Today at breakfast we learned that our flights have been straightened out, we switched airlines and are just arriving about an hour later than originally planned, so that was a blessing. We headed back to Soumen's for day 2 at his home. This time, Kevin and Steve were able to join us. The kids just loved Kevin, like all kids do. We did the English books again which the kids love. They love the picture of our team in their and love to point each person out (they call us "Auntie" and "Uncle"-so cute). They also loved the picture of Jesus and call Him Jesu. Kevin did the story of David and Goliath and picked out the littlest boy to play David. This boy is very broken. He was taken to Soumen's by his mother saying she could not afford him. Soumen then found out later that she had ran off and married another man. This little boy asks for him mom often. So it was good to see Kevin put a smile on his face. Todd then spoke to them about sanitation and the women were really interested in how to wash their hands properly. You never know how much to show them for fear of making it sound like they do everything wrong, but you could tell these women really appreciated our teachings and really learned something. Chenecua spoke about nutrition-all these children LOVED fruits and vegetables so I'm sure they will be just fine with nutrition. We went up to the terrace and played with beach balls which the kids enjoyed. After lunch everyone just sat and played with the kids, Hokey Pokey and just messing around. I was able to pull Diana (Soumen's daughter) and Soumen's wife aside and ask them about their needs. They are very reluctant to tell their needs and really just appreciate prayers, relying on God to provide the rest, but I wanted to know their true needs. They said they are struggling each month to pay for everything the children need: food, schooling, books, clothes, etc. They have to pay for all of the children to attend school and for their books. They said come April each child needs a new school uniform because the school has changed all their uniforms-the cost: about 1000 rupees or about $20 for each child. I managed to give them 2000 rupees and I think Stace gave another 1000 rupees but there are 34 children that need uniforms. I hope we can get them the money to purchase all of them. They also need a computer. They said that as the children have gotten older, they are learning how to use the computer but cannot do their work at home because they don't own one. I asked if this is something they can hook up at the home and yes, it is possible, but they don't have the money to buy one. They have had like 6 kids in the last week come to their door but they had to turn them away because of lack of money and space. All these things we could help them with and I definitely want to be a part of that. These children are so loved and are way better off then living in the slums or on the street, yet they need more. It quickly came time to say goodbye to them and we all left in tears. We taught them how to sign "I love you" and they all hung out the windows of the home saying goodbye and signing I love you. A sight I will never, ever forget. After leaving the home, we headed to grab our things and head over to our new hotel, the Oberoi. This place was amazing and we felt like we were at the Ritz Carlton. Security to even get in the place was overwhelming. Stace and I shared a room and fell onto the bed as soon as we saw it! A nice soft bed felt so good! The shower was wonderful and felt like heaven! We had a nice dinner, American food, which we all enjoyed! Our last night in India already.
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