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PL835
12th April 2020
We're back and still happy to report 100% virus free. We have heard unconfirmed reports of infections in our town and, though it is never good to listen to rumors, we are taking all necessary precautions. Our gates are shut and only a select few people are going in or out (and taking steps to prevent the virus are being brought in).
Lockdown on the mission is going as well anyone could expect. Keeping our kids entertained has been quite a puzzle. The solution it seems is a mix of games, toys, board games, movies and music: we are fortunate to have all in abundance!
Over the last couple of years we have done some massive puzzles. This time we're actually talking about real, physical puzzles. The biggest ones that we have done were 4000 pieces. As they were such a huge accomplishment for us, they currently hang on the living room walls of the Small Girls Hostel and Shipway's House.
However, with lockdown in effect, Priscilla got out the big guns! An 8000 piece puzzle that we have had tucked away for exactly a time like this. After just 6 days it is really coming together!
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An 8000 piece puzzle actually takes 4 tables to complete!
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Borders complete, now to separate the coloured pieces.
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Sareena, Parwat and Rajesh working on the red pieces.
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Yep, that looks about finished!
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By day 2 we realized just what a mammoth task this was!
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Sabithri alone at 8:00pm working on the puzzle. Some nights Priscilla and the kids worked at it until after 1:00am!!!
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Pinky, Parwat, Rosie, Sareena and Sabithri working away.
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"That piece goes there!"
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Saturday afternoon was day 6 and it was really coming together!
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Of course, puzzles are not for everyone! Fortunately there are plenty of options here on the mission to keep one busy. On the opposite side of the Shipway's house, the carrom board, Lego, cards and board games were in a constant state of use. There is also random work around the place, chores, Netflix in Rick's room, a playground and gardens to keep everyone busy and keep the time passing by.
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Watching some TV in Rick's room.
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Manisha, Gladys, Malik and Santoshi playing a game of carrom.
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Carrom is a traditional Indian game and loads of fun.
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Carrom is non-stop at the moment.
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Aradina and Shivam giving it their shot.
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Malik playing some Minecraft as others watch on.
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Out on the playground.
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Before the puzzle, Monopoly ruled the land.
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The Monopoly Queen.
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A bundle of cuteness.
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Reena getting her chores done.
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Kamal and Dhiraj took the boys out to the laundry lines to cut the grass and weeds.
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With so many hands to work, it didn't take long for the job to be done.
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Amir is always ready to dig deep and get the job done.
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Jimika did an awesome job washing the windows in the kitchen...
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...Kelly was happy to reward her with a bucket of cold water.
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Just a random photo of Jessica.
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Clifton has been using some of his free time to catch up on office work and learn some new Photoshop techniques, putting them to work on photos from his recent rides. Here is some of his editing:
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Saloni and Shivani received a lovely big package from their sponsor. After a week in quarantine, we were finally able to give it to them!
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Shivani showing her gifts to Debby and Ruhani.
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The package also had a stack of photos that were given out to the kids.
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It was a momentous week for Pinky who turned 18 on Friday!
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We would have loved to have a big party but did the best that we could under the current lockdown conditions.
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Kamal living the age old saying: "If all else fails, there is always Youtube..."
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We mentioned a few weeks ago that we were switching from 3 meals a day to 2 meals a day. We are happy to report that this is actually going really well, it is amazing how a little hunger can help you to sympathize with those in need. We are so incredibly fortunate here with incredible facilities, family, supplies...we don't take this for granted but rather give thanks to God on a daily basis for his grace.
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Morning brunch at 10:00am has replaced breakfast and lunch.
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Aunty Violet enjoying her meal.
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We are unbelievably blessed.
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Jack and Kamal preparing some chickens for the evening meal.
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Priscilla was on cooking duty for the evening meal.
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Her chicken korma...like all her meals...tasted AMAZING!
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She probably could have chosen a more sensitive spot to cook up the chickens.
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With that, we bring this not-so-newsy newsletter to a close.
Once again, we want to express our gratitude to those who are writing, calling and messaging during this time. Your support is appreciated now more than ever.
Blessing on you,
Rick, Clifton, Eugene & Priscilla
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For Those Who Pray:
- Please pray for good health for all of our staff and children, we are doing everything we can to keep the virus out of our community; trusting God for his protection.
- We wish you all a wonderful Easter weekend. It has been extremely low key here - Rick, Clifton, Priscilla, Joey and Nancy shared communion with their evening meal on Friday night. Many other staff did the same in their homes.
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