Unity in Diversity

Today I met Nagaveni for the very first time. It was wonderful. She has grown into such a smart, beautiful young lady and has aspirations that make me as proud as a mother.

All of the sponsor children in South India arrived at the hotel this morning to ride with their sponsors to the amusement park-- Queensland-- which by the way would be shut down in the US for its safety!

Anyway, Nagaveni pinned jasmine flowers in my hair and I shared a phot album with her. She showed me her sports trophies-- she brought them with her!! And told me about her brother winning a karate trophy. As we walked around the park together sometimes she would hold my hand-- even my left hand-- and say she was glad I'm her sponsor.

Her aunt is her guardian and she was with Nagaveni as well as the project coordinator from her home in Bangalore. The three of them took the train overnight to arrive by morning.

Although none of their English was strong we were able to communicate and smile. She told me she wants to be a doctor and that science is her favorite subject-- the complete opposite of me!!

She and her aunt asked about my brother and I think they were all surprised that I hadn't been accompanied by a parent or my brother as is customary here. Despite all of the differences in culture and language, we are united in Christ.

It was such a blessing to sit and talk and share a meal and pray with her today that our goodbye wasn't difficult.

She and her aunt told me I need to visit them in Bangalore. One day....