Aaradhana: January 2012

Things you won't see in Kingston

A few treasures from my lens for your amusement

Michael Jackson made it into the Home Alone "Indian cut"

This is how a dog should sit in church

This one isn't funny, but had to make the cut

...but no cigar

Casual family outing

Creepy giant statue

traffic was moving along egg-cellently

perfect spot for a nap

Uh........

Good thing this one isn't at home because my bro-in-law would buy stock

you know it!

perm-able ear hair

It's all in the eyes

I am so proud to present this post. I am in love with these images and I feel privileged to have been in the right place at the right time with these little folks. And all I had to do was walk out my front door. Every Sunday at 4pm, the church holds Sunday school right on the pastor's front porch. It is an awesome sight to see. These gorgeous kids live in the surrounding slum and street areas. They have very little in life and I'm told, they eagerly await this day each week. Here they will sing songs in their native tongue about Jesus and hear about His Heaven and His love. I sat and just observed all the faces. It reminded me of being small and I remembered sitting and listening to my dad's stories. He told the BEST stories and never the same one twice. I'd get lost in my own imagination and the details of the characters. I questioned, had these children ever been told a "happy ending"? If the eyes are the window to the soul, you can see light in some and not others. Most of these kids have old souls because of the hardship they've already experienced in their fragile, young lives. Their eyes tell a story. But, being able to look them in the eye and TELL them the truth about the only truth I've ever known was really special and something I long to do again and again.

Beach Baptism & Sunshine School

We were privileged to be part of a water baptism and where better to do it then on the sunny beach?! Baptism is a serious public declaration for anyone, but it holds A LOT of weight here. Everyone knows that once you commit to take water baptism, you have acknowledged Jesus and Christianity and you are denouncing all other gods. The fact that these dear people have come out in the public view to "take the plunge" is very commendable. Most will face persecution and be ostracized from their families, friends and communities. I was humbled and honored to witness this powerful, special event.

Explaining about what will take place

One of the church member's mother who was Hindu her whole life. NEVER too late for Jesus.

Powerful

Another member's younger brother making a commitment for Christ

Happily welcoming him into the family

Another wonderful happening we were blessed to see was the Sunshine Free School in the slums. Yes slums, as in the REALLY shady, dangerous, dirty, crowded, crime-ridden neighborbood that goes on for miles. This school is smack dab in the middle of this chaotic environment and inside are over 300 beautiful, smart and blessed children. They range from pre-k to 10th class and they get a competitive education with Christ based morals for FREE. Every school semester, the streets fill with eager candidates who are desperate to enroll. Unfortunately, there isn't enough room for everyone and the head mistress has the daunting responsibility to pick and choose who will join the others. I can't imagine that day.

The honor students

We had the best time peeking in on each class and having the children sing us songs and read to us

These little girls have been orphaned due to AIDS, violence and disease. Thank God they have a safe place to learn

Can you even take all this cuteness????!!!

No matter where you go, kids love being loved on and we did our best to fill these little hearts with ours.

The Sunshine Free school is a God send to all these precious kids. They are in desperate need of teachers, text books and funds. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact me and thank you most of all for your prayers!

31st Bday the Indian way

I should really thank my mother because I had the most wonderful birthday and had it not been for her, none of this would have been possible. Truly. I felt so blessed to have had this experience. I sheepishly admit, I'm into birthdays in a BIG way, if you're the same, then India is the place to be. They LOVE celebrating birthdays - cake, singing, balloons, special dinner, frosting in the face fun! First, my sister surprised me with a festive b-day banner and pancake breakfast. Then we headed to RK beach for some sun and toes in the sand. We ended up finding a small aquarium which was very amusing to walk through. After which, we headed over to "The Chocolate Room" for some iced coffees and their famous house brownie sundae. That night, we had our scheduled ladies meeting but they surprised me with a cake. It was so sweet of them. Indian tradition is after you've cut your cake, all of your close friends & family feed you a slice. They made the pieces BIG and I was getting stuffed like a pinata before Cinco de Mayo. When I returned home for what I thought was a quiet evening, I was greeted by friends with yet another cake. By this time, I'd eaten sugar, cream and fat ALL day. Hey, you only turn 31 once.