Girls' Stories

I could go on and on about the girls. Each time we visit the homes I walk away with one funny story, or something interesting that happens. So...2 stories.

One of the first times we went to the home I met one of the new girls. She was stern and didn't show a lot of emotion. She didn't know how to make jewelry so she sat with me and worked on some Christmas ornaments. Well the next week when we returned I asked her her name again cause i couldn't remember. She got all mad, saying in Hindi, that i just met her last time and how could i not remember her name. So, I made sure to remember it. 5 minutes later, i was speaking to her and said "Here, Sabiya," she gave me a look and smiled. We were both laughing cause i used her name. She knew. We've bonded.

There are many many languages in India. One of our girls at a home doesn't speak Hindi cause she's from a different region. None of the other girls in the home speak her language, so communication is a real challenge for her. She's become kind of a scapegoat for them. And though she doesn't understand the language she knows full well that she's getting blamed. People are constantly saying, she can't do that. She can't do this...So the girls were signing my arm cause it was Friendship Day. (a holiday) It's just something you do. and of course they're saying, Oh no, she can't do it. She doesn't know how. She even was saying she couldn't, shaking her head. But i encouraged her to try. I figured she could draw a happy face or flower or something. So she copied a few letters from one of the other girl's names. She was very happy. She has an amazing smile. And considering all she puts up with I can't believe how happy she is all the time.

Last story...I hadn't seen my Geeta since I had been here. She's one of my favorite girls from last year. She's been working at a beauty parlor 6 days a week so she's never home when we're there. On Saturday I forgot to ask if she was home cause she hasn't been there yet. So i'm sitting working on a project and I look up and there she was. Of course I got all excited and ran over to her. Communicating the story in words doesn't really sound as good as if you're living it. But we had a few exchanges through translation. I was just glad I got to see her.

Stephanie's taking a Break

GOOD NEWS!

Steph is taking a break! She was suppose to return to India this Monday, but I finally convinced her to stay another week. Su got to take a trip with her friends, and I got my relaxing week in Scottsdale. ;) She hadn't taken a break since, I don't know how long. ...and with Christmas coming, it's going to be a mad dash through the fall.

So on that note, if you hear from her it better not be about work!

Tuesday

On Tuesday we went to one of the homes and we planned to start making a Christmas ornament that my friend Tori had designed. About an hour into it, the ornaments are starting to take shape and let's just say i'm thinking..."I've got to call steph and tell her we better buy that domain name pitypurchase.com cause i don't know how these things will ever sell." The ornaments are little felt mittens that are stitched around the edges. Not too difficult, but it does require straight and careful cutting; a skill most the girls don't have. But they're trying. One of the girls sat down and then got up to go work on something else. She had decided she didn't know how to do it. I called her back and told her I'd help her. A few of the other girls had been working on it, and their mittens came out looking all...let's just say you couldn't tell they were mittens. I smile, and say "great job. Great." and then try to help them get a little better shape and move them onto the next step. Well the one girl that had called back turned out to be amazing. Her mittens were perfect! I was so proud of her! She was too.

One of the girls says to me in her very broken English, "Didi you married?" (it's a really big deal in India.) "no," i said. "No problem." she says. "I pray for boy." i was laughing. she was too.

Jewelry Making

So i definitely have a new found respect for Stephanie and the girls. I don't know how to make jewelry but have had the opportunity to learn more while I've been here. It's NOT easy! It takes me SO long to do anything. I was laughing at myself. Su was laughing too. I'd have it just about right and then it would drop and the whole thing would fall apart. It takes time, patience and skill.

Grant/Vocational Centers

There's a grant that Steph and her mom have been working on. I took a few pictures that I'll submit to go along with it. You can please be in prayer for this. It would be a really great help with starting the vocational centers. We've put looking for a property on hold until we complete our registration. We've been advised that this is the best order to complete things.
Through the OC Human Trafficking Task Force Coalition, we've had a few meetings to discuss involvement working with survivors in the US. They have a great need for vocational training. Looks like we are going to start something in Orange County in the next 6 months. Prayers for office space and a place the survivors can come and work are really appreciated. The main project would be internships with Tori Higa Stationery: the greeting card company that was donated to us 6 months ago. www.torihiga.com

Tea Anyone?

Every morning I make tea or coffee. But the mornings we have to rush out of the house early, i usually don't get to finish so i've poured it in a cup and taken it with me. (Steph gives me a hard time for being a slow drinker.)Well, as you can imagine, Indians aren't walking around with cups in their hands. They have their tea, drink it, and are done with it. But of course, us Americans love our to go cups...lids, etc. So drinking my tea in a rickshaw has been a skill that I've attempted to perfect. You really have to time it right. The pot holes, gear changes, and bumps in the road make it a bit of a challenge. So far there haven't been many spills. One morning I even got Su to bring hers with us. Steph would die if she knew.

Sunita

I've mentioned Su before. I can't say enough about her. She's amazing. She's great with the girls. They really open up to her. She always knows how to handle situations, as you can imagine the things they are discussing with her. There's more that I'd like to say about them, but out of respect for the girls and the caretakers I won't. Considering the circumstances, I'd say everyone is doing all they can.