We have just returned from church this morning, and it was really cold in the big building. On Thursday night,we went to Tusal to meet some of the new arrivals. There was the usual singing and dancing to make them feel welcome. We had a special dinner cooked for us of fried chicken pieces , omlet, papadums , and of course, rice and dahl The kids consumed mountains of rice as is their habit. One or two were a little overwhelmed but the next day, all seemed to be well with everyone. Yesterday, I photographed any new ones, about 23, and today will , with an interpreter, get as many of their stories as possible. Some are too young to get much out of. There was one little girl there who is only 5, and a tiny little thing. She cuddled up beside me, and I held her hand, and it was so hard and work-worn and rough. Her little face was dry and scaly from being out in the weather. I wondered how hard this tiny little thing has had to work. One of the young women who is a helper came and asked me to pray for her and her family/. She is studying, but her mum is one of two wives and I think life must be pretty tough for her, The mother is a Christian. This young woman knelt in front of me and put her face in my lap and sobbed her heart out as I prayed for her. All of the children were surrounding us, watching every move The older girls here are so mature and help all the little ones, and serve and cook, and always eat last once everyone is fed. They are only 14 or so. Grahame had to give a little talk on Thursday night to the new arrivals, and he praised the older girls for their mature and servant attitudes. Afterwards, a little 15 year old, who had been rescued from India, came over to Grahame and threw her arms around his neck and was weeping uncontrollably . When she composed herself, she said she had such terrible memories to live with, but when she received his praise, she said she was crying for joy because she remembers where she has come from and she was so thankful for God's blessing on her life. The other thing that was wonderful, the two teenagers who have been saved from India were up in front leading these little new ones in songs of praise, and they also take devotions with the young ones. Can any of us imagine how amazing that is. They would never in their wildest dreams have believed that the life they are now living would have ever been possible. But, now it is time to pack up and clean-up. I'm looking forward to walking down the footpath and not having to negotiate spit and cow pats. Also, to have 24 hr. electricity But we will miss these lovely people and their hearts full of joy. God is everything to them in spite of many hardships and to watch them worship is awesome. W
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