Visitors at Rising Star Outreach - India

One of the most fun things that occurs at Rising Star is the arrival of visitors who come.  Over the months that we have been here many have come to volunteer their time and bless the lives of the children and the residents of the colonies.  We have some visitors who come for a day, and some who come to stay for days, weeks, or even months.  What a joy it is, when those who come unconditionally bring their willing hearts and helping hands.  Our biggest volunteer contribution comes in the summer months, when over a three month period volunteers of all ages come for one, two, or three weeks.  Over the summer we will once again have about 100 wonderful young people, and a few brave older souls, come to spend part of a hot and sweaty summer in Southern Tamil Nadu.  Those who come, have possibly never done anything as hard in their lives:  most leave feeling they have never had a more satisfying experience.  They all agree it is one that will never be forgotten.  

During our fall, winter and spring, volunteers who come do so with an understanding that they will have to be self-starters and bring a skill or talent to the table.  For instance, the Marriott Courtyard Associates come regularly once a month, bringing games, movies, cricket, advice and talk for our older kids, and always a wonderful meal.  There are usually 35 that come and often the manager and his wife come with their associates.  There is a scramble to be on the list each month, as there are about 250 employees at the Marriott and they all enjoy the day.  They bless the lives of the children, but ours as well, as the day is always one of joy.

This past week we had a family come--the Dad is tall--7' 6"!  It was the Shawn Bradley family who came to Rising Star out here in the middle of nowhere.  Dad and Mom, and four daughters, ages 10 - 14 were part of the full program of Rising Star.  They taught the children English in the mango groves; they went to the colonies to bandage wounds on feet and hands that have been severely compromised from leprosy and bless the lives of those whose blessings sometimes seem limited;  they played and taught basketball skills, volleyball moves and just played; they read stories to the children each night before the children retired. They participated in our annual Sports Day as the guests of honor.  They gave their hearts, and they lost their hearts to these beautiful children and their older relatives in the colonies.  It was a perfect picture of service given freely, and loving without limits.

The Bradley family, Grandma and Grandpa Thompson  and two grandsons, Julie Steed mother and cute daughter Taylor, Theresa Claugus, Bob and Jelean Montgomery, Kim McArthur and our dear Shaym Advani are but a few who have been here during these past weeks since we returned in January.  We are so grateful for those who come with a desire to help another--will they ever know the difference they make?  We surely hope so...