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.

Monday

Today was the first full day we had here at the home. The boys were at school all morning so we enjoyed a nice, slow-pace morning. We did some morning stretches on the roof, drank lots of coffee, and completed some puzzles. Once, the boys came home from school around 1:00, the activities ensued. We played everything from cricket, to soccer, to toss, to chase the chicken. The boys could play for hours... They are truly invincible. Before dinner, the girls got them chance to try on some traditional Indian sari's. The fabrics were beautiful and plenty of pictures were taken. Dinner was finished with an affirmation circle. We are all exhausted and cannot wait for sleep. Good night all. Megan Rankin

PS: Mom and Jordan I love you guys! ;) 

Full Hearts

It is safe to say our hearts are full after a day of playing, learning, dancing, and just spending time with the boys.  Parents, don't be surprised if your kid comes home and asks for a new brother from India.  We all have several we'd like to take home.  

The morning began with a yummy breakfast and sompe pre-church fun in the yard.  Amazingly the boys kept their white church pants clean despite the cricket playing, football throwing, soccer ball kicking, and frisbee tossing - and that was all before church.  

We all enjoyed worshiping together with Pastor Varughese, the boys and a few neighbors.  Several songs in Hindi and a couple in English with a poignant lesson from Pastor V about the joy of suffering for the sake of Christ.  Coming from a man who has endured severe suffering and persecution in the name of Jesus his words carried greater weight and truth.

The rest of the day was spent playing and engaging with the boys.  As stated in the begining, our hearts are full.  

This is a view from the roof in the morning just after breakfast.

The Boys. The Boys.

Our arrival at the boys home was greeted with a line of anxious boys ready to meet our team.  The patio floor was decorated with beautiful chalk drawings and we each received a lovely marigold lei as a welcome to their home.  Everyone is winding down and ready for a good night's sleep for a full day of church and play with our new friends.

All are healthy and ready for adventures in India.

Varanasi

Quite an epic two days of travel but we've made it to Hotel Haifa and ready for our first feast of true Indian goodness.  All are healthy and in good spirits.  This is a great group of travelers and we've enjoyed each other's company.  We are eating quickly to make our boat ride along the Ganges and then on to the real destination - The Boys Home!

Delhi Airport

We made it to the Delhi airport and we are styling in the Premium Lounge.  Unlimited food, plush chairs, wifi, and a terminal that is better than most malls - we have a content team of tired travelers.  And I think there are working showers so all is well with Team India 1014.

Dubai Airport

We made it safely to the Dubai Airport.  The team is wandering the luxurious hallways of stores and snacks on the hunt for Starbucks.  Wesley was the movie winner......6 movies 

The Team

Here We Go

The new and improved Tom Bradley International Terminal is faaancy!  We enjoyed a few snacks, Starbucks for the road and are now safely in our seats scrolling through the many viewing options.  Time to catch up on movies and hopefully a few hours of sleep.

Thank you parents for sending us off and allowing your child to embark on this life-changing adventure.