Second blog of the mission

As we write this we are in a nice hotel doing God's work by drinking mocktails and relaxing in the pool. We're not joking. We are taking a well-deserved break in a hotel on the beachfront for an evening. Watching the others swim in the pool as we eat our chips.

Everyone is doing well, however Pete fell down the stairs. He is fine now, no need to worry. However he has been feeling light-headed and a bit dizzy so we would be grateful for prayer. However we have discovered a cure. The more he eats, the less light-headed he feels, which is convenient. The past few days he's been feeling better though, so that's good. The ukulele has been the go-to activity at siesta time when there isn't much to do and boredom sets in. Everybody can now play it better than George Formby, thanks to Chas. Some of us have been suffering from lack of sleep, yet we only have ourselves to blame. And the howling dogs. And the rain. And the heat. And the sound of the fans that don't do much to cool the heat. And the midges. Mainly ourselves. We hope you are enjoying your respective homes without us. Now for a Hindi lesson. Bas means enough, pronounced buzz. Sukriya means thank you. That's bas for today. See what we did there.

We're sure you have excess food without us, and we hope you enjoyed New Wine for those who went. We have almost finished painting the boys dining room, just painting on Noah's ark and some other elaborations. Next we paint the girls home. We have been running fun clubs for the kids, which includes art and craft activities, puppet shows (given by Pete and Niall) and bible stories. The boys have been doing devotions in the boys home, and the girls in the girls home. Chas, Sam and Emily have all spoken and all had good feedback. Sam, Pete, David and Niall all played football in the pouring rain. They have never cared less about rain and mud. That day (Wednesday) we had a whole weeks worth of rain in one day, even in monsoon. It seemed fun to us, but the flooding has been

catastrophic in Mumbai, so again prayer is needed. We're going to go because Pete is desperate to buy  some cake. Have fun.

Yours sincerely, SMGoa team

P.S Gretchen, Chas is doing superb, he's taken a particular shine to some of the female volunteers working with us and is getting on well with them.

My first blog ever!

My claim to fame is that I'm the youngest member of the team, I will be fourteen a few days before the trip. My parents were a bit nervous about the trip at first but after talking it through they are happily supporting me.

Sophie and Ian held an info night for parents and they spent some time praying. My mum had a picture of the youth really discovering God for themselves, similar to when you find someone in hide and seek.

I love being away, experiencing new things and travelling to new places. India, I thought I would be the first one in my family to go there but my Nanny has just told me that she is going to Goa in January. I think she is going to check out my luxury accommodation and leave all my favourite snacks there for me.

I am not too keen on curry but maybe I will get used to it! My Dad and my brother John are delighted to practice eating curry with me!

When John found out I had been accepted he did one of his famous belly slides across the kitchen floor, delighted to have 2 and 1/2 weeks of freedom.

I'm part of the Adult Puppet Team at church and I am really hoping that I can get hold of some puppets to take with me to teach the children there some puppetry skills. My vision is to teach them some songs and maybe put on a show. Watch this space.

Now onto the financial aspect, fundraising. Sam and I are planning a disco on Saturday 15th February which we anticipate will be THE SOCIAL EVENT OF THE YEAR. Also I am hoping to get hold of some prestigious signed merchandise obviously from Manchester United, but I wouldn't turn down second rate merchandise from Chelsea if offered.

Pete