Well, it finally hit me this morning...we leave in TWO days. The trip is suddenly very real, and approaching fast. I'm excited, of course, but also a little bit nervous. I've never really done anything like this before....
[Bit of Background]
For those of you who don't already know, Steve and I are travelling to a handicapped-children's orphanage in a fairly small town in southern India for the next 2 1/2 weeks. While there we will film a documentary about the orphanage and the woman who started it, Irene Karkada. I'll be shooting photos of all the kids and the orphanage itself, as well as writing down Irene's story, and those of some of the kids as well. We're doing this so we can give them some tools that they can use to better explain the work being done and the needs they have, and to share the incredible ways in which God has provided for them there.
The orphanage is called Happy Home for the Handicapped (some of the first kids to live there got to name it themselves), and it's in a little town called Shimoga. Shimoga (also known as Shivamogga)is located 275km West and slightly North of Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka. Population is roughly 275,000.
The name Shimoga means "Face of Shiva". The local dialect is called Kannada (Steve, who is Canadian, is rather excited about this fact), but as with most countries besides the U.S., the people there typically speak at least 3 languages, including English and Hindi. (*Yes, I am embarrassed to say I speak only one language, and that rather poorly*)
Besides a few Hindu temples, there isn't much there to attract tourists, the one exception being a waterfall about 10km outside the city called Jog Falls. Jog Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Asia, stands an impressive 829ft (253meters) high.
[End of Background]
Wellll.....it's t-minus two days and about 3 hours till we are winging our way East. We're feeling excited, nervous, and hopelessly inadequate at the moment, but resting in the knowledge that our God who loves us has provided for us immeasurably, and will guide our steps if we will trust Him.
More to come...
~beks
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Hi to my beautiful daughter is who is scarily just like her father. No--i didn't figure out how do answer you back on your blog---your Mom did with the help of Matt! But I have to say: "You have a gift! You write brilliantly (there's a British word for you!) You are interesting--intelligent--and well spoken . . . and my favorite girl in all of LA---I know another man has stolen your heart--I'll have to be content to be second place! Can't wait to see you in London. Say Hi to Steve Love, Dadd (always w/ 2 "d's)
ReplyDeleteDear Bekah~ We are sitting in the PDX waiting for our flight to the luxury of Kauai, while you prep to go to rustic India! Your joy and hope-filled expectation just bless me! We'll be following everyday...and even more, praying all the time for safety, for His presence to be known and made clear, for wisdom and discernment, and for peace~ Shalom~ peace and rest. Steve~ Watch over our girl! I love the way you love her. I'll be praying for you, for your camera artistry, and for your leadership on this grand adventure. Love, Mom
ReplyDelete"We feel...hopelessly inadequate." Perfect place to be together with Jesus. Reminds me of the beautiful and powerful words from Song of Solomon 8:5...
ReplyDelete"Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning on her beloved?" You know I have you both in my heart daily--praying, waiting and watching the hand of God lead you, guide you, protect you, radiate in you both. Love you!
Becky
PS: Steve, Loren and I laughed until tears ran down our faces when we watched you Wasabi Dare Steve online. We'd just been away for our 19th wedding anniversary and shared some sushi. I got too much wasabi in my bite...so I laughed and felt compassion for you all at the same time.
So very excited to follow your journey and be apart of it in prayer! We love you guys! -echo & alomae (oh and andy too!)
ReplyDelete