As a group, we made our last visit to a Bethania facility yesterday. Leaving our new friends in Kodaikanal and driving down the mountain, we proceeded to Nagercoil, the location of Grace Home for Girls. Currently, fifty-two girls between the ages of 6-18 live there. All around the home are posters about strong women, both contemporary and Biblical. There is an emphasis here on raising up independent, educated young women. While the girls spend time each day in Bible study and hymn singing, they are never forced to become Christian, as is the case in all Bethania facilities. Beside traditional school subjects, they also receive training in art, music and dance. Their traditional dances were lovely to see. We shared games and treats with the girls, and dinner with several staff members. As usual, we heard stories of girls who had survived abandonment, abuse and neglect, and are now safe in a loving and supportive environment.
This morning, we took a side trip to Kanyakumari, the extreme southern tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal all meet. Afterward, we proceeded to a lovely beach resort in Kovalam, on the southeast coast of India. The evening included refreshments on the beach, watching the sunset. The weather has been very fine, although concerning to Indians because of the lack of rain.
After today, the group splits up. Some people return home, some continue north to Delhi and Agra to see the Taj Mahal, and one spends more time in the south, visiting other sites. Within the next ten days, we’ll all be back in Minnesota, processing this remarkable trip and coming to terms with how it has changed us. We have been so blessed.
This morning, we took a side trip to Kanyakumari, the extreme southern tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal all meet. Afterward, we proceeded to a lovely beach resort in Kovalam, on the southeast coast of India. The evening included refreshments on the beach, watching the sunset. The weather has been very fine, although concerning to Indians because of the lack of rain.
After today, the group splits up. Some people return home, some continue north to Delhi and Agra to see the Taj Mahal, and one spends more time in the south, visiting other sites. Within the next ten days, we’ll all be back in Minnesota, processing this remarkable trip and coming to terms with how it has changed us. We have been so blessed.
(This blog will continue, at least for the next few days.)
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