Hello for 2012!

Hello!

Sorry it has been so long since we have updated this blog. So much has happened since the last post. Let me see...

Mark and Rachel went to India and Nepal for a month in November/December and were able to donate the money that many of you helped us raise to the following places:
$600 to Freedom Firm in Ooty, South India
$500 to a girls orphanage called 'Smyrna' in Ooty, South India
$600 to Hope Trust orphanage in Nepal
$700 to a couple we know who house and care for many elderly men and women in Banepa, Nepal.

Mark, Rachel, Michael (Nat's brother) and Suzan (Nat's sister in law) went to Freedom Firm to give them the $600 that was raised. Michael and Suzan work at Hebron School, which is nearby. While they were there they met Greg, who is the founding director. Greg gave them a tour of the small organisation and they met three of the girls who had been previously rescued from child prostitution. They were all very nice, happy and welcoming. Mark reports that the look on Greg's face was priceless when he saw the roll of cash! He didn't see it coming. We had to blur the face of the young girl in the picture (below) as her former "employers" might still be upset that she is no longer working for them. A special thank you to all who helped and purchased items of jewelry during the last "Girl's Night In". I will be contacting them again soon to get some hand made greeting cards sent over for sale at our next "Fri night girl's night in" (in early April)- the rescued girls make them and the proceeds go to helping with the amazing work they do there. Check out http://www.freedom.firm.in/

One of the girls making the hand made jewellery.

The girls at 'Smyrna' have been either abandoned or refused an education by their families. 'Smyrna' assists by feeding, clothing and educating these lovely girls. As a surprise, we decided to give them a flatscreen TV, a DVD player and an internet connection. A very special thank you to Michael Clements, Suzan Clements and the George's (Suzan's parents) who got us connected and helped us to pick the TV. The girls were over the moon and say a big "Thank you" to everyone that helped raise the money for this amazing "luxury" (that we all take for granted over here!) :)

A bunch of very excited girls after receiving their new treats!

What a blessing it was to be able to give the orphanage in Nepal another $600, which will go towards rent, food and education of the beautiful children there. Mark spent a day with the children at the orphanage and, just like last time, was thoroughly blessed by their humility and gratitude. The wonderful children from our home church, Langwarrin Vineyard Christian Church, had hand written personalized cards for each of the children there. Before Mark left, we wrapped up a gift for each of the children and Mark handed them out with the cards to each and every one of the children on the day.

Individual presents with handwritten cards for each child at the orphanage

The children from 'Hope Trust' Orphanage in Nepal :)

Mark spent 4 days staying with Pastor NP & his beautiful wife, Bandana, the couple who house and care for many sick elderly men and women in Banepa, Nepal. We were able to pay for the much needed purchase of 2 wheelchairs. This couple, along with their 2 teenage sons, devote their whole life to caring for others. Last time when we all stayed with them (in early 2010) I was personally strongly convicted to prioritize my "needs and wants" and put many things in my life into perspective. All I can say is....we have way too much that we DON'T need over here...

Pastor NP (in white shirt) and his wife Bandana (on right of NP) with some of the elderly men and women they care for.

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Jenny Ryder, Shae Stewart and Kath Keating, amongst others, for organizing the donation of medical supplies from Peninsula Private Hospital (where I work) to help with the care of these elderly men and women.

The 2 containers of medical supplies donated by Peninsula Private Hospital

On top of this, just before Christmas, Jenny and Shae organized a "gold coin donation" BBQ at Peninsula Private Hospital to raise money for the children at Hope Trust orphanage...the wonderful doctors, nurses (and the rest!) raised another $305.85, which we will be transferring over to them this week....WOW! Have I told you I love my job?

So....what's in store for 2012? The next "Fri night girl's night in" will be in early April. We will be selling hand made/painted Indian eggs (like the ones in the picture) that you can give to people for Easter, instead of chocolate Easter eggs which just make us feel sick (and guilty!). We will also be selling hand made cards, as mentioned earlier, made by the girls rescued from prostitution by Freedom Firm. Not only are these nights a great way to find out about some amazing aid organizations, but 100% of the money from any sales go to one or more of the organizations we support. Watch this space for a date!

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped us by selling chocolates, coming to the "Fri night girl's nights in" or donating money, and a special thank you to Eugene Quah, from It's Fixed for their generous donation. This is teamwork, guys :)

Much love from Mark and Nat :)

Mark and Rachel in Nepal