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PL831

15th March 2020

We could not start this newsletter without first talking about what everyone has been talking about of late. The coronavirus is changing everything on a global level that none of us have ever seen. We are happy to report that, as of the writing of this newsletter, we have had no cases in our area. Our shops remain open, shelves are stocked and generally speaking there is a feeling of calm.

In an effort to control potential spread of the virus, the Indian Government has cancelled almost all incoming visas into India until April 15th. Our state government has also closed all schools, the message coming down from the top on the very first day of our children's final examinations for the year.

We, too, have been looking into framing our coronavirus response plan.  In the event that one of us here on the mission does contract the virus, we want to be prepared to deal with it. We have quite a few elderly people in particular that we want to work to protect as well as our kids.  So, rest assured, we are at work forming response plans to keep everyone safe.
No, it is not coronavirus here on the farm. These boys are just doing some dusty work in the workshop.

As I write this weeks newsletter, I (Clifton), am actually sick in bed. I thank God it is not coronavirus but some other kind of viral sickness. My energy levels have been super low the last two days and have had a lot of aches and pains in my joints. And so, with that that in mind, I am going to apologetically reduce this week's newsletter into photographs from the week; thus allowing me to go to bed sooner.
The first day of final examinations turned out to be the last day of school for awhile. Schools in our state are closed until April due to coronavirus.
India celebrated the national holiday of Holi this week. During the festival coloured powder is used to 'decorate' loved ones.
Our dear friend Dr Umesh from Khatema turned up with colours in hand.
We are so blessed to have loving friends like them.
Ganesh is still working away on cupboards in the staff accommodation building.
Clifton and Jack had an amazing encounter with an elephant in the jungle.
A river formed a natural barrier to protect them from the feeding elephant.
They were able to sit for almost 2 hours watching the amazing creature.
More on the elephant
Some of the older boys just hanging out in their hostel living room.
Jack, Shane and Rajesh at work in the hostel gym.
Lisa received a lovely necklace from our friend Stacie.
Sunny riding through a burning field like a boss.
On the farm Kallu is plowing up our mustard fields ready for a summer rice crop.
Lots of water and lots of mud makes the perfect home for rice seedlings.
The freshly turned up soil brings in dozens of white herons looking for a feed.
Kushboo turned 17 on Monday.
Blowing that one out is going to be a challenge!
Nothing better than a 7 layered cake!
The party was filled with dancing, fun and food.
The food was AMAZING, the chili chicken made by Priscilla was a huge hit!
With schools and exams on hold, Sunny got a bunch of the boys to help him clean out our workshop.  It was a messy job but they got it done quickly.
Dhiraj stacking reenforcing iron rods up off the ground.
Raymond liked the old project car we have in the garage.
Even Jared got in and helped.
Priscilla handing out grapes to the children.
Niyati could barely hold her bunch.
Santoshi, never happy to have her photo taken.

And so we bring this newsletter to a close. This is a difficult time for all of us.  Unlike many other sicknesses in the past, the coronavirus is not contained to any specific country or continent. Everyone is being affected by this sickness and the repercussions of its wake. We pray you are safe, taking necessary precautions while not giving in to fear.

Blessing on you,
Rick, Clifton, Eugene & Priscilla
For Those Who Pray:
  • We didn't mention above, but Danny came to visit yesterday. You may remember that he went back to live with his mother a few weeks ago. Unfortunately during that time, Danny has contracted typhoid and has some complications with his liver. We ask for your prayers for him as he recovers.
  • Please pray for protection for our children and elderly as the coronavirus spreads further across the globe.
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Copyright © 2020 The Good Shepherd Agricultural Mission
 
The Good Shepherd Agricultural Mission is a registered non-profit and society in Uttarakhand, India that undertakes the care of around 75 orphan and destitute children. The Mission works to be as self-supporting as possible through income generated internally by it's farm, workshop projects and school. For more information see our website.

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Our mailing address is:

The G.S.A.M
Strong Farm
PO Banbasa
Dist. Champawat
Uttarakhand, INDIA, 262310

Our email address is:
office@indianorphanage.com