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30 June 2019

The monsoon is a relatively predictable weather pattern in many parts of the world. After months of intense heat, regular rain clouds wash across much of Asia this time each year, dumping much-needed water that farmers depend on. Dry wide river beds that are usually empty, suddenly rush with muddy runoff. There is a corresponding rise in humidity following each downpour, and it's still plenty hot, but the rain is always a welcome break in the day.

One favorite activity is to play in the rain, and mud fights are a common occurrence in June. For those who missed out of the first mud fight of the season, here are a few pictures to take you right into the heart of all the action.

Clearly a posed shot, but they were into it.
Scooping mud to smash on a friend.
Part boys, part frogs.
Some participants were more committed than others.
And then it's time for clean up.

This week was full of big storms and for the most part that was a positive thing. Like the rest of the continent, the rainy season is a chance to plant rice, a crop that requires heaps of water, at least at the early stages. Normally, we fill our fields to overflowing with our own wells, but when the weather cooperates, mother natures does all our watering for us and then some, making our baby rice seedlings very happy in the process. 

The last of our first batch of planting is nearly done, so huge thanks to Sylvester who tirelessly commands the Big John Deere tractor from paddy to paddy, making sure everything is ready by the time the contract laborers come hunched and quickly planting. 

One of our planters, gathering rice seedlings from our nursery.

Of course severe storms can do damage as well and this week, one of our oldest mango trees was toppled in the intense winds. Nothing much was damaged when the old girl gave up her grip on the Earth. We lost a solar light (and many future mangoes), but for the most part it was an non-destructive demise.

It did require many of us to scurry out the next morning and begin the clean up process. Limbs were cut and hauled away, the chainsaw, axes and sickles chop chop chopped. It was hot, intense work but the boys got it mostly cleared up in short order. The final piece of the process will be to sell the trunk to someone who deals in mango wood -though first we'll need permission to sell (as mangoes are a protected tree species in India). Great job, boys!

Behind the big boys hostel, near the workshop. The scene of the crime.
The pieces, being stacked up for hauling away.
Roshni and Reena missed the work this time but got into the shot.
Rajesh and Rampal share each other burdens.
Clifton led the charge with his chainsaw, safety goggles and his Safety Crocs. 
Shane teaching this branch the meaning of the word "respect."
Raj sits in the trolley, trying not to get smooshed.
Kevin is happy and sweaty pretty much all the time.
Chopping wood is never an easy task. But try chopping with this in 45 C (100+F).
Gordon reaches high, to chop the tallest branches.

The nice thing about rains however is that after the deluge stops, there are lots of big puddles for pictures. All across the mission, kids young and old got to cool off and forget the heat for a little while. This standing water doesn't take long to soak into the ground or evaporate into the air, but while it lasts, there is plenty of splashing going on.

Sonia enjoying a quiet moment in the middle of temporary playground lake.
The girls of summer, posing at sunset.
Aaron jumping up out of the muck.
Summer Games Jr. is nearly done with the kids all heading back to school on Monday. During the past week, there have been plenty of games, including acting classes for those interested kids. Uncle John first taught the girls, then the boys, working on film scenes with our budding young thespians. Then a co-ed acting class was held, working on a scene from the kids' favorite television show: The Flash.

There was lots of drama and shouting and near constant laughter as the performances were filmed, then cut into watchable scenes. The viewing party had the whole mission cheering with delight! Jyoti said when her role as Iris West was completed, "This was the best day of my life." Look for her in a Bollywood film near you in a few years. 
Anthea trying to not laugh long enough to get in character.
Rajesh working with Reena on their big arguement scene.
Shane held nothing back, letting his inner actor out.
Jyoti has real potential, unafraid to shout back.
A few of the students on filming day.

Hockey was another popular sport this week, with sticks flying and everyone trying to smash the ball into a net. We managed to squeeze in a good game during a lone dry period where the field had a chance to harden up. Kamal is really the king of this sport, nearly able to take on any full team of challengers by himself. But still the slower, smaller players had fun trying to stop him.

Captain Kamal fully commits to the ball.
Most of the other kids don't take the game quite so seriously.
Even with a just-healed broken arm, Dhiraj was a wall of defense in goal.
And Malika was just enjoying the day.

But then, another storm would build over the mountains, the skies would darken, the wind would whip up and the rains would smash down again. This is the cycle we'll repeat for the next month, with many more chances to play in the rain coming up.

Even the walkway isn't safe as Cynthia makes a dash for the dining room.
Small boys and deep puddles are a perfect combination.
Soccer in the rain in your boxer shorts. Sign up today.
When you need to fall...just fall.

Through all of this, our builder's daughter got married this week in a nearby village. It was an extremely poor family affair that was utterly rained out, but that didn't dampen the spirits or the guests or the bride and groom in the least. Clifton went along to take pictures, offering a stack of beautiful images afterwards as part of the Mission wedding gift. It was another example how life simply goes on here, rain or shine.

Benny, Anil, Gary, Sunny and Eugene went along for the party. The groom is in the middle.
The bride and groom. Clifton reports he never once saw the bride's face.
A  few of the guests, taking cover in the storm.
If it truly is good luck to have rain on your wedding day, these two are all set.
The wedding ceremony involves all kinds of traditional spices.
Finally, from a place without much rain at all, Rick Shipway returns to the farm this week after three weeks serving at Houses of Hope Africa, our sister orphanage in Zimbabwe. In advance of the rains that will be falling there soon, Rick's dam work is completed and he's on his way back to India. Every time he leaves, we appreciate how much he does here at the Mission. Now, we're so happy that he'll soon be back safe.
Rick at the new dam, waiting for water.
Then rewarding himself at Kruger for a job well done. Hurry home, Rick.

The monsoon is actually quite late in parts of India this year and producing much less rain, according to the Indian news. But we are looking forward to lots more rain in the days and weeks ahead. Kids will be heading back to school on Monday, our rice fields will fill in and green up, and we'll welcome the weather no matter what it is. We are so blessed to be a part of this community and to have you here with us. With God's help, with your support, no doubt we can weather any storm.

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

For Those Who Pray:
  • Please pray for good health for all of our staff and children.
  • Pray for Auntie Josie who is still struggling to get her strength back.
  • Pray for Lisa who has been experiencing breathing problems lately.
  • Pray for Niyati as her little leg continues to heal.
  • Pray for our kids as they return to school on Monday.
  • Pray for Katie and Anish who finish up their last week with us here on the mission. They, along with their 4 daughters, are off to Dehradun. 
One More: Sabby is absolutely glowing at sunset. See you next week.
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Copyright © 2019 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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