Haha, there are water buffalo everywhere in India, so I sang that song a lot! This post is intended to be my final thoughts on India, but truthfully there is just too much to tell so its just a very short summary 
First of all thanks so much to everyone who responded to my blog about the water park and sent in money, we literally had just enough and the kids had an incredible time. Hopefully, when we get home we will be able to share pictures and stories!
I’ve never experienced this kind of poverty. It’s inescapable, from the street kids to the slums and the half built buildings, the trash covering the streets, the lack of water and electricity. I came in thinking I knew what was coming . . . that I was prepared, but I was overwhelmed. I live in a completely different world, so far removed from this one. Nothing like having your world rocked by your spoiled materialism like that.
The conditions in India were pretty rough. It was very very hot and we had pretty much no running water and shotty electricity, but it was an even harder realization that the kids lived in probably worst conditions than us and they do it everyday for years. Water is a precious commodity there, there were a couple of days that the kids would go with no water to drink. Praise Jesus, that in the last couple of days we were there the Lord provided them with a new watertanker and the government will bring in at least one tank of good clean water to the orphanage a week. Also, our team faced sickness trials while we were there. Ryan was the only one who managed to not be affected, being young pays off in some ways I guess, haha.
The kids and us would get up every morning at 5:30am for morning prayer, then they would do some chores and eat breakfast. From about 8ish to 10ish we would divide the kids up and play games, I taught them Nookum which was a pretty big hit. Then we would do lunch and afternoon prayer at 2, just play and hang out with the kids til prayer at 6:30 and dinner. We sometimes would have a chance to go into town in the afternoons. That was pretty much our day, during prayers in the afternoon and evening we would get to lead some songs and skits and Chris would preach some.
What I learned the most from India and the biggest thing that I will take away from is the faith and dependance that the kids and leaders of the orphanage have. Since they have almost nothing, they are thankful for every little thing they have and get. It is really humbling to watch them live praying continuoulsy because they know that without God they would have nothing. They pray for things like water and food and health but also for the littlest of things. And they pray first, before they do anything. I was very convicted about how our wealth in America really can take away our faith and dependance on the Lord. I learned so much and was very challenged in India, but I’m not gonna lie, I was ready to leave.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to be in Uganda! As soon as we got off the plane yesterday I fell in love with it here. We went to church this morning which words cannot describe the spirit of joy there was there. Tomorrow we will start our work at the orphanage. I am extra excited to be here in Africa because as you many of you know, Kenya is where I was planning on being this last year and Natalie the missionary we are working with here is doing almost exactly what I had planned on doing, teaching at a school for orphans. It will be interesting to see what that would be like . . . and who knows what the Lord will call me to in the future!
Continue to pray for our team this week as we are fighting off sicknesses. Sarah and Chris are dealing with stomach issues, and Sage has flu-like symptoms. After some pretty nasty stomach stuff from the water in India I am recovered 100%, but now I have pink eye. Also, pray that we would serve and minister to the missionaries here and the orphans at the children’s home. Love you all and thanks for all your support. Leave a comment, I love the encouragement!
I love reading your blogs, Kara! We are praying for you, and are so excited about everything that God is doing! Give Sarah a hug for us
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Love, L’erin
Kara,
It is so good to hear from you in your blog and on the phone. Sounds like you are going to have some awesome stories to tell about how important faith is and how well we have it in this country. I was thinking about that a lot as we celebrated the 4th this weekend and realized how blessed we are but how our comfort keeps us from having the desperate dependancy on God. I agree we are spoiled in some ways. Take care and know how much we love you and look forward to hearing more from you.
Love you,
Dad
Hey Kara!
I lovvvvvvvvve reading your updates! I knew you would love Africa:) I know exactly how you feel about seeing kids in poverty and it being an incredibly humbling experience. I experienced that in Africa and it truly makes you thankful for everything we have, even the smallest things we take for granted. It is also amazing to see how joyful those people are with so little, which makes you realize even more that God is enough to satisfy us. I will keep praying for you guys and can’t wait to hear more!
Love ya future sister-in-law!
Ash
Kara,
It was good to hear from you and read about your thoughts on India. I know God loves each of those children and as you wrote, they have a true and very deep relationship with Him because of the daily trials they face. Although, you went to minister to them, it sounds like they may have done the same for you. I so look forward to hearing more when you come home and what God is doing in you. I have to admit I didn’t like reading about the sickness you and the others are experiencing so yes, we will pray for your health! I check your blog, as well as the others, everyday hoping to hear more!
I love you and miss you so much,
Mom
Kara, can’t begin to tell you how great it is to read your blog – I am so thankful that you can keep in contact with your Mom & Dad, therefore, we get to read about what all God is doing in your life also. Happy to hear that you got over your sickness and praying that you don’t get more in the other countries. Hope to see you and have a long visit with you and Brandon when you return home.
Love you dearly and praying for you daily,
MeMa and PaPa
I won’t lie…I’m jealous that you had the chance to love on the kids at the orphanage…as I read your blog my heart ached and man do I love those kids! If you see this reply before you leave Uganda please give Natalie a big hug for me. I love that girl a lot!
Kara, Thank you for keeping us all updated – I am so thankful you all made it to Uganda & will be working w/ the children. Thank you for reminding me that you bring light & hope & relief to the missionaries as well. Am praying for you all daily & God’s renewing strength & protection. Shalom, Wendy
Kara,
It’s so great to hear what God has been teaching you through your adventure around the world. I have to admit I pretty jealous (except about the being sick part). I hope you are going to stop through Austin at some point in the future so you can share with us all the things God has taught you. I am praying for safe travel for you and your team, health, and that you would cling to Jesus as he takes you to places outside your comfort zone. May you fall more deeply in love with Him as you see how He is working for His glory around the world.
Katy
Kara,
I have so enjoyed reading your blog. Thanks for keeping us posted. It is amazing at what you are learning and what you will take home with you. I got sick too when I was in India years ago. Praying you all continue to recover. Love you.