in shock. Many had seen their brother’s burnt face as he ran out of the house screaming. (He ran to the yard and finally ended up jumping in the pool.) There was a 14 year old boy we found curled up in a corner of the kitchen unable to move, another boy was shaking too hard to hold a cup of milk, still another just stared unseeingly into space, and a little girl kept repeating over and over how scared she was. The boy who was burnt was quickly driven to the hospital (which is faster than waiting for an ambulance). Once we had all of the main house kids safely in our nursery, we wrapped them in blankets and hugged them tightly and told them they were safe. They were terrified for their brother. Most of the main house kids are kids who never got adopted, so the founder’s family adopted them. And to them, family is priceless. Soon after we got them into the nursery, we gathered around and prayed. I was surprised at how some of the youngest had the most profound prayers. One little boy asked for angelic presence in his brother’s hospital room! Praying together really seemed to calm them, although they were still very much afraid. Eventually we sent the younger ones to sleep at a volunteer’s cottage who they knew pretty well. The older ones watched a movie with another volunteer in their living room. And later we found out that the boy who had been burned was stable. Please pray for his healing and for the other children to have peace.

The rest of the night was pretty rough for us. Night staff was pretty shaken. The sounds of the boy’s screaming were haunting and I found myself jumping every time someone walked into the room. It wasn’t until I called someone and asked them to pray for me that I was finally able to calm down. Still, the light from the rising sun was a welcome sight. Dawn was beautiful and it was as if everything that happened the night before was just a vague dream.

In other news, on Friday I was able to join in on a trip to the hospital to pick up a newborn. When we got there, though, the baby hadn’t been born yet and we were asked to temporarily take care of the one year old sister. Pippa, one of the ladies who helps run TLC, wasn’t pleased although she mentioned it wasn’t rare for the hospitals to only tell her half-truths. So we took the little girl, Phiphi, for the night and went back today to return Phiphi and to pick up the newborn. (The mother wanted to keep Phiphi but felt she would be unable to also care for the newborn.) Since I’ve been here at TLC, we’ve had 5 adoptions and 2 babies come in. By the way, our new baby is gorgeous! In the picture, she is less than 24 hrs. old.

-Laura

INDIA?

So...I am expectantly awaiting July 8th.  Which is probably coming faster than I think it is...you know how that goes.  My visa application has safely arrived at the Indian consulate and I will know monday if I have been granted a travel visa or not.  Also, wednesday, I have a doctor's appointment to get my malaria meds' prescription.  So, I just need to buy my airfaire to the training in Colorado.  Whew!  This has been a long process.

Anyway, today I found Naan!  It was just sitting in the store, calling my name!  Naan (pictured below) is an Indian bread.  They just slap the dough to the side of a special oven, called a Tandoori (also pictured below).  And it cooks to perfection with garlic and spices...hmmm.

Let me just say, I ate way too much for lunch today!  I was just suprised to find it here.

In addition to that, I saw red bananas in the store.  "Hmmm...red bananas," I thought, "I have never tried them before.  I think I will!"  The are supposed to be sweet, soft, and have a slight raspberry banana flavor.  SUPPOSED TO BE...haha.  I, being the silly girl that I can be, found that I don't know how to tell if a red banana is ripe or not.  Well, I know now, that it was not.  That is why it tasted like a raw plantain but dryer and more bitter.  YUCK!  Anyway, I will wait a few days and try not to make that mistake again...haha.

Blessings to all,

Caroline

It's Me Again!

Caroline here.  And I am falling behind on this whole blogging thing because Laura is way faster than me...haha!  Aren't you supposed to be on S. Africa time or somthing like that? :-P

Anyway,  I just got sorted on the whole India Visa thing...I think.  I will mail out the application tomorrow and find out.  Just thought I would throw in a little update.

Oh, and the really wierd thing is that, Laura said that she was sick all Saturday, right?  Oddly enough, I felt really lead to pray and pray hard for her health on Sunday.  So, I know I prayed at least three times for just her health...and this was before I knew she was sick...weird huh?

Peace and Grace,
Caroline

Ok, time for a real update. It’s so hard to decide what to write. There’s so much and it’s overwhelming to try to figure out what to say. Sometimes I stop and wonder if I’m really here. I’ve wanted to come for so long, it almost seems unreal.

Our water was fixed! I have to admit that I’ve learned to highly (emphasis!) value hot showers! When you take your hot shower tonight or tomorrow morning, really enjoy it and remember what a precious gift it is.

Here in South Africa, it’s winter. The nights and mornings are freezing cold, but it tends to warm up nicely by the middle of the day. (Although, the South Africans will tell you it’s still cold.) The sky here is amazing! I wish you could see it! At night, the sky is so dark and deep and the stars are so bright! And during the day, the sky just seems so big and so high and so very blue! It’s absolutely beautiful. The land reminds me of California a little bit. (Which makes me so happy!) There’s dirt, and brush that is brown and deep green, and I can’t feel any humidity. I love it!

Ok, so for my adventure at The Glen. It was nice. It looked similar to an American mall, except it was like all the types of stores you can think of in one place. There were clothing stores, fast food and nice restaurants, grocery stores, and a bank. The prices were very affordable. There were definitely some South African brands of various products. My favorite thing to do when shopping in an ethnic grocery store is to find something that is so unfamiliar that I can’t even guess what it is, except that I can eat it. I didn’t do that this time since we were in a rush, but I definitely saw some things that I’ll probably check out next time.

Saturday I got pretty sick. I was throwing up all day. I ended up taking a few hours off just to lay down… and throw up some more. Definately NOT my favorite day ever. But it lasted only a day and I felt like myself again on Sunday.

Today another girl and I had to go to the police station to sign some papers. On the way back, we stopped at McDonalds. It felt really good to have something so familiar.

Those are all my adventures for the moment. Wednesday is my next day off and I would like to see if I can find any nearby flea markets...

Poe Family, there's two things I've been saving to tell you all about. :) First, we’ve had pop twice since I’ve been here! It made me think of you all. I was so happy!

Mrs. Poe and Eli, remember when you showed me the cereal in the shape of bars? Well I went into the kitchen on Friday to get something to eat and I saw them and thought they were granola bars. I bit into it and felt so silly! Haha!

Laura

Monday, May 23rd
Today's my day off!! This past week has been crazy, but good. I get up every day a little after 5am and start work by 6. We get the babies up and change their "nappies" and give them breakfast. During the day we play with them, read to them, encourage them to crawl or walk or say words (depending on their age). There are a LOT of nappy changes! Our day ends at 7, after we've put the babies to bed. The volunteers are ususally in bed by 8:30. That might seem really early, but by the end of the day, we're pretty tired.
I'm doing pretty well. Adjusting was difficult at first. There are a lot of small details to keep in mind when caring for the babies. And certainly a lot of names to remember. There're also words I had to get used to, like nappy or dummy (a pacifier). Most of the volunteers are international. There're people from England, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and the U.S. So far I've had a room to myself, but next week I'm getting a roommate from Australia. I'm pretty excited to meet her. Since it's my day off, I'm going with another girl to The Glen. I'm under the impression that it's like a mall. I'd like to try some African food, and I'd also like to get a portable heater for my room since it gets freezing cold in the mornings.
A prayer request would be for the water to start working in our cottage again. It's been off since the night before I arrived. It actually hasn't been that bad. A drizzle of water will come from the sink and I've been able to wash my hair a few times, but it would be really nice to have a proper shower again. (That's another word used here- "proper")
I hope everyone's doing well!!
-Laura
P.S. I've attatched a pic of the cottage I live in. It's called "Calli."

In Preparation for India

Well, Laura is off to S. Africa...and I am here still preparing funds for India.

I am currently selling Necklaces/Bracelets/Anklets that I got from the non-profit Necklaces for Change.  They are $5.00 and half the money goes to my fundraising and the other half goes to an orphanage in Mosambique.  If you are interested just leave me a comment!



Check them out if you would like at http://www.necklacesforchange.com

Grace and Peace,

Caroline

In South Africa

Hey! Just wanted to let you all know I made it to S. Africa safely. The flight from NY to here was about 14.5 hrs, but it didn't really seem that long. I'm tired, though! Johannesburg itself looks very similar to a typical N. American city, but the scenery changes once you begin to leave the actual city. I'm living in a really cute, yellow cottage. As of now, I have my own room, but I'll probably have a roommate by next month. I got a quick tour of everything, there's so much to see! I think that's all I'll write for now, I'm too tired to think. Hope you all are doing well! Please keep me in your prayers.

Laura

 

I can't believe we graduated today! It's almost unreal. And in just a few hours, I'll be headed to the airport to fly to South Africa!! I want to thank everyone for being such an amazing help and encouragement as I've prepared for this trip. I truly value your prayers and ask that you continue to remember and pray for me. My plane will leave tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6am NC time and I'll be landing in Johannesburg, South Africa on Wednesday at 8:35am S. African time (about 2:35am for my NC friends and 11:35pm for my Cali fam and friends). I'll try to send updates when I can. If you'd like to reach me directly, my e-mail is laura.tlc.org.za.

I can't wait to share my adventures with you all!

 

In HIs Hands, Laura