Well, we made it to the children's home. It wasn't 30km away, more like 6, but still far enough to get no help at all. Mamallapurum has 4 or 5 different homes in the town itself so these either get donations from passing travellers or get ongoing support from various organisations, such as the American Jewish communities. The Morning Star has no such help - so we've adopted it! There are 30 children currently at the home, some of whom lost one or both parents in the 2004 Tsunami, which devastated this whole coast line. Rachael and Daniel look after the children with help from a couple of other adults as well as their sons, Isaac and Titus. We found out about this home via Juliet, a very helpful Ozzie lass who works in the New Café here in Mamallapuram. When we arrived at Morning Star, we were greeted by all the kids who all know how to say "hello, my name is ..." in English as they are taught English as well as other subjects. We were then treated to a "floor show", with the kids singing and dancing or some of the more confident ones reciting poetry to us. Phil returned the favour by singing "Knick knack paddywack" followed by "10 Green Bottles" which the children know so they joined in.
All in all, a very moving but uplifting experience. We will continue to correspond with Daniel and Rachael and have every intention of returning next year, if not before. One of the older boys who speaks some English advised us that the children would learn new songs and dances before our return visit! To put this into context a little, less than 200 pounds means a new roof to their church (we managed, through donations, to give them enough for three quarters of the roof) but goodness knows how long that would feed these people for. Humbling stuff....
Morning Star Children
February 10, 2008 - Mamallapuram, India
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2 Comments
June 23, 2008
Rev.Isacc dhas
Pillaisavadi
Pondichery
India
E-mail shilohisacc@rediffmail.com
Phone 00919965450250
During our annual convention meetings I was staying in a lodge in Rapelli,Guntur District AP. From the balcony I just peeped down the street, here I saw two little girls dirty and barely clothed searching for food in the gutter waters of the lodge. This water was an open drainage for the entire street. Such was their hunger and desperate need; these girls were searching for something to eat in black gutter waters. To my anguish I saw one of the girls find a gooseberry from those dirty gutters. She just wiped it in her clothing and started to eat. Latter these children moved to a near by open trash can where there were some pigs searching for food. These girls also joined along with them searching something to eat. My heart was broken and burdened for these children. I enquired about them from the lodge manager and found out that they belong to a particular community called Yanadhi community. Immediately I sent my assistant to get more details of this community. I also personally went to the hamlets where they lived.
In twenty First century in modern era where India is marching towards great economical freedom this community people have never been to school. They live on the river banks and canals of Andhra. They hunt rats and fish for survival. The male folk plant coconut trees for rich landlords. They live in a very unhealthy and unhygienic situation. Pigs and people live together. And they are treated as untouchables in the community. Most of the children had sores and unhealed wounds in their body. Immediately we went village after village talking to the village heads to send their children to school. Some of the village heads refused to send them to school saying if their children went to school instead of catching rats it will be a curse on the community. We started a home with a passion for these children and to see their lives transformed, now there are more than 25 children in this home under the care OF US.
For the first time this children sleep on mats, have pillows, use tooth brushed, wear slippers, watch television, drink safe water, wear good clothes, go to school in dignity and above all get to know there is a loving Savoir behind.Please pray for this kids and our good work for the lord.Brothers and sisters Please tell to your friends and family about this home.We are looking up your prayer and kind visite with mercy help in christ.May the blessings of the lord be with you all allways Aman Aman Aman
Yours brotherly
in christ
Rev.Isacc dhas
Please send your loving offering or donation bellow bank account please
Name Isacc manuvel dass
Bank name ICICI BANK
Bank account
number 615201512296
Bank address ICICI BANK LIMITED
NO.16, SHASTRI ROAD
OPP.RAMAR KOIL
RAM NAGAR
COIMBATORE 9
TAMILNADU
INDIA
happy travels xx m,j&e