New Update

The team is currently 'relaxing' in our A380-800 watching movies, napping and sitting at the gate in Dubai.  Our delay is due to the foggy conditions that delayed flights all morning and the backlog that created.  According to the pilot we are 40th in line to be pushed out from the terminal so we are going on hour 3 and some change in the plane.  Needless to say our arrival will be signifcantly delayed.  I will try to update you when we actually start pulling away from the terminal and have a better estimate of our arrival.  However, if I am unable to access my cell data please check the flight status online.

Delayed Flight

Flight update, we currently sitting at the gate waiting on a new flight crew to arrive.  We are definitely two hours late now and it might be longer.  Please make sure to check online at the current arrival time of Emirates flight 215 coming from Dubai.

Final flight home

A slight delay but we are boarding our flight home.  Please check the updated status for Emirates flight 215 out of Dubai scheduled for arrival in LA at 12:50pm today, Saturday February 22.  Parents, please do your best to be early to greet your weary traveler.  It can be a sad homecoming for the one kid standing around watching everyone else being hugged by family.  See you all soon!

We're Coming Home

We've made it safely on our first flight from Delhi to Dubai.  Yes, we are bringing everyone back despite a few efforts to stay behind with the boys.  :-)

Goodbye Boys

This morning was full of 'one more' photo, tears, extra long hugs, and difficult goodbyes to a group of boys and young men who have captured a piece of our hearts. Always the worst part of the trip and yet the greatest blessing to see the depth of friendship developed over just four short days.

I think I can speak for the group when I say we received 100 times the blessing and fullness from the boys than what we give.  Our hearts are overflowing from their love and broken to leave them.

After a quick flight from Allahabd to Delhi we were received by the Shanti Home and greeted with flower lei, juice and sweet hospitality.  Lunch on the rooftop terrace, a few showers then we traveled to the office and girls home operated by Catalyst, an organization founded by Abhishek Gier and his wife Angie.  One of Catalysts initiatives is called Diversion and its purpose is the take vulnerable girls aged 12-15 out of the slums to educate them, teach them a trade, help them believe in their own worth as a beautiful Indian woman, and become financially independant.  Wow, a powerful ministry run by an extraordinary couple.  

This is a photo of the final prayer of blessing over the boys just before we left.

Last Day

Final goodbyes tomorow will be rough on everyone.  We'll leave for the airport in the morning after breakfast and many asked today if we will return next year.  Always a difficult subject because we never want to make a promise we might not keep and yet it's nearly impossible to say no when they ask with their adorable faces pleading with you.

We made the best of today with an epic water balloon fight, more cricket, various balloon games, and friendship bracelets.  

Tonight was a special treat with dinner at Pastor Varughese's house and several stories about how North India New Life Society begin.  He also shared two stories of persecution for the sake of the gospel and how God provided, including the salvation of one persecutor who asked for forgiveness of Varughese.  He is truly a man after God's own heart.

Cricket, Rainbow Loom and Duck Duck Goose

Today was the maiden voyage in the new yellow school bus donated to North India New LIfe Society.  Sunil is the bus driver extraordinaire navigating safely through the streets of Allahabad. Our arrival at the school was greeted with two Hindi songs sung to us by the children.  Then the largest circle of duck duck goose commenced and the laughter began.

The drive through town allowed us a different perspective of Allahabad and all of its sights, sounds and smells.  A quick stop for a new cricket set then it was back to the boys for another match of the much beloved sport.  It was also the day to introduce the boys to the rainbow loom bracelet.  Several team members know how to make the rubber band craft without a loom so every wrist has multiple rainbow bracelets.  The boys were quick to learn and the exchange of handmade bracelets began.  They are always so sweet to share whenever we bring crafts for them.

Here are a few pictures from the day.