How could we ever forget the day we arrived at the orphanage to see 300 people lined up on both sides of the L shaped driveway singing a song of welcome to us as we all hopped from the bus and presented each of us with a bouquet of flowers? Both expressions brought grown men to tears as well as our soft hearted ladies.

The reality is that your generosity made a difference. These orphan children are so well cared for. They have 3 basic rice meals a day, are well clothed and are so happy. The best part is they are trained in Christian values and the homes father, Pastor Babu, says they have an 80% success rate with the children growing to adults and assimilating back into their communities.

We were made so welcome and treated so well, such was their gratitude. We saw the young guy who one of our people sponsored $2,000 for surgery to straighten his legs so he could walk without sticks. Already he's had the first of 3 surgeries and he's walking often unaided. We saw the new bunks awaiting the mattresses prior to being able to use.

If only folks could see our "spiritual father" John Fowler seated on a red kingly chair at the Sunday Church service. You would all have been as proud as what we were.
We will give a full report on Sunday the 17th January but for now we'll share with you a few trip highlights.

We visited an island and performed a blessing on a plaque commemorating the building of a new proposed place of worship for the 50-60 Christian folk on the island. We called to see the 10 houses we started last year and we actually did a handing over service of the final three complete with ribbon cutting and praying over the occupants.
We received news, while we were there, of a fire which destroyed 100 homes in a neighbouring village. It was a devastating scene. Whilst there were no fatalities, nothing was salvaged from the homes.
Our team facilitated funding and the next day went back with a hired truck with 100 bags packed from the orphanage. Each pack had 10kg of rice, saucepans, cooking oil, 2 blankets, 2 glasses, 2 plates. The sad expressions on the faces of the 200-300 homeless were gut wrenching. None the less, the aid provided was an encouragement to the local village people that the God of the Christian people is a caring God. Yes He even was able to use 7 ordinary common Tasmanians to answer the call. It was encouraging to note that the village President (Mayor) was a former orphan from Orphans Faith Home.
Our final gesture from the team was to have the orphanage painted inside and out whilst we were there in 5 days with up to 25 painters. The buildings were transformed from a faded white to a smart sea blue. As Pastor Babu said, all he seeks to do is feed the children. He was so appreciative of the new look home.