PL810

As mentioned in last week’s PL, Basanti has just recently enrolled in Swastik Nursing School, preparing for a three year degree program in a highly-competitive field. According to a recent article in Business Today, India has only 0.7 doctors and 1.7 nurses available per thousand people…which all but guarantees Basanti a bright future.

But the work will be challenging. Without much science background, she knows what she’s up against. “I sometimes worry: will I be able to study science after studying art?” Basanti wonders. “But now I believe that I can do it and I would like you all to pray for me to be able to do it please.”

Clifford is now two months into his BioTechnology degree at Uttranchal University and things are going well. In his most difficult subject, Biochemistry, he earned 25 out of 30 marks on his first exam, which was the 2nd highest in the class.

But by his own account, college life didn’t start off so great.

“I cannot describe the feeling when I first stepped into college,” Clifford says. “Everything was new to me and for some time I felt alone. At the start, the days seemed longer than usual and boring too. The amount of stress and pressure that bumped into me each and every day got me thinking of how easy it would be to just quit. Somehow hours passed, days passed, weeks passed and here we are two months later. I feel so much more comfortable and relaxed than before.”

At a recent school-wide talent show, Clifford sang an Ed Sheeran song and played the guitar, eliciting screams of approval from the young ladies in attendance. The fact that he won the “Best in Show” was one of those college experiences he will never forget. 

Jessica is studying Journalism at Graphic Era Hill University, and has embraced college life with both arms. She has a tight circle of friends who support each other, and a social life that would make the Kardashians proud. She is also working hard and is determined to make the most of this opportunity.

"Sitting in class today,” she wrote, “and being lectured by the teacher...looking out the window and seeing the view, and knowing that only 8% of [Indian] students go to college after their 11th and 12th...I felt so lucky. Being independent and learning to live your own life, just flying out there. Trying new things. It's just awesome! And you know it just feels free. And that gives me a sense of peace. And I just want to use these next three years in the best possible way I can. Thank you so much!"

One common theme we hear from our recent Mission: University students is a sense of excitement at just being in the wider world. Kamal is pursuing his Physical Education degree while making his own posse of friends. But he’s also exploring, taking in new experiences, making memories as well as striving for good marks in his courses.

“The most amazing things that happens in college,” Kamal says, “is that we get the chance to go out and see the other side of the world and that helps us to know what else is in it. I am really thankful for the sponsors who are working so hard to make our careers shine. THANK YOU SO MUCH.”

Sonia and Reeva are roommates at Himgiri Zee University, recently voted the best private college in Dehradun. Studying Social Work and Travel & Tourism Management respectively, these girls are getting their first taste of life in the world, making friends and learning new things.

“Before life was so different,” Reeva says. “I lived with people I knew and it was a simple and easy life. But staying here has helped me learn lots about what life really is…how to adjust and how to be independent.”

Sonia is adjusting to the new freedom as well, while enjoying her new course work. “I'm learning so many great things,” she says, “like how to understand the inner feelings and emotions of people.” After just two months she can already sense the profound impact this experience is having on her. “College will change my life,” she believes, “by teaching me to be a great social worker and to help others with the problems they are facing. College will make me a better person.”

Job has not had an easy transition at Ewing Christian College in Allahbhad. He had kidney stones to start the semester, he was far from home and all alone, living in an apartment not a dorm. But he’s worked through all these early difficulties and is starting to find his way, which is a huge relief for him.

“Thank God at last I am starting to like this place,” Job says. “After my classes each day, I go and practice soccer with my team and then leave campus at 8:00 pm.” The biggest lesson he’s learned so far? “College life is fun if you start knowing people. You just have to be willing to start a conversation with someone new.”

Sunny’s architecture school is going well, with lots of field trips as a class to the Taj Mahal and next to Jaipur. Architecture is considered by many to be the most difficult major available. One report concluding: “On average those studying [architecture] work the most hours during the week, pull the most all-nighters, have the highest GPA, nap the least and are stressed out more than any other degree.” Luckily our Sunny is up for the challenge.

“What I love about college is when I sit in class and do projects and sketches,” Sunny says. “My classmates are so talented, they bring such beautiful artwork. Hanging out with them is fun. My dream is to be a well-known architect and design beautiful buildings. I want to be part of an organization to help people and create a beautiful environment.”

Leaving home is hard.
Goodbyes are painful.
Moving to a new country is scary...until you do it!

Coming to Hong Kong was the best decision we’ve ever made.
We were homesick for a few weeks, scared, lonely, all of that.
But now we have a new home and a new family.
Hong Kong is amazing!
Huge buildings, lots of different people, different food, a new culture.
Lots to learn.

But we are loving our work.
Loving our apartment.
It’s fun exploring the city.
They even have KFC. Yum yum!
We feel so free. Independent women!

Our favorite is when we have family time together.
Paige and Paul have given us so much.
We could never ask for more.
We love this place.
We love our family here.
We are blessed.

And so life goes on. Children arrive, grow up, mature and eventually leave. But as every good parent knows, love doesn’t stop at the gate and commitment doesn’t end at 18. We will cheer when they succeed and encourage when they fail, always ready for the next time they need a break and a home cooked meal.
 
For anyone looking to encourage our college program (we have two more enrollees next year and eight more the following year!), you can always support them through our Mission: University campaign. A monthly donation is a great way to compound your gift over time, if you feel so inspired.

Thanks as always for taking this journey with us and we’ll see you next week with another more traditional newsletter.

Blessing on you,
Rick, Clifton, Eugene, Priscilla & John