A long overdue blog from Laura!
Hey, sorry guys, I never seem to get round to doing this, and I’m afraid if I start typing I’ll never stop!
So much is going on, even on a bus journey there is so, so much to see! I love looking out of the windows, every second there is something new to observe, and even though it is all much the same, it’s all very different. I know I’m not making much sense but if you were here you would get it! There are houses with the front missing, ditches and holes all over the place, piles of rubbish and rubble, and ‘hunners eh folk!’. The people are just as fascinated with our wee bus of westerners as we are with them. They like to smile and wave, all in all it’s a very friendly place!
Yesterday we went to collect our salwars; they are gorgeous! We had a bit of a misunderstanding with mine, I had ordered two and they had made one of mine to fit Lilias. However, after a few alterations they were both Laura size and I could dance about like a right muppet! Haha lots of fun! I love them very much, I’m sure you will see from the picture… notice the jasmine in my hair, it smells so nice, cost about 12p. I mentioned to our driver that I wanted some so he made a special stop for it, very sweet! Also I have conjunctivitis in my left eye, it’s no nice! You may notice it’s a little bloodshot.
A couple of nights ago we had dinner at Pastor John’s house, it was such a fun night. We started with a prayer and some songs then we had dinner, they made us a delicious (spicy!) korma. We had a drink that tasted something like appletizer, John had been in Scotland and remembered we don’t drink much water so had bought it in specially! The people over here are amazing, so thoughtful! There was a wee baba, Ben, he’s 6 months old, I’m sure those of you who know me can imagine how long it took for me to be stealing cuddles. He was such a content wee thing, his Dad (John) told us he is a bit frightened of strangers, but he was okay with us because we smile, John reckons Indians don’t smile as much.
Yesterday we visited Shanthi’s clinic, where Laura found baby number two, she was also 6 months but very tiny! She was beautiful! Of course, I had another cuddle and she was smiling at me lots. Made me miss wee Fergus (my nephew). There was a short service, it was very touching, and we were all a bit emotional. The message was ‘Do you love me more than these?’ I found it very apt as I’m starting to feel a bit homesick and I must try to concentrate on the fact that God is here with us and we will be back with our family and friends very soon! Besides, the family we have here are out of this world!
Yesterday afternoon we were back at the orphanage. The kids were so pleased to see us, and this time we had balloons and paper n pens to play with. There are a group of kids who sit at the side against the wall but yesterday they joined in, it was so good to see them taking part. They are all so shy, they are a new intake so they are still sussing it all out - some of them are only 2 years old. It’s heartbreaking. There was one wee boy in particular I could honestly have brought home with me, he came over and was quite happy to sit on my lap or my hip the whole time. I played this little piggy went to market with him and he smiled with the most gorgeous wee smile. My heart is melting!!!!!!
Like I say I’m starting to feel a bit homesick so please keep your comments (click comments at the bottom of this blog entry and you will be able to leave one there), texts, e-mails and bebo’s a-coming! They really are keeping me strong!
Lots of love to all my friends and family! I can’t wait to get home and tell you all about my adventures in Chennai! What’s even more exciting is I’m going to Dindigal this morning - which is going to be a completely different experience - I might burst! Hehe
Having the BEST time!
Laura xxx
Date posted: Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 1:52 am | Under category: Uncategorized
RSS 2.0 | Comment | Trackback
Hya Laura, sorry to hear about the sore eye, but you look like you’re having so much fun and I love your pics, especially the one with baby Laura. And get you with the sari (I think that’s how you spell it but no doubt if it’s not you’ll have great pleasure in letting me know ha ha)
need to get some housework done anthony’s coming round for dinner tonight.
I’ll be back on later to see how your trip went
We are all well here and missing you loads
Sounds like you are having a great time, Laura. I’m sorry to have missed seeing little baby Ben. We met Jessie last year when she was pregnant. You are so going to enjoy Dindigul - lots of experience to make you feel very humbled and blessed. As you feel homesick for Scotland, I am wishing I was there with you. Looking forward to hearing the stories when you get back.
love
Martha and Albert
Hi Laura,I’m sorry this is my first comment but I got blog wrong ( ru surprised ?) & had to get in touch with your mum.I’ve just read it all through from the beginning to catch up & it is all fascinating & what an experience !..but very heartbreaking too in bits….like the children who were new & didn’t want to join in initially…tugged at the heartstrings.But then I could see that you are all bringing such joy & fun to their lives for at least a short while & it must bring hope too knowing that people care.I thought too that Laura can smile for Scotland so that won’t run out! Hearing about the old & infirm at the roadsides , though we know that’s how it is ,was awful too. On the other hand knowing that there’s people there doing all they can to help as many as they can must be an inspiration to everyone.You all look ,despite the problems you’re seeing , to be having a wonderful& fun time & that must be great for the children etc . They’ve seen enough gloom & it’s happy ,fun loving folk they need around them. No-one better than you, Laura ( &the others too I’m sure ) So keep up the cuddles & the smiles
You look lovely ,as do the others, in the salwars.What about the red eye !! If it was Bo’ness i’d know there was another explanation for it ! ( Hope it’s not too sore though)
The passport story is hilarious. Disenfectant cheap in Lidl when you return. We had those loos in China. Aint easy when wearing trousers !!
Now I’ve got in I’ll keep in touch with what you’re up to.you’re all amazing.
Love Frances
PS -this is my second attempt !
Laura,
Your blog just makes me cry, and your time in India will change you forever. It seems like you are having a great time and you know that we are praying for you as are lots of other people. You look so happy in the photos, with that lovely Laura smile that we know so well and others will come to know and love. The babies are gorgeous but you can’t bring them home, sorry! do you remember asking about being a missionary when you were a wee girl, and there you are taking God’s love to others and by the looks of it receiving a hundredfold in return! Keep smiling and keep trusting God.
lots of love
Mum and Dad
Hey hey Laura xxx
I love the picture of Dad and Kirsty with wee baba Ben….hehe
Hope all of you are having a nice time in India and hope to see you all safe and well when you come home!!!!
Tell Mum and Dad i miss them veryyy much and have a tear in my eye while i write this:(:(
MIss you alll xxxxxxx
Abigail xxxxxx
Forgot to say….
Tell mum and dad that as soon as we came home from the caravan in England granny gave us all a nice cup on Irn-Bru !!!!!
Missing you allllll
byee byee xxxxxxxx
Hi Laura,
it’s just great to hear all your news and of course see the photos, what a great experience you are having and such blessings. it’s wonderful to keep in touch with you all and to hear your news day by day. You are all in our prayers with each new day. enjoy all the blessings.
Keep well and try and keep that passport in a safe place!
Love Ann & Maurice
Hi Laura, it’s great reading your blog. It sounds like you are having a very moving experience in India. The photos are fab & you look great in your indian dress. I will keep reading your blog as I find it very interesting. Look forward to hearing all about it too when you get back.
Your pal, Lynne
hey laura
just a wee note to say yous all look as if yous are having a great time in india,hope your eye clears up soon and it aint holding you back(i dont think it will right enough)all the kids look really happy that yous are there must be really good for them to know that there is people who care for them and would like to make a change in their little lives,the indian dress looks fantastic and i know the smell of jasmin is really nice 2,look forward to seeing all your pics and hearing all your stories when you get back.
keep up the good work
take care
Marty
Hu Laura
Glad your having a great time the sari very “it”. I’m sure you and the children are enjoying
meeting each other and having a fun time. ! We were at the wedding yesterday it was great and very Scottish! I was telling the people we were with about your trip Laura am concerned about your eye try bathing ot with warm water with a little salt added wiping from the outside inwards might help a wee bit. Your in my prayers and am missing your nonsence:) .
Love Elreanorxxxxxx
Hi Laura,
India is a magical and mysterious place. I know you are going to enjoy meeting Abraham and Ruth at Dundigul.
Keep us posted about the medical development and send us some pictures of all of you in the Martha Clinic.
We are all excited about your return. i know God has a purpose in taking you all to India and I’m certain that this trip will change your lives. The danger is that when we all get home we get caugt up with the everyday affairs of western life and all you have encountered takes a back seat. looking forward to hearuing more.
Albert and Martha
Hello from everyone at the ILC. Baby looks lovely is it a boy or a girl asks Mary. You look really happy and fantastic in your indian dress. Mags is off to Morroco with Iona tomorrow so that should be fun !!!. Take care see you soon.
Hi Laura,
reading your blog takes me right back to India and the wonderful people we met, as you said there is so much to look at, every journey you take you notice something different.
The photos are great and remember when your back in Bo’ness we get the fashion show at St Andrews of sarwars. Who will be Miss India Bo’ness.????????
Keep blogging.
Jackie
hi honey! you seem to be enjoying the little one’s isn’t she gorgeous, not sure if you will get this as i am not good at this. we love you see you soon!!!!!!!!!!
huh! that was easy! it looks like a hard life out there for adults never mind children! you’re getting broody!!!!!!!! i can see you arranging your next trip before you leave. anyway babe keep up the good work all of you and i can’t wait to hear all about it again when you come home . los of love jan xx