Sanctuary Home Blog

Rajesh (5^th class) and V. Sandeep (3^rd class) are cousins. Rajesh’s father abandoned the family 8 years ago, while V. Sandeep’s father died in an accident loading rice bags about 4 years ago. Both of their mothers have remarried and abandoned them, as well, which is not at all uncommon here. They are being cared for by their paternal grandmother. Rajesh needs medical treatment for a skin condition he has. The grandmother is not even able to properly feed the children, let alone provide medical care or educational opportunities. These children need Sanctuary Home or they will not make it.

Okay, so you may be asking how you go about sponsoring. Because these children are not on the official Sanctuary Home website to sponsor, you may email Amanda (amanda@sanctuaryhome.org) to let her know that you want to help one (or more) of these children. Make sure to name which child, so the information is accurate. Amanda will contact you with additional information.

Hello friends. Just wanted you all to know that Shawna is sick. I’m sure she will be fine, but yesterday and today she has been ill with digestive issues, body aches, and fever. We’re planning to take her to the doctor today. She can’t really eat anything. Plus, she has tons of mosquito bites despite using repellent, and they’re causing her a lot of discomfort. Please keep her in your prayers. Although she is being VERY well cared for, she is pretty uncomfortable, and she’s frustrated also about missing out on the experiences of being here since she’s stuck in bed. Some of the girls in SH have the same illness, and we’ve spent a lot of time with them over the past week.

She had been doing most of the blogging, so the posts may be fewer now, as I don’t expect to post much more until I’m on the train heading back to Chennai on Sunday morning. While I’m here at SH, I’m going to do as much experiencing as I can, and I’ll write it all down for you later.

Regarding Skype: the only internet connection is in the sickroom…things aren’t looking good now, although we haven’t completely given up.

Tuesday, April 3, 10pm.

We accomplished a lot today: finished the interviews and finished with photographing the kids. Each of the kids (with a very few exceptions) was asked a series of questions. Some gave unique answers, but many of the young ones simply learned their answers from the older ones, particularly the boys. We sat in chairs for some of the interviews, and I was reminded how uncomfortable the kids are to sit in chairs – it’s just not their place in this culture. Not because they’re staying in a children’s home, but because they are children. So many things are so different. Not better or worse, only different. It’s only Tuesday night, and we leave for Chennai Sunday morning. I’m already sad as the end approaches, even though we have four more days.

The heat isn’t as bad as I expected. It’s quite humid, but not unbearable. Without the humidity, the temperature wouldn’t be bad at all. It still isn’t as pleasant as when we visit during the winter, but I think most people could withstand a trip at this time of year. (Shawna may have a different opinion…)

We haven’t found a good time to do our Skype appointments. There just hasn’t been a time when the time zones aligned well enough (there is a 10.5 hour difference now) and the kids were available and we were at SH and not busy with other things. Oh, and that the power wasn’t out and the internet was working. A lot has to go right for Skype to happen, apparently. I meant to Skype with my own family each day, but Shawna and I have each only been able to speak with our respective families that way once since we’ve been here. We’re still looking for a time, but not exactly sure it will happen.

Before we left, several of you made comments about hoping to see your sponsored kids on the blog. We’ve taken so many great photos, and you’ll get them eventually, but is there anything you’re anxious to see sooner rather than later? Some little face you’re just waiting for a glimpse of? If so, please don’t hesitate to let me know by emailing or commenting, and I will be happy to take a photo if I’m able and post it. Or if you have any questions, this is a great time to ask. When we’re in Abilene, sponsors and supporters often ask me questions about SH or the kids that I can’t answer, but they’re usually questions that Isaac doesn’t have time to respond to. He’s busy with so many things! But while we’re here is a great time to get your questions in, while we can ask in person or see for ourselves. Don’t worry about making more work for us, because the primary reason we are here is for communication. It’s our job to update you on the kids you support. Thanks for your support, by the way. The kids are asking about you – and they want to know when you’ll come to visit them. They send their greetings and want YOU to be blessed. It’s going to take some time to sort through the wealth of information we are collecting; fortunately what’s appearing here on this blog is only a tiny fraction of what you’ll be seeing in the coming weeks and month

SH Elementary Kids Washing Dishes After Breakfast

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Radha (needs a sponsor!) and Joysthna

Elementary Kids During the Much Beloved Study Hour

On Sunday, a grandmother brings her grandchildren to SH as we’re heading up to church: Gopi, a boy of 8, and Haratha, a girl of 6. Their father died of heart failure and the grandmother explains that the mother has some mental issues, so she has been taking care of them. The mother is there in the background, but her face is sort of vacant. Gopi is being sent out, by his mother, to work. They do not go to school and have no food.

Both of these children need sponsors. But they don’t have to be sponsored by the same person. We have many sets of siblings here and most are sponsored by different people. Remember that there is an initial start-up fee of $50 and then the $35 monthly fee for room and board.

What’s great about sponsoring an SH child is that the organization is good about giving updates about the kids. Part of the reason Amanda has come is to see, firsthand, how we may be able to further help the children and take updated photos. On Saturday (4/01), the kids gathered in the worship area to write letters and draw pictures for their sponsors. We had gifts for some of the kids from their sponsors, so it was like an exchange. Many of the sponsors didn’t send cards/gifts to their children this time-remember that only we planned this trip within a month. We realize this, so we bought small gifts for the rest of the children, so they wouldn’t feel left out. They are always happy to get letters, cards, and gifts from their sponsors. I observed some of the kids sharing their candy with others.

As I stated before, we have already had three experiences where children came to SH to ask for a place. One such child is Lakshmanarao. He is from the coastal area. He is around 8 years old and supposed to be in the 3^rd class. I say, “supposed to be”, because his education has been stopped in order to go the fields to work with his mother. His father is an alcoholic and gambler. When he comes home at night, the father is abusive and takes the money that L’s mother makes (which isn’t much). His mother goes to church and her preacher noticed the situation. He contacted Isaac to see if Lakshmanarao could come live at Sanctuary Home and continue his education. This will surely improve, not only his life, but his mother’s, as well.

Lakshmanarao needs a sponsor in order to come to Sanctuary Home. He needs someone willing to commit to giving an initial start-up fee of $50, and then $35 a month. The $50 is for school supplies, a uniform, some clothes, a bed mat, his own dishes, and a doctor check-up. The monthly fee of $35 is for room and board. Sometimes there are additional costs: glasses, doctor fees for broken bones, medicine. If the sponsor cannot afford the extra fees, SH tries to find someone else to help with it. Would you be willing to sponsor Lakshmanarao?

April 2, 2012

Today I am determined to take it easy. I didn’t sleep well in the night and I am itching like crazy from all of the mosquito bites. I’ve asked Amanda if it’s okay that I’m escaping my present surroundings by delving into the Hunger Games. She says that she and Isaac understand that I am overwhelmed. I am still processing so many different things-cultural differences, the tent people across the way, the SH kids, the worship experience and baptisms, etc, etc, etc. Last night I felt that the SH girls were finally feeling comfortable around me. They were anxious to include me. They performed songs and dances, they did my hair, they asked me to remember their names; it was all so sweet. This seems like the hardest part for me-the SH kids. I am so thankful for Sanctuary Home, the children have been given opportunities they would not have otherwise. In fact, since we’ve been here, three families have come asking for their children to live here.

I am so very glad to be here, though. I assure Amanda of that and she nods in understanding. She had a first trip, too, some time ago. She seems like such a pro now. She is constantly amazing me with her practice of Telugu, the language of Tenali. It seems strange that I am having such a hard time-I’m used to moving around a lot and acclimating to my new surroundings. Only, I’ve got less than two weeks to do that here and Amanda has already warned me that I’ll be processing things for some time after our return-maybe up to six months from now. Isaac wants me to return. “Next time, bring Paul, Sister”, he says. I know that’s the only way I’ll return, with Paul. I understand what Amanda meant when she said she wanted to see my reaction to coming here for the first time. I think about that with Paul.

I don’t sponsor an SH child. It’s not that I don’t want to, Paul and I just haven’t had that discussion, yet. Sponsoring Isaac was such a fluid movement for us-we both came to that decision at the same time before ever really discussing it. And there is so much that needs doing: SH kids, HIV kids, things in the US that speak to me. I know that I am living in the wealthiest country in the world, but I don’t have a limitless supply of funds. It’s hard to decide what to contribute towards-especially when there is need everywhere, it seems. How do others decide? Some only give to their local congregation-we did that for years. Some give only to organizations within their home country, recognizing that there are so many in our own neighborhoods that need help. I can certainly understand their reasoning. And then, there are so many great causes around the world to join-SH is one such organization. I’ve been here and met these children-they are part of the fabric of my life now. I believe I will end up supporting someone here-perhaps one that hasn’t even been admitted yet. The question is: who will join me?

These are pictures of the churches we have visited so far:
Vallabhapuram, Tenali, and Morampudi

April 1, 2012

This morning we got to worship with the saints in Tenali. The church meets above the eating area of the Sanctuary Home building. It’s lovely, with colored streamers across the ceiling. There are about 45-50 members, not including the SH kids. The women sit on the left, and the men on the right. The singing is beautiful to me-even though I have no idea what songs are being sung. I love that they all sing loudly-especially the children. As we take communion, I am struck be the thought that I am halfway across the world and sharing in this wonderful emblem of salvation and hope, with people I don’t know well (or at all). But we are linked because we all believe in who God is and what Jesus did for each one of us! Wow! I can’t help but get a little teary because I think of this as a dream come true-to be worshiping with Christians in another country.

After service, we head over to Morampudi. This church has over 200 members, according to Isaac. The building is nicer than most, Amanda comments to me. There are an overwhelming number of women and children, and very few men. We later find out that this is the norm-much like in our own culture. Women are just drawn to Jesus! We arrive at the end of their service, while they are collecting the offering. Actually, they don’t collect so much as getting up to place it in a box at the front of the church. Isaac announces that we will see some baptisms after the service. Before we leave for the baptisms, we are surrounded by many of the women and children. They ask us to pray for them-Amanda and I each have a circle of people around us. One little girl asks me to pray for her exams. I pray for blessings, for health, for the children to keep God’s commands, and for all of us to love our neighbor. I thank God for His love and salvation through Jesus Christ. Of course I pray all of these things in Jesus’ name. These seem like good, general prayers. I can’t possibly pray for specifics without a translator. And they are happy enough to hear me pray in English. Incredible! Once we get into the car, I commented to Amanda that that was probably one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had. What makes me so special to pray over these saints in India? But I am also honored that they feel my prayers will help.

The baptisms happen near a bore well donated by some Scottish missionaries (2007). A man and a woman have decided-just today-that they want to become Christians! I love baptisms! They always remind me of when I was baptized-the new beginning, the knowledge that there is a God and that He loves even me. I find out from Isaac that the preacher goes door-to-door to tell his neighbors about Jesus. This particular area is not hostile to the preachers doing that. But there are areas that make trouble for the preachers and there are even martyrs. In fact, Isaac relates a story about some Christians who were beheaded. When I ask how long ago, Amanda says it’s happened since the last time she was in India-a year and a half ago.

I ask Isaac to explain how India feels about Christianity. He explains that there is freedom of religion, but proselytizing is not acceptable. Consequences vary from area to area. The northern part of India is more heavily populated by Muslims-they are hostile towards Christianity. The southern part is mostly Hindu and there is some variation on the trouble the Christians experience. Some areas, like Tenali, are more ambivalent about Christians and their practices. But then there are areas like the one he mentioned earlier-those martyrs were persecuted by Hindu priests.

I think we have misused the word “tolerance.” Many say that proselytizing isn’t being tolerant of others’ beliefs. I believe that true tolerance does not mean favoring one religion over others-holding some to stricter standards, for example. Tolerance is about learning how to get along with one another while we live here on this planet. I believe it’s about what Jesus really meant when he calls us to “love our neighbors.” I believe that ALL people have been created in God’s image. I believe that ALL people sin and need God’s forgiveness. I believe that forgiveness is only found in Jesus Christ. BUT, it doesn’t mean I have to hostile towards other beliefs-Jesus says the world will know we are his followers when we LOVE. I pray that in every action, every word, every thought, I remember to do this. Remind me, friends, when I forget, would you?

From Shawna’s Perspective-

March 31, 2012

Mounika is one of the SH kids. She is 9 years old and in the 4th class. Her mother and sister have HIV. In fact, her mother is dying and probably only has about 4-5 months to live. We visited Mounika and her family this morning. They live in a poorer part of Tenali-it’s obvious.

This excursion really affected me. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling as I looked upon Mounika’s beautiful mother. She has already faced the death of her husband from HIV several years ago. Now she faces her own and the death of her youngest daughter. Mounika’s little sister smiles at us with big, beautiful brown eyes. She is six years old and dying. I cannot hold it in as Amanda prays over this family for peace and comfort and resurrection in the coming age.

We are able to help this family some. Mounika has the assurance of staying at SH and gaining many opportunities. Isaac promises Mounika’s mother that he will treat her as one of his own daughters, including making sure she is properly married. I hope that Mounika’s mother finds relief in these words. I know I would. But, we cannot promise that her youngest girl will be so fortunate. In fact, we’re not even sure how long she will live. And we know that the girl will not be able to attend school. There is such a stigma attached to children with HIV. As mentioned before, they are the lowest of the lowly class of citizens-indeed, not even considered citizens. Isaac says he’s heard of a woman who lives further south that takes care of HIV children. He tells us that he will write a letter to her and find out all the information. I am anxious about this. I want something to be done NOW. Amanda makes a comment about my reaction-how very American of me. I understand what she means. I am impatient. Indians never seem impatient. Ugh!

This is no time for judgment. I refuse to listen to rhetoric about how and why HIV is a problem-especially for children. As I look into Mounika’s sister’s face, I know that she did not choose whether they are born to parents with HIV. This truly breaks my heart! India isn’t even the country with the highest HIV population. The real issue is how we can help. What comfort can we provide to families?
Again, this brings to mind our own HIV issues in the U.S. What can I do for those who live in my own town? I think I may be looking into that fairly soon when I get back…

From Amanda’s Perspective -

Saturday, March 31, 2012. Morning.

This morning was tough. We went to visit the home of D. Mounika’s mother and little sister. They live in a poor area of Tenali. There is no father – he died a few years ago, before Mounika was admitted to SH. Mounika is one of the many cases at SH of a child who is not technically an orphan, but who has lost a parent and whose remaining family is too poor or sick to care for her. She has been lifted from poverty and given the great opportunity for a bright future by coming to Sanctuary Home. And still, she has relatives. She has a mother, and they love each other, and now her mother is near death from HIV. She has a little sister who is also dying of HIV; this sister is six years old, but she looks about two. Mounika has been sent home to be with her mother, who is now near the end. The contrast between our well-fed and bright eyed SH girl and her wasted mother is stark. The mother and little sister sat on a cot outside their tiny house, the mother with an awful look on her face, the little sister all smiles. I suppose she’s too little to understand what’s about to happen to her. There is no place for her yet, but Isaac is working on it. We listened to him reassure the mother that he would take care of Mounika. She can stay at SH. She will not be turned away. He will see her raised and educated and married, and even after that, treat her as his own daughter. Mounika has a sponsor – but you can see that it’s imperative that SH continue to function well, for the sake of Mounika and others like her. It’s difficult enough to consider her burdens, but overwhelming when I think about what the future holds, however short, for the little sister. I wish we also had a home and school for children with HIV. It strikes me that heaven must be full of children, quite literally.

Paul and I began supporting Isaac’s ministry last October. We decided to do this while Isaac was visiting Abilene and we were meeting him for the first time in person. We felt called to do this as we already had a connection with Isaac from our ministry days in Rochester, NY.

I am not here to make sure Isaac is using “our” money to our satisfaction. I am not here to tell Isaac what to do: he has planted over 70 congregations, he knows what he’s doing. This visit has everything to do with our responsibility as his sponsors. Our job is to encourage Isaac, to pray for him and his family, and to support him financially. This is a different goal than Amanda’s, where she is to check up on the SH kids and see what help is needed. I’m glad I get to see that, as well. But Isaac does so much more.

In addition to having planted over 70 churches, he visits them often. He is always invited to their gospel meetings and other special occasions. Last week Isaac was invited to come and baptize 5 women at a congregation about 15 miles away. This, in itself, is a big deal as he baptized them in the canal. This is illegal. Apparently, you may only baptize if you have a baptismal in your church building. But Isaac frequently sends us pictures of baptisms in outside waters. This is an amazing thing to me! And convicting. Am I ever so bold as to disobey because God’s work needs to be done? I’m not so sure.

Then there is the widow ministry. Charity is given to about 30 widows within the Tenali congregation. These widows have no family who can or will support them. They are given rice and saris. They are honored. On the opposite end, Isaac also visits slum areas to hand out food-mostly to children. Likewise, he gives charity-mostly food-to the tent families that live just outside of his property. As Amanda has mentioned already, they are now living in a smaller space due to the recent surge in building nearby. In addition, Isaac also supports about 40 children with HIV. He gives them a monthly stipend and rice. Their parents are most likely dead because of HIV and they have become untouchable-even to other family members.

Amanda spoke to me of some of these things before we came. I marveled at how much he seems to be doing, since he is also the Director of Sanctuary Home. I have already seen how much time that, alone, takes. On Sunday afternoon, we will visit one or two of the local congregations. I’m not sure we’ll get to see any of the slums while we’re here, but we have observed the tent families. We are dipping into his daily routine some by being here, so there is no way to view his normal actions without interfering. But I believe I will get a pretty good picture of some of what he does to take home. This will help me perform my responsibilities better in the future. Also, if Isaac should ever ask for special contributions for things in the future, I will have an idea of what he is asking for. It is good to be here, observing and asking questions. I know that I will not be able to understand much of what is going on-Amanda seems like such an expert, but she’s been here thrice before. Plus, there is so much to process: culturally, physically, and of course, the spiritual implications of what we support.

I want to briefly mention that this trip is helping me understand our own poverty in the US in different ways. I’m not sure exactly how. But our support of Isaac and the children of SH has not overridden my responsibilities to those in my own country. Since reading “Half the Sky”, I have been trying to search within myself the ways in which I may be able to support the “least of these” that are much, much closer. I firmly believe that God blesses us so that we may be a blessing to others. May we each seek ways to do that.