Kids Galore! :)

Because yesterday, Monday, was Republic Day in India, we were able to meet all of the kids when we went to the campus for the first time. What fun it was to be a part of the day and to be greeted by ALL of the kids! After the flag raising, we had a full day of time with the youth, playing with the kids, eating with our hands, and telling stories at Bible time. Needless to say ... we were tired at the end of the day! But it was not over yet! We still needed to get home, which is about one hour drive ... depending on traffic and who is driving. We got home at 10:40pm! We both slept well and are just waiting now to start our first day of a "regular" scheduled day. We must be off now but will write again when we can. Just wanted to give a quick update and let you know we were alive and well.

Thanks for all of your comments and prayers. We appreciate them all.

Eve a & Phyllis

more details...

As you can see....Pastor Gene's prediction on Sunday before the departure was not entirely accurate...it was NOT Chester puking over the side of the boat, it was EVE A puking while sitting next to me.....ugh. Clearly, I took the opportunity to document the occasion and Eve a, true to her character, took it in stride...with a thumbs up...:0) Little did she know of Pastor Gene's prediction.
We wanted to take the opportunity to thank Eve a's parents who took us to the airport and each of you who came to see us off. We also wanted to give a special thanks to Pastor Gene who arrived with IMPECCABLE timing to unload our luggage....way to go!
Shekar and Irene were very gracious upon our arrival and we were extremely grateful. Thank goodness for brothers and sisters on the "flip" side!
Yesterday, the 21st of January, Eve a and I were able to sleep in and then go shopping! Irene took us on foot to the first shop where we purchased some Indian outfits, and then we traveled by auto-rickshaw to another shop. All I (Phyllis) can say is, "I'm glad I wasn't behind the wheel!" We even encountered a beggar at one of the traffic lights. Eve a was having fun taking a video of the "ride"experience. We hope to post that later, but seeing as I (Phyllis) am not very technological, we will just have to wait and see...speaking of technology, we are hoping to get Eve a set up with her own login so that she can post separately too. Currently, she is at my side and reading every word! (literally)
Ummm...we concluded that we will start in full swing at the children's home next week, and we will be getting things ready this week. It looks like we are going to be commuting back and forth every day which is approximately an hour one way....what a great opportunity to gear up and then to debrief!
The sights, sounds, and smells...believe it or not....have been a welcomed experience, and we are both reveling in the Indian culture--what beautiful people! We have been spoiled by Shekar, Irene, and Shekar's sister, Kala, as we transition into the new schedule and way of life.
We are both feeling and doing well in the new culture and time zone. (It is an 11 1/2 hours difference) You can't see very well, but we are sitting in Irene and Shekar's home at the computer in the photo above. We are off to work now, and we will hopefully post again soon! Thanks to all the words of encouragement and prayers that have been offered on our behalf....what gifts!
Talk to ya later!!!!
Phyllis and Eve a

P.S. Ok, This is Eve a here and I kicked Phyllis off so I could respond to the picture at the top!!! No matter what she says ... I DID NOT "toss my cookies"even though she does have pretty good evidence to say otherwise!! It was a long flight and we were getting a little crazy that's all. So, we will ttyl and thanks for your prayers. :)

We made it!

Well, the title says it all.....we made it! The flight was uneventful and we made it through customs with no problems....thank the Lord! We will try and post some pics tomorrow and give you all more detail, but we are headed to bed for the night! Thanks for all your prayers and care!!! We appreciate it!!!

Eve a and Phyllis

So long for now!

Well, dear family and friends.....the time has come to say "So long for now!" (sniff) I will be missing you all, but I am confident that the good Lord will be doing a work in me and through me which I wouldn't trade for your physical nearness. Afterall, I'll be taking you all with me in heart and mind, so there is NO FEAR that you will miss out on the adventure. I'm going to try and upload a picture of my family farewells, but unfortunately, I forgot my camera this morning before church and was unable to snap some shots of dear friends. I cherish you all and am so grateful for those of you I got to give a hug....I'm dreadfully sorry I wasn't able to see everyone....there were countless "blessings" I wished to see and just didn't get the time to....PLEASE know that it is not due to lack of importance.....just a shortage of time. Thankfully, this "so long for now" is ONLY temporary, and I will look forward to the next "hello" with great excitement and anticipation. The next time I'll talk to you will be from the other side of the world.....I guess I'll be able to coin the phrase, "See you on the 'flip' side," with a greater appreciation than I ever have before.....So long for now!!!!

Love,

Phyllis