On the road again (or planes)

Well, we leave Bangalore in about 2 hours. Both of us are sick. I feel really terrible because my last day was spent sleeping. I have a fever and cough, so I didn't want to spread it to the children. Sam did a great job playing for the both of us though. I could hear the children laughing a lot. My last meal was masala dosa at lunch time and then I just couldn't tolerate anymore food. Sweet Esther came over and massaged my achy joints. I kept telling her that she didn't need to do that, but she said this is what she likes to do for the ones she loves.

At 9:00 o'clock we said our goodbyes to the kids. The boys were already in bed so we had to wake them up. I cried like a big dork, which unfortunately made the girls all cry. Sam and I prayed with Esther and I cried again. Man, I wish she could come to the states to meet my family. At 10:00 o'clock we got in the car with Alex, Reny, Benjamin, and Bensen. Now we are at the airport and awaiting our flight. Keep us in your prayers. God Bless.

One more day

I feel a heavy burden on me at the end of this trip. Last time I was ready to come home, which I am this time as well, but there is also a strong part of me that wants to stay and help these people. I see a need for more affection and time spent with these children. At times, I'm disappointed in myself for not doing more. For example, today we went to the market to get gifts for the children, but we waited until the children were already home from school. That means I lost 3-4 hours that I could have spent playing with and loving on the children. When we got back, I went to spend time with them during their studies and ended up scolding one boy (Sanju) and getting the rest yelled at by Alex. I'm just frustrated now. I hope I can be more of a positive influence/role model tomorrow.

Miyami's 10th Birthday is today. She got to wear a nice new dress shirt to school and she was very excited. Avinash, Sam and me took Miyami to the store last night and I told her to pick out two large bags of whatever candy she would like to share with her class. I let her take them up to the counter and pay (I gave her the money), and you would have thought I just gave her the best present. She was all smiles.

I worked in the library and then went with Rajan to pick up the children from school. We were trying to chat on the way to school and I think he was telling me about his money troubles. I don't know if I responded properly because he just got very quiet with me after that. This last throughout the day.

I did get a chance to print some photos for the children and Ester. I have to go back and get some more tomorrow.

My heart is breaking tonight. I made two of the children cry because they know Sam and I are leaving in three days. Plus Ester shed some tears for the same reason. I told her she can't start that now because I'll be a wreck. Sachin keeps telling me "I am very sad" when I asked why he told me it is because I will be leaving. Ouch. I wish I could take them all with me.

I gave a message today about the flavor of God and used a green chili as a prop. I was slightly disappointed that the chili was not a spicy as I was expecting. I wanted to make a point about having to mature into new flavors. I guess I have adjusted to quickly.

We will be doing a cook out tonight with the children. I used some of the funds which were given for the trip to purchase a smaller grill. Now when they to the day trips with the college, they should be able to save a little money. I am doing grilled chicken legs. We made an east meets west marinade. Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt & pepper combined with masala, tomato puree, and chili powder. Hopefully it will be delicious. Sam bought chicken sausage just incase.