Hi everyone
Hope you are all well. So I've been back at school just over a week now and we're all back into the familiar routine we had before Christmas and our holiday.
I'm very happy to be back to church and back to school teaching. I missed my class a lot, and all the girls at village school. A particular highlight since being back was last friday when the team organised everyone to make flags and then we attmpted to teach the whole school 'Our God is a great big God'. They all got the actions and the chorus, but the rest of the words are a bit of a mumble at the moment - we'll get there though!
Our relationships with the children living in the same compound as us has also developed as we've had more opportunities to go out and now they're even knocking at our door asking us to come out to play.
Last Sunday the team lead the service went well. Our service included a drama, a prayer activity, a rubix cube and a talk. The message of the service was that God chooses anyone, anywhen, anywhere to do anything and how we should be obedient to what God asks us to do. The rubix cube symbolised how even if things can seem impossible, all things are possible with God!
Tuesday was Republic Day in India, which meant holiday for all!! We spent the day with a couple of elderly ladies visiting from Scotland called Fi and Rosemary. In the morning we went to 'Swaminarayan Akshardhan'. A temple in Delhi -it was interesting to visit (with a build in boat ride and huge cinema screen!). In the afternoon we went to visit a couple of thier Indian friends - Phyllis /Phillis (I don't know how you spell this name) and Valerie. Both 70-something years old and 2 of the most amazing ladies I've met in India. They both had amazing stories to tell of thier lives. They're now our adopted Indian Grandma's and we're hoping to go back to visit again someday.
Some prayer points for those of you who pray:
- that my cold and cough would soon go as it's hard to teach without a voice!
- that we'd all have creative ideas for teaching
- our relationships with everyone here that they continue to deepen
- Shashi as she prepares for her wedding on Feb 19th. I've had a conversation with her, and understandly she's scared at the idea of getting married to a man she's on;y met for 15 minutes and after her wedding she's moving away to live with his family. So huge huge prayers for her would be great.
Hope you're still enjoying these updates, but just let me know if you'd like to be taken off the email list. I won't mind.
Love, Hannah x
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Holiday!
Hello everyone!
We've safely arrived back home today after a brilliant holiday. Here's a brief overview of what we did....
On the 3rd January the Kolkata Action Team arrived in Delhi and we went out for a meal and ice cream with them. The next day we saw the sights of Delhi - Qutab Minar, Humayan Tomb, Zoo and went shopping and to a cowboy themed restaurant, where the waiters dress up as cowboys!
The 5th we went to the Taj Mahal! It was such a good day, despite the train being delayed by 3hours there and nearly 4 hours back!
The 6th we took the kolkata team to village and city school so that they could see the projects we're working with. In the evening we went over to the David's to celebrate Christy's birthday.
On the 7th we got up at 2am to catch the train to Jaipur but the train just kept getting more and more delayed so instead we went by coach. This journey was meant to take 5 hours, but took 8 instead and eventually we arrived in Jaipur and found our hotel. In the evening I had my first warm shower in 3 months and we just relaxed.
For our only full day in Jaipur we rode elephants up a hill to a palace, and fed monkeys at the Monkey Temple. It was a good day!
The 9th - 11th were the most boring days. We arrived at Jaipur train station at 2pm to catch our train to Kolkata (we'd then planned to go on to Darjeeling from there) but our train was delayed by 17 hours! We didn't really have much choice but to stick it our at the station. We used the time well though - we prayed for the other action teams, read the bible, played games and took it it shifts to sleep. The train finally arrived, and we had a 33 hour train journey, but by God's grace this time didn't drag either. Eventually we arrived in Kolkata at 5pm on the 11th. We decided not to go to darjeeling because we didn't want another 24 hours travelling there and back so decided to stay in Kolkata for a week.
During our time in Kolkata we had a good balance between resting and doing touristy things. In Kolkata we watched '3 Idiots' at the cinema (the biggest film in India right now - its a good film!), went shopping, relaxed at a beauty salon, went our for yummy meals, mass at the Motherhouse (where Mother Teresa lived and worked), went to a theme park (where we got away with all sorts of things that we wouldn't have been able to in England!), went on a boat under Howrah Bridge, had a party on the roof and went to church.
On Sunday our train back to Delhi was meant to arrive at 7.40pm, but guess what.... it was delayed! It arrived at 1.30am, and 33 and half hours later we were finall back home.
I had a brilliant holiday - we saw amazing places, had brillant fun with the Kolkata team and even the boring bits were blessed. I'm now feeling refreshed and can't wait to go back to school soon. I miss my class and all the women at village school!
And there's a 'brief' overview of my holiday - hope you enjoyed reading it!
Love,
Hannah x
We've safely arrived back home today after a brilliant holiday. Here's a brief overview of what we did....
On the 3rd January the Kolkata Action Team arrived in Delhi and we went out for a meal and ice cream with them. The next day we saw the sights of Delhi - Qutab Minar, Humayan Tomb, Zoo and went shopping and to a cowboy themed restaurant, where the waiters dress up as cowboys!
The 5th we went to the Taj Mahal! It was such a good day, despite the train being delayed by 3hours there and nearly 4 hours back!
The 6th we took the kolkata team to village and city school so that they could see the projects we're working with. In the evening we went over to the David's to celebrate Christy's birthday.
On the 7th we got up at 2am to catch the train to Jaipur but the train just kept getting more and more delayed so instead we went by coach. This journey was meant to take 5 hours, but took 8 instead and eventually we arrived in Jaipur and found our hotel. In the evening I had my first warm shower in 3 months and we just relaxed.
For our only full day in Jaipur we rode elephants up a hill to a palace, and fed monkeys at the Monkey Temple. It was a good day!
The 9th - 11th were the most boring days. We arrived at Jaipur train station at 2pm to catch our train to Kolkata (we'd then planned to go on to Darjeeling from there) but our train was delayed by 17 hours! We didn't really have much choice but to stick it our at the station. We used the time well though - we prayed for the other action teams, read the bible, played games and took it it shifts to sleep. The train finally arrived, and we had a 33 hour train journey, but by God's grace this time didn't drag either. Eventually we arrived in Kolkata at 5pm on the 11th. We decided not to go to darjeeling because we didn't want another 24 hours travelling there and back so decided to stay in Kolkata for a week.
During our time in Kolkata we had a good balance between resting and doing touristy things. In Kolkata we watched '3 Idiots' at the cinema (the biggest film in India right now - its a good film!), went shopping, relaxed at a beauty salon, went our for yummy meals, mass at the Motherhouse (where Mother Teresa lived and worked), went to a theme park (where we got away with all sorts of things that we wouldn't have been able to in England!), went on a boat under Howrah Bridge, had a party on the roof and went to church.
On Sunday our train back to Delhi was meant to arrive at 7.40pm, but guess what.... it was delayed! It arrived at 1.30am, and 33 and half hours later we were finall back home.
I had a brilliant holiday - we saw amazing places, had brillant fun with the Kolkata team and even the boring bits were blessed. I'm now feeling refreshed and can't wait to go back to school soon. I miss my class and all the women at village school!
And there's a 'brief' overview of my holiday - hope you enjoyed reading it!
Love,
Hannah x
Friday, 1 January 2010
One year over, and new one begins...
Happy New Year everyone! Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year!
So here's a run down of my Christmas and New year...
On Christmas Day the first thing we did was open our stockings from each other and ate Christmas cake, we then went over to our hosts house who helped us all put on our brand new sarees! In the morning we had a service at church - this involved the team doing a skit of the nativity (from the point of view of Mrs Donkey, Mrs Sheep and Mrs Camel!) and doing Indian dancing at the front of church! This was followed by us going back to our hosts house and onto their roof (yes, it was a lovely hot day!) to help prepare vegetables ready for lunch. After a couple of hours of dancing, singing and chatting to our hosts family lunch was eventually ready at 4.30pm. This Christmas dinner was typically Indian - rice, curry and chicken (though having meat is special). We spent the rest of the afternoon opening presents, and in the evening we all cuddled up under blankets, in our pyjamas eating chocolate watching Finding Nemo. It was a very different Christmas to usual as it has much less hype than in England but I still enjoyed it, and it helped me to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Boxing Day was very much a lazy day for us as we staying in our pyjamas until 4pm watching films and eating more chocolate!! In the evening we went out for a lovely meal with our hosts and watched Avatar.
Yesterday (New Years Eve) we spent with our hosts watching our first Bollywood movie! It was a good film, and finished just in time for us to countdown to midnight, and welcome in the new year with a cheer, sweets, an attempted at sining Auld Lange Syne (none of us really knew the words) and a prayer. It was a great evening :)
Today, we've been at church having a thanksgiving service and church lunch.
2009 has been a very good year for me - I've had so many new experiences and grown in myself and my relationship with God. Thank you to everyone who's been part of my 2009 to make it special :) I'm very much looking forward to whats instore for 2010!!
We start our holiday on Sunday and don't return until the 18th so no more updates from me til then! Prayers for a safe and happy holiday would be very much appreciated - we're going to Agra, Jaipur, Darjeeling and Kolkata for those of you who are interested.
I hope you all have a great couple of weeks :)
Love,
Hannah x
So here's a run down of my Christmas and New year...
On Christmas Day the first thing we did was open our stockings from each other and ate Christmas cake, we then went over to our hosts house who helped us all put on our brand new sarees! In the morning we had a service at church - this involved the team doing a skit of the nativity (from the point of view of Mrs Donkey, Mrs Sheep and Mrs Camel!) and doing Indian dancing at the front of church! This was followed by us going back to our hosts house and onto their roof (yes, it was a lovely hot day!) to help prepare vegetables ready for lunch. After a couple of hours of dancing, singing and chatting to our hosts family lunch was eventually ready at 4.30pm. This Christmas dinner was typically Indian - rice, curry and chicken (though having meat is special). We spent the rest of the afternoon opening presents, and in the evening we all cuddled up under blankets, in our pyjamas eating chocolate watching Finding Nemo. It was a very different Christmas to usual as it has much less hype than in England but I still enjoyed it, and it helped me to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Boxing Day was very much a lazy day for us as we staying in our pyjamas until 4pm watching films and eating more chocolate!! In the evening we went out for a lovely meal with our hosts and watched Avatar.
Yesterday (New Years Eve) we spent with our hosts watching our first Bollywood movie! It was a good film, and finished just in time for us to countdown to midnight, and welcome in the new year with a cheer, sweets, an attempted at sining Auld Lange Syne (none of us really knew the words) and a prayer. It was a great evening :)
Today, we've been at church having a thanksgiving service and church lunch.
2009 has been a very good year for me - I've had so many new experiences and grown in myself and my relationship with God. Thank you to everyone who's been part of my 2009 to make it special :) I'm very much looking forward to whats instore for 2010!!
We start our holiday on Sunday and don't return until the 18th so no more updates from me til then! Prayers for a safe and happy holiday would be very much appreciated - we're going to Agra, Jaipur, Darjeeling and Kolkata for those of you who are interested.
I hope you all have a great couple of weeks :)
Love,
Hannah x
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Merry Christmas
ok, so this is definatley going to be my last update before Christmas! Just 2 days to go!!! I'm so excited.
This week has been another busy and Christmas-filled week...
Friday was the Anusaran staff's Christmas party. This included lunch on the roof of our hosts house (in the lovely blazing sun - just to make you jealous!) followed by games, tea and cake in a nearby garden. It was lots of fun!
Saturday we went SAREE SHOPPING! There was so so much choice, but we each chose one eventually to wear on Christmas Day. Mine is pink with flowers on - I love it, I just hope the tailor has finished in time for Christmas.
We spent Sunday afternoon at a park in our compound. We went with the aim of playing and getting to know some local children. 2 hours later we returned home shattered from playing frisbee with about 20 kids! It was lots of fun, and amazing that so many children turned up. We hope to continue to do this most weeks to build relationships with them.
Yesterday we ventured into the centre of Delhi to do some traditional last minute Christmas shopping! As a team we're doing secret Santa stockings and so bought each other presents.
Last night was also the first of two nights of Carol Singing. It was the best carol singing I've ever done!! We visted about 10 houses, at each one we all (about 20 people from church) piled into the front room, sanf 2 or 3 songs and said a short message (at one point I was handed a piece of paper with 5 bible verses on and on the spot had to pick one and talk on it!). One person from Church dressed up as Santa... so we had an Indian-style dancing Santa who travelled on motorbike between the different houses! It was so funny!!
Tonight we're Carol Singing again, then it's Christmas Eve and then CHRISTMAS DAY!!! I don't know what the plans are but I can't wait.
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Love, Hannah x
This week has been another busy and Christmas-filled week...
Friday was the Anusaran staff's Christmas party. This included lunch on the roof of our hosts house (in the lovely blazing sun - just to make you jealous!) followed by games, tea and cake in a nearby garden. It was lots of fun!
Saturday we went SAREE SHOPPING! There was so so much choice, but we each chose one eventually to wear on Christmas Day. Mine is pink with flowers on - I love it, I just hope the tailor has finished in time for Christmas.
We spent Sunday afternoon at a park in our compound. We went with the aim of playing and getting to know some local children. 2 hours later we returned home shattered from playing frisbee with about 20 kids! It was lots of fun, and amazing that so many children turned up. We hope to continue to do this most weeks to build relationships with them.
Yesterday we ventured into the centre of Delhi to do some traditional last minute Christmas shopping! As a team we're doing secret Santa stockings and so bought each other presents.
Last night was also the first of two nights of Carol Singing. It was the best carol singing I've ever done!! We visted about 10 houses, at each one we all (about 20 people from church) piled into the front room, sanf 2 or 3 songs and said a short message (at one point I was handed a piece of paper with 5 bible verses on and on the spot had to pick one and talk on it!). One person from Church dressed up as Santa... so we had an Indian-style dancing Santa who travelled on motorbike between the different houses! It was so funny!!
Tonight we're Carol Singing again, then it's Christmas Eve and then CHRISTMAS DAY!!! I don't know what the plans are but I can't wait.
Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Love, Hannah x
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Christmas Parties!
So since my last update things have been pretty busy here as Christmas approaches!
Here's a run down of the week:
Sunday: All the staff from Anusaran attended an art competition/fete where we had stall. We sold wall hangings, cushion covers, bags, cards and jewellry and made about 3000 rupees :) It was quite strange being at this fete as it was at a private school, so we saw the richer side of India. Quite a culture shock after spending so much time with children who have basically nothing.
After the fete we went back to church, and the team lead the service. It was fun and went well, especially as we thought it was going to start at 4pm, when at 2pm we were told it would be starting 30 mins and we wouldnt have time to go home to collect our props etc!
Monday and Tuesday: We were at village school decorating and preparing for the christmas party!
Wednesday: City School christmas party. Lots of fun - dancing, singing, games, food, and each child recieved a gift. It was so good to see them all recieving a Christmas present.
Thursday: Village school Christmas Party. A repeat of wednesday, with the addition of a party for the women, where we danced ALOT and ate lunch together. I enjoyed the children's christmas party here more as I knew the children and have relationships with them, whereas I know very few of the children at city school.
In other news:
Our mouse is back! Freddie the second, and he's very clever - managing to eat the food in the trap without getting trapped!
Santa!! One evening last week we were reading the bible when suddenly we heard drumming from outside our flat. We had a look expecting wedding celebrations but instead we saw Father Christmas being followed by drummers! It was pretty impressive (and unexpected) considering we're in a contry that is mainly Hindu!
For those who do, please pray that:
- The staff Christmas party is fun, and runs smoothly (first christmas party outside!)
- Carol singing next week goes well.
- The true meaning of Christmas isn't forgetten in amongst all the celebrations!
- For the team to support each other, as Christmas nears and we're missing home and families.
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas Day :)
Love, Hannah x
P.S. To Church people - thank you very much to those who left a Christrmas message. I love it! :)
P.P.S. We were given the wrong postcode. It's 110078, NOT 110075 (but post to 110075 will still get to me, it just takes longer to get to me!)
Here's a run down of the week:
Sunday: All the staff from Anusaran attended an art competition/fete where we had stall. We sold wall hangings, cushion covers, bags, cards and jewellry and made about 3000 rupees :) It was quite strange being at this fete as it was at a private school, so we saw the richer side of India. Quite a culture shock after spending so much time with children who have basically nothing.
After the fete we went back to church, and the team lead the service. It was fun and went well, especially as we thought it was going to start at 4pm, when at 2pm we were told it would be starting 30 mins and we wouldnt have time to go home to collect our props etc!
Monday and Tuesday: We were at village school decorating and preparing for the christmas party!
Wednesday: City School christmas party. Lots of fun - dancing, singing, games, food, and each child recieved a gift. It was so good to see them all recieving a Christmas present.
Thursday: Village school Christmas Party. A repeat of wednesday, with the addition of a party for the women, where we danced ALOT and ate lunch together. I enjoyed the children's christmas party here more as I knew the children and have relationships with them, whereas I know very few of the children at city school.
In other news:
Our mouse is back! Freddie the second, and he's very clever - managing to eat the food in the trap without getting trapped!
Santa!! One evening last week we were reading the bible when suddenly we heard drumming from outside our flat. We had a look expecting wedding celebrations but instead we saw Father Christmas being followed by drummers! It was pretty impressive (and unexpected) considering we're in a contry that is mainly Hindu!
For those who do, please pray that:
- The staff Christmas party is fun, and runs smoothly (first christmas party outside!)
- Carol singing next week goes well.
- The true meaning of Christmas isn't forgetten in amongst all the celebrations!
- For the team to support each other, as Christmas nears and we're missing home and families.
Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas Day :)
Love, Hannah x
P.S. To Church people - thank you very much to those who left a Christrmas message. I love it! :)
P.P.S. We were given the wrong postcode. It's 110078, NOT 110075 (but post to 110075 will still get to me, it just takes longer to get to me!)
Thursday, 10 December 2009
You know Christmas is coming when....
....you have a cold, made 200 greeting cards, decorated your flat, had a staff meeting discussing Christmas plans and go to Costa for a hot chocolate!
So yeah, my weeks been pretty Christmassy! Monday, Tuesday and today (thursday) the team and a couple of teachers at city school have been busy making greeting cards to be sold on Sunday morning at a fete (more on that later). Between us we made about 200 - some great, some not so great!
We've also started to decorate our flat to make our home feel more Christmassey - at the moment we're in the middle of making a Christmas tree complete with decorations! And we've hung all our Christmas cards up too.
Yesterday was the staff meeting. It was held at our flat, so we had 17 people in our front room. It was very productive, but the best moment was when all the village school girls walked in - we hadn't seen them in a whole 4 days and they were all so happy and excited to see us again. I don't even want to think about the final goodbye in April!!
And finally a hot chocolate in Costa - Christmas is not complete without it! ALthough it was a very strange experience. Stepping in it felt like we'd just been teleported back to the UK - it looked the same and smelt the same! Over our hot chocolates we discussed our highs and lows of India so far. As soon as we stepped out of coffee, India hit us and we were back in reality! It's nice to know there's somewhere we can escape to if we need though.
This next week is going to be pretty busy...
- Saturday the team are preparing for the service we're leading.
- Sunday is the fete. Anusaran have a stall at a local fete to sell bags, wall hangings and greeting cards. We're also leading the service on Sunday
- Christmas parties are happening at both the village school and city school
- Rehearsals for Carol singing the following week
So prayers for all of next week would be good, just that everything planned goes well.
Hannah xx
P.S Don't be alarmed if I don't update for the next few Thursdays as we'll be out of routine!
So yeah, my weeks been pretty Christmassy! Monday, Tuesday and today (thursday) the team and a couple of teachers at city school have been busy making greeting cards to be sold on Sunday morning at a fete (more on that later). Between us we made about 200 - some great, some not so great!
We've also started to decorate our flat to make our home feel more Christmassey - at the moment we're in the middle of making a Christmas tree complete with decorations! And we've hung all our Christmas cards up too.
Yesterday was the staff meeting. It was held at our flat, so we had 17 people in our front room. It was very productive, but the best moment was when all the village school girls walked in - we hadn't seen them in a whole 4 days and they were all so happy and excited to see us again. I don't even want to think about the final goodbye in April!!
And finally a hot chocolate in Costa - Christmas is not complete without it! ALthough it was a very strange experience. Stepping in it felt like we'd just been teleported back to the UK - it looked the same and smelt the same! Over our hot chocolates we discussed our highs and lows of India so far. As soon as we stepped out of coffee, India hit us and we were back in reality! It's nice to know there's somewhere we can escape to if we need though.
This next week is going to be pretty busy...
- Saturday the team are preparing for the service we're leading.
- Sunday is the fete. Anusaran have a stall at a local fete to sell bags, wall hangings and greeting cards. We're also leading the service on Sunday
- Christmas parties are happening at both the village school and city school
- Rehearsals for Carol singing the following week
So prayers for all of next week would be good, just that everything planned goes well.
Hannah xx
P.S Don't be alarmed if I don't update for the next few Thursdays as we'll be out of routine!
Thursday, 3 December 2009
December in Delhi
So December is here! And it's actually beginning to get cold in India. Still pretty warm during the day but huddling in blankets is required in the evenings!
This week has been a good week for several reasons:
1. I have henna! I love it :)
2. We discovered an amazing ice-cream parlour. No doubt we will become regulars!
3. Our Christmas presents have been sent home! A lot of effort though as we had to stitch them in white cloth then seal the edges with wax.
4. We spent yesterday decorating the church/village school, which was lots of fun.
5. Holidays plans are underway and train tickets have been booked!
6. We've been told that we'll be spending more time at City school. Probably teaching the children or women. This is good as we wanted to do more for Anusaran.
For those who do please pray:
- That Delhi belly will go away and stay away for all the team.
- God will continue to reveal his plan for our time in Delhi
- Christmas preparations at the schools and church will go well.
A short and sweet update today!
Love, Hannah xx
P.S. If you feel like sending me a Christmas card here's my address!! :)
Hannah Burfitt
c/o John and Abha David
Anusaran
House no. 257, DDA Flats, Pocket 1
Phase 2, Netaji Subhash Appartments,
Dwarka,
New Delhi,
110075,
INDIA
This week has been a good week for several reasons:
1. I have henna! I love it :)
2. We discovered an amazing ice-cream parlour. No doubt we will become regulars!
3. Our Christmas presents have been sent home! A lot of effort though as we had to stitch them in white cloth then seal the edges with wax.
4. We spent yesterday decorating the church/village school, which was lots of fun.
5. Holidays plans are underway and train tickets have been booked!
6. We've been told that we'll be spending more time at City school. Probably teaching the children or women. This is good as we wanted to do more for Anusaran.
For those who do please pray:
- That Delhi belly will go away and stay away for all the team.
- God will continue to reveal his plan for our time in Delhi
- Christmas preparations at the schools and church will go well.
A short and sweet update today!
Love, Hannah xx
P.S. If you feel like sending me a Christmas card here's my address!! :)
Hannah Burfitt
c/o John and Abha David
Anusaran
House no. 257, DDA Flats, Pocket 1
Phase 2, Netaji Subhash Appartments,
Dwarka,
New Delhi,
110075,
INDIA
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