Day 21...we think??

Coconut water on a hot afternoon

Just hanging out with our girl Suda

Murkey green slimy water, ox hair, blistered feet and a very hot day! All worth it for the two water baptisms!

Sisters :]

Our right hand women- minus Monika

no caption needed if you know us!

wedding hair..hmm

Well the days are hot and the patients are a plenty, and although some days lack more compassion than others, we are still all absoutly loving it here!

Tomorrow a team of 30 highschool girls from the UK are comming to build, yes physically build the school. Should be interesting, pictures and stories to follow! All 30 girls are going to also be using the one, not so trusty toilet that is connected to our room. Just for a visual, this toilet leaks water, is heald together by duct tape, flushes occasionally, almost over flows more occasionally, and the only door/vent is connected to our room. Pray for us!! Adrian is also not feeling so well, she has a head cold. Although she has been popping the vitimans and airborne like crazy, she still isn't feeling good. Sheree and I are thinking she needs a few injections :]

One a good note, the rain hasn't been comming at night so we are back to sleeping on the roof! Praise the Lord! We each had a melt down night which consisted of the power turning off (which means no fan) and one of us frantically looking around the room for a flash light saying 'oh my gosh we are locked in, I can't breathe!' True story!

Life in India is good. We have have been more than blessed with amazing people, amazing children and of course many memories and gut wrenching laughs that will stick with us till we are old. Im telling you, Kanye West had no idea what he was talking about when he wrote 'Welcome to the good life!' This is most definealty the good life :]

Late-night ramblings...

It's 4am and I have been up since 12:45. Lets just say sometimes the stagnant heat of the night in India can get to a girl every now and again! Praise the Lord for the power turing back on! So here I sit in the extra room, with a pounding headache, sweat dripping down my back and finshing off the last of the chocolate protein bars we brought (Note to all: if you going to send a care package, send now, we did not ration for the summer and are all out of snacks :], so what, we eat alot!) the power is finally back on, the fan is blowing and I don't feel my lungs collapsing in on eachother any more! Dramatic? Maybe, but hey don't judge till you try sleeping locked in a room, full of heat, humidity and certian farting roomate:] but serisouly!
I decide to put on some Adele to put me to sleep. Now Adele is definetly not my go to album, it's good but I never actually listened to the whole things till tonight, and now I think it's great! A certian song came on and I played it on repeate just thinking. These lyrics played over and over in my head...

"So I'll spend my whole life hiding my heart away" "So'Ill spend my whole life hiding my heart away, I can't spend my whole life hiding my heart away"

It was just so strange to me how much I felt I could relate to the words. May or may not be that it is 4am, I may have overdosed on chocolate protein bars and I may or may not be sleep deprived, but hey bare with me.

Before I came to India, I decided within my heart and with God that I wanted to open my heart. I have began to realize that my whole life, my heart has been very closed, to many things and many people. Opening and softening a heart is a big task, to big for a girl like me, so I left it up to God. And my oh my did He begin to work immediatly.

I can't really put into words, what He has done, and what He is doing, but I can assure you He is most defineatly opening and softening my heart like never before. And not just towards the people in India, but in more areas of my life than I ever even imagined.

So this song just reminded me of where I have been and where I am going. I used to think self preservation was best, you couldn't get hurt. I would just hide my heart away and live my life. But being here and as my heart slowly begins to open I realize I don't want to spend my life hiding my heart away, I can't spend my life hiding my heart away. I would miss out on so much joy, so much love. so much happiness.

I remeber a few months ago. someone at work once asked me if I had ever been in love before, I told him no and that it didn't really bother me though. He was said he felt sad for me, becuase I was missing a whole part of life and joy and a love that you just can't even imagine until you expierence it yourself. This got me thinking, and I think is what began me wanting to soften my heart.

I hear so much of the greatness of love, not just romantic love but even brotherly love, and yes I am happy and filled with joy, but I don't want to miss out on something so great because I have not opened my heart. There are numerous situations in my past that I know I missed out on great things becuase my heart was not opened. It's okay though. You live and learn.

So far, so good, but I know with an open heart extreme vulnerability is sure to ensure. But thats okay, I am learning that I am much more resilliant than I think. So strange to think that after 24 years my heart is finally opening and that I am finding numerous new areas of my heart that I never thought I, Kelsey, had!

"I can't spend my whole life hiding my heart away"

Now for some sleep?? I vow not to take any more sleeping pills!

Dalakshmi!!! looove IT!

RIVER crazy face

Love these girls!

Perfect Indian scene

Just the begeninggs of our Indian attire

Down into the river

Typical!

Thanks Bala for carring the bag while we oversized Americans ride of this one bike!



Catching dinner?? :]

Everyday Miracles!

Yesterday afternoon we were sitting at the house when two Hindu women came by for treatment of an ear infection. Now I have seen many inner ear infections and this one was bad! We cleaned the woman's ear out, and gave her antibiotics. It really wasn't anything out of the norm, pretty standard. The women were both very nice and very curious about their infections. They left and that was it.

Today we were upstairs when we heard Pastor calling us downstairs. We had a visitor. We get visitors quite often here so we figured we would go down stairs, shake a few hands, take a picture and be on our way. To our surprise, the two women were back with their husbands. As Pastor was showing the men around the orphanage the women sat and had tea, also very standard for India. 

Pastor then came and began to translate for us. These two Hindu women came from 40km away, about an hour by car. They were so impressed with the care we gave them the day prior, they decided to bring their husbands back. The women told us that when they saw what three American girls were doing for the least of those in India, they realized that they could be doing more to help their very own country. They decided to donate an equivalent of $3,000 American dollars to go towards construction of a proper eating area for the children (currently they eat outside on the porch). It truly is a blessing to be a blessing. We had no idea that this was to come from a simple ear infection. 

We later find out that these two Hindu women told Sunneta the day prior that the one woman had her ear infection for many years and it was not going away. Sunneta prayed to God, the one true God. She told to women that if they felt anything they could come back, and if nothing changed then they could be on their way.

Low and behold they drove an hour back the next day, just do donate the money completely and utterly out of the blue! Wow, what a miracle and what a blessing! 

It is a true miracle of God. I can not even begin to explain to you all, how many daily miracles we see here. Honestly every day we just look at each other in awe, wondering how in the world are we so blessed to be apart of what is going on here. From money to medical supplies, rain and our health and safety, God is pouring blessing upon this trip like none other. 

Thank you all for the prayers!

Blessed To Be A Blessing

Hello Everyone!

We have only been here one week, and we have all fallen so deeply in love with the ministry and children here (yes, even Sheree'). Every day we are blessed to see the Lord's hand work through the Pastor and his wife as they act as parents to over 150 children. Through our daily activites we have become more aware of the day to day needs. Much is required to simply keep each child clothed, fed, and in school.

We realize that even the smallest donation will make a big difference in the lives of the children. We are requesting that you consider the needs of the children and how you may contribute no matter the amount. Whether you donate once  or commit to monthly support, any contribution is greatly appreciated.

If you would like to donate please feel free to transfer any funds via Barouke paypal. This can be found on our home page to the right. Please e-mail us at barouke2@yahoo.com if you would like to specify where your money is going. We can assure you that your entire donation goes completely towards the children's needs.

CHILDREND NEEDS: One time donation or continuous.

The children just started and are in need of school supplies. One purchase is made at the beginning of the school year. The following 5 items can be purchased for all 150 Children.

Textbooks, Notebooks, schoolbags, pens, pencils (needed only once time per year, the children just began school)- 500$ dollars for all 150 children to have all of these needs for school.

Monthly needs:

Shampoo- 8R/month (4shampoos) per child. 1200R/month for 150 children= 25$/month for all children.

Body Soaps- 16R/month per child for 2 bars of soap. 2400R/month for 150 children= 50$/month for all children.

Clothes Soaps- 16R/month per child for 2 bars of soap. 2400R/month for 150 children= 50$/month for all children.

Coconut oil (Hair- used the other 6 days they do not shower)- 10R/week. 40R/month child. 6000R/month for 150 children= 100$/month for all children.

Face powder- 5R/1bottle. 20R/month child. 3000R/month for 150 children= 50$/month for all.

Toothpaste-6R/10days.  24R/month for each child. 3600R/month for 150 children= 65$/month for all children.

Textbooks, Notebooks, schoolbags, pens, pencils (needed only once time per year, the children just began school)- 500$ dollars for all 150 children to have all of these needs for school.

Uniforms-  250R/per uniform. 37,500R/all children.  750$/for all children to have a school uniform; 5$/per uniform.

Cooking Oil- 3,000R/month for all the cooking oil = 60$/month for cooking needs for 150 children.

Lentils-  (used 3 meals a day) 90$/month

Chili powder- (used for seasoning) 21$/month

Rice bags- 60 bags per month to feed all the children. 600R/1bag. 36,000R/month= 750$/month; 12$/bag

Vegetables- 500R/day. 15000R/month= 350$/month for vegetables.

More pictures!



Hot and tired but managed a smile :]



Our first Indian wedding! So beautiful and fun!

Tea, tea, tea...we are always drinking tea!

Going up the yonder

Typical

Everyone needs tonic and INJECTION!!

Uhh..what the...hmm...

Clinic with the untouchables

He was so scared of the stethescope...hold him down!

Very culturally appropriate :]

Our first impromptu surgery, Jesus take the wheel :/

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!!

Didn't know these would be our best friends...

Kale, the last time we will eat anything green!

14 hours in New Delhi, it was...interesting...

Our welcome home parade! So beautiful!

Guest of honor after 4 days of travel in the same clothes

Cheese!

Artistic capture by Sheree :]

Our first taxi ride

Yes Jesus loves me!

Who knew she actually liked children....

Cheers to a long pharmaceutical success!!!!

The Doxy got to us...don't ask!

Tenali

Our children :]

Day 3

In the faabric shop

We are only on day 3 here in India and we already feel at home.  Day 2 started with a fresh cup of amazing tea delivered right to our room. Breakfast here is completly different than what we are used to in America, but it tingles our taste buds (in a good way) every morning. In the afternoon we walked through the village letting people know about the up comming health clinic. We were welcomed into many homes and began to immerse ourselves in the culture. We made out way to the local shops, but not before stopping to have some fresh coconut water. We made our way to a fabric shop where us indecisive Americans spent way too long picking out fabrics. We were sweating like a sinner in church on Sunday. Yup, it was that bad!

Fresh coconut

We took our first taxi ride back to the orphanage where we were hand delivered to the orphamge door. Adrian liked the taxi ride because it had a lot of people and no doors.

Upon arrival home, we discovered that all the girls in the orphanage had a lice infestation. However due to the long process of lice removal, we were unable to treat their heads. It was hair washing day at the orphanage, which happens once a week, so we jumped right in and helped the girls wash their long thick hair. It was fun at first, till our back started hurting and we realized we had to wash 65 heads. It was a long process, but it was nice to get our feet wet.

Post hair wash Adrian and Kelsey discovered their feet were not only STILL swollen from Tuesday but they both had bilateral pitting edema. Sheree on the other hand does not, but has a gnarly skin rash from an unknown substance. We have found that our GI tract is off track. We are still trying to find that track and have resorted to numerous procedures which can not be discussed on this blog :)

We atteneded our first Indian church service where we were asked to speak, perform and sing. Ps- none of us are good public speakers, great performers, or can hold a note, but they asked! Following the serivce we held our first medical camp. It was....interesting. A lot of people, a lot of needs, and a whole lot of education. Please keep us in prayer as we have quite a bit to establish.

Raining blessings!

So it's definitely been a Journey. We are so excited to be here and serve God in such a wonderful way. In this process the people of India have been serving us  more than I can express. God has definitely placed us exactly where we need to be!

We were blessed with safe travel and greeted with love.

Since we have arrived here, our guests have continually asked us to pray for rain, as it has not rained since October! The rain is necessary for the crops and thus a way of life for the people. Last night due to very hot weather conditions, we had the joy to sleep on top of the two story house roof with over 150 children. We sat there in awe as the stars were out shining above us reminding us of our God's beauty. All three of us decided to say a prayer that night that the Lord would send rain for these people and the village. And boy does our God answer fast! At about midnight we all woke up smiling as drops of rain hit our  faces. We said a quick thank-you and went back to sleep as it was not enough to send us inside yet. Soon after, we awoke again as heavy rain fell down :) we all ran inside half asleep, yet praising the Lord for such an answer to prayer!

LAX update!

Flight got changed so we have a 9 hour layover before the trip even begins! We are in the most boring nothing to do terminal so we are keeping over selves entertained. All of our bags were overweight but the man at the counter didn't charge us anything :) Thank you Jesus! All in all everything is going well, but we are ready to get to Germany.

I have said many goodbyes in my life time.

It's not unknown to many that I have adventurous, free spirited wandering soul. It is just who I am. I like change, I like the unknown, I like to put myself in not so every day situations. From the outside people see this as a good and fun thing, which of course it is. But there is a side to the wandering unattached soul that many don't see.

Throughout my life I have been many places and met many people. I feel that I can make friends pretty easily. I am not too hard to get along with and I can tolerate most people. Not only am I human, but a girl so of course I get attached way to easily.

I think about the past and all the life long friends that I have around the world, many whom I still keep in touch with. Once someone enters my heart, it is really hard for me to forget them, I am telling you I get attached easily. I am reminded how near and dear to my heart many of these people were to me at that season in my life. These are the people that make me who I am. God has truly blessed me through out my life by putting the exact right people and situations in my life at the exact right time. Crazy that He maybe kinda sorta knows what He is doing? :]

Genuinely, with all the people that have entered my life as more than an acquaintance, I still think about them, I still remember that things they taught me, I still remember their qualities that I adore and strive for, and I still pray for them.  I still smile when thinking of the various memories, laughs, tears, sheninagians, what ever it may have been and am genuinely touched in thinking, wow God truly blessed me through that friendship.

Uprooting myself many times throughout my life, I see and appreciate the a good true quality relationship that doesn't change no matter time or distance. I can honestly say I have more of those than the average person, and know that I have made a few more this past season of life.

Goodbyes are usually always hard. For some reason I always think with time they will get easier, but for me they get harder. I guess when it is hard to say goodbye to someone it reminds you of how much you really do care about them. As much as we may hate them, we all know we can't stay in the same life season forever, other wise we would never grow and thrive.

I am sad to leave my Octapharma family. Truly. They really became like a family to me, challenged me, and helped me to grow and develop without even knowing it. In the beginning God kept reminding me He had me there for a reason, I didn't understand but stayed. I couldn't even imagine if I didn't stay, not that I made an impact there, but the impact they made on me. They blessed me and touched me in a way that will never leave my heart.

And of course it is always hard to say goodbye to good friends and family. But this time was different. Much harder. Not sure why, well maybe. But I can say I am at peace with all. My soul is well and I am leaving with complete and utter contentment and peace in all situations in my life. No untied string, no bitterness, no resentment. It is well with my soul. Such a great place to be.

So although it is a hard goodbye to many, I am anxiously awaiting the new friends and people to come in and impact my life. Not to take the place of any other in my heart, but to grow my heart and make room.