The World on a String
Is that green stuff tape? Um. If not, what is it?
May 1, 2009.
A day filled with an endless number of paradoxical emotions and expressions.
Glory and sadness.
Joy and grief.
Laughter and tears.
This morning everyone was full of great excitement, for the day had finally arrived.
The climactic moment of our trip.
The day for which we’d all been waiting.
But I'm not ready to tell the whole story yet.
I don't have the time to do it justice.
For now I will say this, after the kids arrived the whole crew of us set out to a place called “Science City” which reminded me a whole lot of a museum in the 80’s. Just a whole lot less advanced. We did all kinds of fun things. We went to a planetarium to see a movie on Mt. Everest. We walked through all kinds of trippy mazes. We listened to them giggle and scream in a 3-D movie.
Then we did something completely disturbing.
We rode on a gondola ride in the third world. I was completely and utterly against this idea but Shaun Groves and Spence Smith, our quasi-evil Compassion trip leaders, apparently wanted to send me over the edge of whatever sanity I have left at this point in my life and insisted upon on seeing the world of Calcutta from a string since this was “the plan” that the Compassion India leaders had already made. As if I am not already in need of a lobotomy. I was like, “Since when can plans not change in third world?” But my perspective was not taken into consideration and so we boarded the Gondola. A gondola ride which looked like it had been built in the 1800's, I'll have you know. The kids you see in this video are my sponsor children and you’ll hear a lot more about them in two days when I get back to the States.
For now I leave you with this video that documents a serious Melissa meltdown. I promise, you’ll be “dumber”.
To be continued...
And P.S. In all honesty, Shaun Groves and Spence Smith are the best Compassion trip leaders. Ever. And as of about seven minutes ago, it's Spence Smith's birthday. So if you have a minute go and visit him and wish him a Happy Birthday in Calcutta.
And Mr. Fitzpatrick, if you're reading. I'm coming home soon and I love you madly.
posted by Melissa @ 1:19 PM
125 Comments
125 Comments:
praying that you never lose the joy, pain and God-granted perspective of this trip.
bless you Melissa, and all your fellow travelers.
That was awesome!! Thanks again!
Praying this morning for God to keep changing y'all because y'all are changing us.
Shawn, Georgia
I would have been terrified. I am so afraid of those Gondola rides and to think that it would be stuck would have sent me over the edge!
I can't wait to hear about the rest of the day! It sounds like you had a lot of fun!
Praying for a safe return trip for you all!
Lori
I can't wait to hear the rest of the story.
Thanks for the video.
And thanks for your posts over the last few days. They've left me mulling and praying.
I would have had to take some medicine before I could get on that thing. I mean why risk your life on a ride. I don't do theme parks much less a gondola on a string. Bless.
Dumber....I don't think so! I can hear some nervousness in the sponsors' voices, but I hear true elation in the voices of children. Sometimes we are asked to step out of our comfort zones....where we are not comfortable....but oh the amazing rewards for doing so! Dumber....I don't think so!!
I looked at the other sponsors' websites. There is a true story of poverty illustrated throughout....but the true story of God is the vibrant colors and the sparkle in all of the eyes! WOW! I wish I saw that sparkle in eyes here in the states. We, Americans, think we have it all...these pictures tell another story. I can't get over the true grace and faith I see in the eyes. I truly have not seen this kind of sparkle in a long time....whether in church, community or business. It is eye-opening to see how beautiful the people of Calcutta really are.
Thanks so much for sharing your uncomfortable moment....it was amazing to see the bright smile of the kids with you!!
Janet
WOW! Love the video... Praying for a safe trip home and cannot wait to hear the rest of the story..
Much love,
Sharon, NC
OH MY WORD! I'm laughing so hard, I almost woke the napping baby.
I love how Pete tries to wash his hands of your untimely demise, Melissa. "This wasn't my idea. In fact, I tried to WARN her about getting on. But no, she wouldn't listen to wise words from her elder."
But the kids obviously loved it. That's what matters, right?
And truthfully, there are worse ways to bite it than a gondola full of happy Indian children.
(There weren't any swine in the area, were there?)
Still praying. (And laughing, a little.)
I feel your pain. I don't like to ride in anything that has me suspended in mid air! I even hate the tram up Stone Mountain. The blog from India was awesome. I have a lot more to pray about, and I am ready to sponsor a child. Peace and a wonderful flight home.
Bonnie
Oh Melissa,
That is so sweet... to Colin!! :-)
Well, Fear NOT. I would have freaked out too. Don't know if that is any consolation, since you don't know me. But you should be proud of your bravery.
However, the children looked ecstatic. Isn't what you were there for in the first place? Can't wait to hear the rest of the story.
Evidently I was already DUMB before I watched the video. I envisioned a gondola as something on the water ( think Venice)and I didn't understand why you would be afraid Melissa. Then I watched the video. You should have been terrified! Have really loved your posts about India. Praying for your safe return.
Love, Linda
Their smiling faces are adorable! And squeals of laughter! Melts my heart.
WOAH! like really WHOA!!!!
ya'll get super props for that.
I just watched this on Pete's blog and commented that I was so tickled to see and hear you, since I feel like I know you after 13 Beth Moore studies! (Kind of like you're one of the neighbor kids we moms talk about over coffee, you know?) Anyway, I laughed out loud, and simultaneously had real sympathy for you! I couldn't help but think how happy and safe the kids obviously felt - being in your presence and sensing God's spirit in you! SO loving sharing this journey! Thank you!
Love the video! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Praying for you all!
Blessings
Michelle
Your trip and documentation of it on this outlet has probably changed more lives than you will ever know. Thank you for being the "guinea pig" to go and thank you for your honesty in the posts. I can say for myself I can truly feel like I have been there with you.
Our church is planning a trip to India with e3 in the fall and I had not planned on going because I really didn't feel the Lord telling me to go, but now I am wondering if He is.
O:)
Another Melissa
I LOVE THIS VIDEO. HERE ARE MY FAV HIGHLIGHTS:
THE LITTLE BOY YELLING, "WHOO HOO."
THE GUY WITH YOU, MELISSA, SAYING, " I JUST WANT TO TELL BETH MOORE I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS.
BUT MOST OF ALL, AS SILLY AS IT SOUNDS, I HAVE NEVER HEARD YOUR VOICE MELISSA, IT WAS SUCH FUN TO HEAR YOU SPEAK KNOWING PARTS OF YOUR LIFE THROUGH THIS BLOG SO WELL.
Melissa,
I'm sorry but I am laughing. Not at you, sweets, but with you. Not at your reaction either. I would have reacted that way too. The fact that the kids show NO fear and the sponsers well look abit on the pale, scared I'm gonna die side! Who said we will be able to ban prayer, huh? As long as there are situations like the going up in a rickety gondola, prayer will never cease? Right?
Can't wait to hear about the union with your kids was like. I can only imagine.
How sweet of you to send a message to Colin. I'll bet he has missed you like crazy over these past few days.
Love ya girl!
Kels
Love the video...Love the blog.
Inspires me to go to India and sponsor more children!
I notice that as I post your mother, Bethmoore, has not chimed in here...
Either, she has not checked in and is still blissfully ignorant, or
she's on her knees thanking Our Lord that you are safe, or
she is on her way to India!!!!
Oh my. I'd say you were asked to be way outside your comfort zone. But I notice that those beautiful children are having a great time, no fear, pure joy!
I'm so enjoying your blogger diary and look forward to hearing all about the rest of this day!
Lauri
Weeping for the children, your experience and undying romance.
Until the conclusion...
That was priceless! Sometimes dumb is amusing. :) But I'll say, I'm glad it was you and not me on that thing!
Can't wait to hear your upcoming stories!
At first I pictured gondola being a boat...not the ski lift kind.
So glad you made it down safely--you are so pretty, Melissa! So very.
Come to Colorado and we'll be sp happy to take you on the safe and fun gondola in Keystone!
Praying for safe travels home and a lifetime of walking with these memories held close to your hearts.
PS Ask your Mom if this would be a good example of "going beyond your freak out point."
You are brave!!! Great job sharing the hardest parts of this trip so beautifully. I am joyful to say that our family has just started our sponsorship of a beautiful 10 year old young lady. I thank you for a heart that is brave and open to feel and communicate to all of us state side how beautiful Jesus is displayed in the eyes of those precious children. God bless your trip, keep sharing your heart.
Love to all
Celeste
OK...about to bawl my eyes out. The last line to your husband just put me over the edge!
Praying for a safe journey home. Bless you all for your willingness to be taken to the edge.
Kimberly
The kids are dancing and y'all are praying! :)
Steady praying for y'all.
So much love...you have changed us all!
Sweet Melissa,
I loved seeing this and hearing your voice! Wow! You are one brave (or crazy) girl to get on a gondola in India! LOL! Can't wait to hear more about this amazing day.
FYI - Just sponsored two children in India. God is moving dry bones!
Love U much,
Jax in Alaska
We took some old Soviet plane from Kyiv to Odessa once and smoke began coming out of the front of the cabin. My husband is a pilot in the AF. He's been deployed and shot at and stuff that I don't want to know about because it's just better to remain ignorant on the home front sometimes. Anyway, it made him nervous enough to inquire about it. Glad you returned to solid ground in one piece! And speaking from experience, reunions with your husband after an overseas type of separation are wonderful. Blessings.
Sounds like you had some fun with the kids-what a way to end the week getting to meet who you sponsor. I would love to do that!!
Be praying for all of you coming home-Melissa so crazy for your man-I love it!!!!
Be blessed-I am!!!
Jennifer
I checked into the blog today for scripture memory not realizing that you are in India. I have spent the day reading and looking at the pictures and taking in God's message which is beautifully intertwined through out your stories. It is overwhelming. Thank you for opening my eyes. I'm praying for all of you to have a safe trip home.
OK...when you said "gondola" my first thought was "boat with pole in shallow water". Yes, I know you're in India, not Venice. It wasn't until I saw the video of the car thing ready to take you on a terrifying flight over the city on a cable that I truly understood what you meant. Perhaps it's because I have blocked all memory of such experiences at "amusement" parks out of my memory. I'm the woman who screamed on the big ferris wheel at Disneyland. Angie may have needed chemical assistance to get on the airplane... I'd have needed to be knocked out cold to be dragged onto a gondola in Calcutta India! You are one brave girl! Can't wait to hear more about it when you get home!
You are so brave! I had tears in my eyes when you breathlessly said, "I just have no words!" As a mother of a daughter not much older than you I could just imagine how Beth is feeling. Proud! Excited! Maybe just a bit anxious! Glad you went but glad to see you headed home soon!
Thank you so much for letting us share so much of your trip to India!
May God bless you with a smooth trip home!
Marilyn.....in Mississippi
Bond. Melissa Bond.
Girl, you are AMAZING! 007 couldn't have had more drama in India!
And Colin, all of us love YOU madly for your unselfish gift of Melissa's trip to us.
Thank you. Melissa, I will be anxiously awaiting your stories AND praying hard for you on your journey home.
Father in heaven, thank You for calling us into this place of poverty and allowing us to FEEL Your compassion for each and every soul. I don't ask for mercy. I don't ask for blessings. I ask for us to be sensitive to Your Spirit calling us into this holy place.
A place where our feet are so filthy with the dust of the world.
A place where we enter into Your Secret holy of holies.
A place where the pull of sin is so overwhelmingly strong.
A place where we can actually FEEL the presence of death.
A place where the MOMENT means life...or death.
Father, we feel Your holiness in this place. It is ALIVE AND FULL OF HOPE! Your compassion is like a huge hand from heaven reaching down into the PIT, rescuing Your beloved ones. We feel Your love poured out on these souls.
Please set us all apart, vessels purified by Your Spirit, imparted with wisdom, and hearts on fire with burning passion for those You send us to rescue in the name of Jesus.
We thank You for Your Heart, Lord, for this mission. We entrust the next few days into Your loving Hands. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Oh My Word - I am laughing so hard. I am glad you are ok!! (I would me crying if you were hurt - but you are not so I am laughing!!) That was a great video! The things we will do to get a child to smile and laugh! GOOD JOB!! YOU DONE GOOD MELISSA! Well done, you are a good and faithful servant. Love ya from AL, Vicki
Thank you for sharing so much!
This post made me smile at the children and pray for you when I saw the look on your face when you tried to wave off the camera.
It looks like an amazing day with the children!!!
Praying for you,
Michelle in VT
Praying for you!
Loved the video.
Praying that you all will have a safe journey home.
Hugs,
Mary
I love the video, Melissa! You are facing some fears, girl! Don't you love not knowing what's going to happen next??! Mission trips are made for spontaneity! Love it:):)
You are precious:):)Double smiles for you:):)
katiegfromtennessee
wow dudesee :~0
that's all I got!
Melissa..YOU are a trooper! Praying for your processing...your journey home...and your future writing about it all. Thanks for going.
oh, Melissa...
friendship with pete should come with a disclosure that states "this man will video true life as it happens and turn it into blog-worthy material."
his quick video skills even caught me right after my water broke with our 3rd child... it's now on youtube... not sure how i feel about him capturing that "burst of emotion."
your posts have all been wonderful and i've been blessed experiencing your journey via technology at home. thank you for taking me along on this journey!
and next time you're in nashville... look me up!
I can't believe you got on that thing! Mom and I would have been crying!
You poor thing- that would have been torture! LOL I'm glad you made it down!
Reading the blog about your trip to India has made me feel every emotion possible. Thank you for a glimpse of India through your eyes. I live in a small West Texas town and get to witness (via you Melissa) the sights, sounds, and needs of these precious children in India. I waiting for ...the rest of the story!
Sharon
Waaaay braver than I would have been! I only trust Disney-operated rides! :) You held it together pretty well, smiling through the panic!
I surely did enjoy the smiles of those beautiful children! Kids are the most amazing people, aren't they? No matter where or what the circumstances, they are just joy, personified.
I can totally identify with your feelings of fear on the gondola! My husband and I went on one in the Lutsen Mountains when we lived in Minnesota. I am afraid of heights, and you could literally see through the wood slates of the floor. We also got stuck midway up the mountain when my husband thought it would be funny to shake the gondola. Long story short, we arrived to the top, and I insisted on hiking back down the mountain. You will look back on it and laugh someday. Maybe!
Thank you so much for taking me to India with you this week. You have opened my eyes and my heart. May the Lord richly bless you as you have blessed us.
Kristi, Alabama
oh my! At first I was thinking you ere talking about a BOAT thinking, "how could that be so bad?" you brave one....
Oh I get you Melissa! I so understand! I don't like Gondola rides on a good day at Disney... my heart was racing just watching the video!
Beautiful children! Precious... Praying for you all over here!
Emmy
That's funny (not really but you know, funny). I like my feet on the ground as well so I feel you. It was cool to hear your voice....since hearing about Amanda and Melissa for like 10 Bible studies it's cool to put a name, face, blog, voice, etc.
Take care in the 3rd world!
Oh my Lord have mercy!!!....ABSOLUTLEY NO WAY!!! I would of been shaking....you poor thing.....the angels were on that ride...
Melissa, I have to say that when you said "gondola" I pictured a boat, like in Italy. But then, I realized that you meant a ski lift type thing. And girl, I would have been so panicked! I don't like ferris wheels, especially when they stop. And I don't know how you looked so pretty and remained so calm when on a stuck gondola in Calcutta! That is faith!
I have absolutely loved reading your posts this week. I can't stop thinking about things you've said or the pictures throughout the day. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into the heart of India and into the heart of God.
Praying for safe travel back home and can't wait to hear more from you once you get back to the States! Much love!
Hi sweetie, I found your blog through a friend and I hope it's ok if I follow you!!!!
Tiffany
www.thepiferfamily.blogspot.com
Melissa,
As my daughter would say, "...You are one brave chickee!!!" and that's a compliment!
Praying for safe travels home for the team, and I'm looking forward to hearing about the rest of the day.
Adrienne
It has been so awesome to travel this journey with you (a little) through this blog...Hope you are feeling better :), and can't wait to hear more about your kids...
i shouldn't laugh, i know, but that video was hilarious. :-)
Ok. Other siestas might be "dumber" from the video, but I acutally thought a Gondola would be a boat you rode down the river. Go figure.
Embarrassed in SC
Debbie
You should have had your parents' permission to ride that thing!! What on earth???? I don't even think that's funny! OK, a tad funny but not REAL funny. COME HOME!
Loved - loved - LOVED the video. I know you must have been scared but I'm so glad you did it. That's one thing my husband has taught me, to soak in the experience at times. You'll never forget it.
I think you handled that better than I would have!
Kathy, Corinth
Thank you so much, Melissa, for sharing your experiences, your heart, your pictures, your voice, your passion, and even your romantic side! As the mother of two teenagers who are quite interested in missions, I feel as though God is using all these things to prep me for things to come on their behalf. God is working through you in amazing ways -- not just while you are there but for all of us who are reading and following your journeys. To God be all the glory!
Melissa, I'm sure it was a very exciting and emotional day for you. What a journey you've been on!!!
Glad you will be state side soon
Oh Melissa,
I've had you on my mind and in my prayers all week, and had intended to write you all week. My heart is touched forever, just by experiencing this second hand through you. Thank you for including us in this ministry. Wow! How do we ever look at our own home and comforts the same as before? Precious faces, precious lives ... God's heartbeat!
Love to you!
Peter 1:8
The Message
Jerrianne
Gastonia, NC
My, my, my... that is courage. Still praying for you guys and will add a specific prayer that your feet stay firmly on the ground until you get to the airport.
So I'm sitting here thinking "You kids stop moving.....SIT VERY STILL". Oh dear. Oh dear. Oh dear.
That's a lotta love for those children that you got up there. You're a good woman Melissa.
Looking forward to the rest of the story.
Melana
Smiling. All I am doing is smiling. All of us who have ever been to another country have at one time or another have had "NO Words". Continuing to pray for you dear sister and since you could post this video we all know you are safe...especially that sweet man of yours here in ATL.
Melissa,
I see where you have probably reached your emotional capacity..... "And Mr. Fitzpatrick, if you're reading. I'm coming home soon and I love you madly."
I sense you are homesick and ready to reunite with your husband, family and community. BUT, OH, I bet you return very different .... different perspective, different goals, different mission, different ministry. How can you have such an experience and not be changed!!
I am SO proud of you for stepping outside your natural fear and going for it! Your voice quivers, but you show incredible strength! Honey, you are SO cool and we love ya!
Laughing with tears, joyful and overwhelmed. I think the only thing that might get me on there would have been to chance to be with and see the joy on our Compassion child's face. What an honor to get to share that with them.
I love a good ride and is it ok to say that I was laughing out loud at the video! Fun!!! The expression the little boys face was priceless, he was having a blast!! Actually if I had been on and it gotten stuck I probably would have wet myself or puked over the edge! At least you looked great while riding! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!
The Journey Continues ~
Melissa ~
I am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the final scene of this blessed journey to India! What a story you will be able to share with your family and future children and grandchildren!!!!
I am PRAYING ON MY KNEE'S for continued strength, health, and travel mercies for your entire group!
I wish your sunglasses were off and we could see your eyes telling the story with your words during the gondola ride!
Two songs keep coming in my mind and spirit ~
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heav'n - ly host; praise Father, son, and Ho - ly Ghost. A - Men!!!
He Leadeth Me! O bless -ed thought! O words with heav'n - ly comfort fraught. What-e'er I do, wher-e'er I be, Still tis God's hand that lead - eth me!
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim Safina
It just reminds me how kids are kids no matter where they are!! Loved the video. You are one BRAVE woman. Don't think I could have gotten on the ride. Nope. Couldn't do it not even with a Xanax!!
Much love,
~Cheryl
Beth and Amanda,
Have you ever experienced Melissa without words? Is this something that we need to keep record of?
Kels
Redding, CA
One day, it will all be a really fun and great story to share with your little ones or someone!
That was so funny! Me - sitting in my armchair in Alaska watching you stuck on a gondola in India. Trust me - had I been in your party there's no dang way I would have remained as composed as you did, even if I'd known a camera was rolling. It would have just been footage they would have shown at the trial of me strangling whomever drug me on board that contraption. I'm glad you survived. --and Colin, thanks for sharing Melissa And Her Pen with all of us.
Warm in Alaska.
Bless your heart Melissa........I was reading some of the comments from fellow bloggers and was moved to tears by Kim Safina's comment to you. Even though I don't know her.... those are words we can all be encouraged by!
Smiles & blessings,
Okay that video was hilarious!! Poor Melissa! I take it that you guys got OFF of the Gondala just fine. HEY, just chalk it up to an AWESOME story that you will get to tell over and over again. I "LOVE" those kind of stories where your heart races & your mind relives it as you tell it again.
I am so happy to know that you all got to take the kiddos on an amazing outting and that they had a blast. They will NEVER forget that day as long as they live.
With Love,
Groovewoman
Wow Melissa! This reminds me of life and how sometimes we just go out in faith even though we are really scared and don't really want to. I am shaking just thinking about it. God Bless You!! May God give us courage to face the days and give us a heart full of trust in Him. He loves us and He is faithful.
Melissa,
I have read your amazing blogs all week and am thankful you made the time to share this experience with us. Beautiful people and our hearts are stretched. You all were the hands of Jesus reaching out with love and compassion.
My daughter visited a small villsge in Kenya and now I know there are hundreds of kids living out in the streets without parents, education, and a home. How can I help them?
God bless and renew each of you.
wow, Science City looks almost surreal.... I cannot WAIT to read more about your two sponsored children - they seem like they really enjoyed the gondola ride!...
OK - will you forgive me? I feel compelleed to add a semi random, silly perhaps, lighthearted, but totally true comment ... your reaction on the gondola reminded me of my son (now adult, just a couple of years younger than you) and his adventure on a rickety ferris wheel planted in the middle of the Tuileries in Paris. Tuileries, you may say --- how fanciful! how posh! NOT --- this "fun fair" looked like it was straight out of a horror movie from the 70s. no matter, we were determined to get on their ferris wheel because, after all, what could be better than this to take in a full view of this lovely city?
well, as soon as the wheel started turning, we realized the awful, AWFUL mistake we had made. the contraption was making the sort of groaning, grating noises that normally prompt the scream "TIMBER!".. The individual wheel "pods" were violently shaking to and fro as, quite suddenly I might add, a sprightly (read: semi-gale force) wind had started to blow.... i could see my son Max's face turning from the color of caramel to the color of DEATH. "mom... is this going to be finished, soon?" me "of course, my dear son! just a couple of more minutes! take in these beautiful views!"
and then it happened. the wheel simply stopped at the very top of its turn, at the prompting of the "control guy" down below, who proceeded to walk off and smoke a cigarette and engage in friendly banter with a fellow fair "person". My son gripped the middle pole of our pod and hung on to it for dear life, knuckles turning white. He lost all thought of self-control, self-discipline, self-esteem, self-whatever as he broke into a mighty scream : "GET ME DOWN! GET-ME-DOWN I SAY!!!!! YOU!!! YOU DOWN THERE!!! gET BACK HERE!! I WANT TO GET DOWN THIS THING!!! I DON'T WANT TO DIE UP HERE! PLEASE!! PLEASE!!! PLEASE!!!!!!"
The man looked up, took pity, and thankfully returned to bring the wheel back in motion and set us back down to safe ground. As we opened the rickety door of the pod onto the ground, Max was very grateful for his superwide-brim hat, as he pushed it further down toward his nose.
mc
Melissa,
You are so blessed to be able to be on this trip. God has a plan and your entire family is blessed. Your mom has had such an enormous impact in my life. I will be going to Israel in June and I know the Lord is going to do great things.
What a blessing and amazing opportunity to have experienced the world from a global prespective, not just an American. It has to be amazing to see the world from a child's perspective. Sometimes our adult fear is a child's excitement, knowing all the situations that could possibly happen.
The words of Mark 15 always come to mind,"I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it". As we get older, life experiences harden us into seeing how fallen we are as humans and the "world" is.
Praying for the team you are with as you are returning home and through technology thank you for sharing in writing how this trip has impacted your life and deepened your relationship with God.
If you want to talk dumb... when you said you went on a gondola ride. I was thinking gondola like Venice - on the water. And I kep thinking well, how bad could that be. Then I saw the video... too funny!!!
Your little Manosh is too cute for words. I just want to hug him.
Can't wait to hear your thoughts after you have been home for a bit.
much love and blessings,
Sister Lynn
You are brave, very brave.
I think I'm agreeing with your Mom! I would've been very shaky on that "string". The kids smiles said a lot tho! I don't think I've seen such happy faces in a long time.
Thanks for sharing your love for these children. Praying for safe travel home.
Blessings, Bobbie
Psalm 91: 9-10
If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
Michelle, Manassas, VA
Melissa, I am enjoying your posts from India...I laugh, cry and hurt with you...these are such beautiful people. I am waiting anxiously for my sponsor packet for my child and looking forward to connecting with her. I am praying that the things we have in common (birthday, health issues,& 'likes') will bond us immediately. Take care, sweet one, and come home safe. Loved your Mom's and Amanda's posts about your gondola ride.
If that's the best you can do in terms of melting down, your sanctification is much farther along than mine - God be praised!
Melissa I find my self speechless just watching that video clip! But thanks for sharing because that moment is priceless. The shout out to Beth was hilarious although I think more appropriately should have been directed to your DAD!
Can't wait to hear more about your meeting with your sponsored children!
Thanking God for your protection and praying for his continued care upon you and all.
Melissa,
You make it all real! Were the children scared at all? Be safe getting home!
I scrolled until I found Amanda's and your Mom's post because I knew they would have a few choice words. They didn't fail me!
Stay safe...Give and receive LOTS of (((hugs))) before you depart...and hurry home!*!*!*!
Anxiously awaiting the rest of the story.......
P.S. I thought you kept your cool pretty well! Me? I would have been screaming my silly head off.
Praying for your safe return.
I forgot that whole "dumber" phrase!!! I loved that one, I'm going to start using it again! I'm sorry, but that was funny... Your very funny! Praying for the rest of your trip!
Judy
I just had to watch that video again....hahaha I love the part where you say that you are at a loss for words and have nothing to say and Pete says..."a favorite Bible verse" cracks me up! lol
Listen to Pete's messages when you get home, if you havn't already. Backseat Jesus and Hope now are amazing!
Praying for y'all.
Shawn, Georgia
I just finished reading all of your posts from India, in chronological order. I appreciate the levity of this post, but I am still in deep emotion from reading the earlier stories of your encounters with these children in India. Thank you to Compassion for their committment and their willingness to pour out the love the God has filled them up with onto these children. I'm really at a loss for words that will express what is going through my mind and heart right now, separately it seems. When I started reading, I figured I was in a good state of mind not to cry; I was only taking a break from preparing for my Esther study. Well, now I am well beyond a break, and I am entrenched in the lesson that God has for me in "compassion." One blogger wrote that she thinks God's compassion is behind His love for the poor and His instruction to His children to care for our most vulnerable. I agree. Thank you for taking the time to share with us. I imagine it is difficult to limit your posts to a few items, then it's difficult to post even one thought because it's all too overwhelming and no words can do it justice. As an encouragement to you, I deeply appreciate your eloquence in sharing the news and the lessons. My prayers are with you, the team, Compassion, and fervently for the children of India. All glory and honor and praise be to the Lord.
Matia
Fort Worth, TX
Oh Melissa, you must have nerves of steel - your Mother is right, you should of had your parents permission to ride that thing!
I am forever changed because of your blogs over the last week. Thank you for taking me somewhere I would otherwise never have the opportunity to go to.
Praying for you,
Alisa in Cheraw, SC
thanks for sharing your "wild ride" with us! I hope you have some days planned for sleep and rest when you get back home!
Safe travels!
Lisa
I have enjoyed the posts about Melissa's trip so much. I will be interested in hearing her lasting take aways in a week or two. Also, I hope Beth will post about the National Day of Prayer and all her activities as Honorary Chairwoman! Thanks for all you esp. the Bible studies!
What a fruitful trip!
Melissa,
I cannot wait to hear the rest of the story! Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
I'm praying for you to have a safe trip home
Many, many blessings,
Anne in MO
You are one brave woman!
The kids are adorable!
I have enjoyed being part of your trip.
Can't wait to hear more!
Have a safe trip home.
Much love!
I would have lost my everlovin' mind if I'd gotten stuck on that thing.
Help us understand more about the caste system in India. Even with education, will these children still be doomed to live in the slums for the rest of their lives, in poverty, sickness and despair?
Last Friday...we met some nice staff people at Six Flags GA when they WALKED UP to where our car was stopped on top of the Great American Scream Machine.
I'm proud to say no one screamed while we sat still for 10, long, hot, slightly nervous minutes. I was chaperoning a school band trip and 3 of "my" girls were also up there.
Melissa, sometimes being a little "closer to God" inspires some extra prayers, doesn't it??
You are amazingly brave! I've been on gondola's in america and been scared out of my mind! They would have had to put me under some serious anesthesia to get me on that thing!
Loved the video Melissa.
It looked like the kids were having a wonderful time.
Praying for your safe return home.
I love love love how he says into the camera, Beth Moore i had nothing to do with this.... thats awesome
I'll got all choked up - no, not watching the video - it was the last line where you spoke to "Mr. Fitzpatrick". God love you both.
Checked out Voices of the Faithful:Inspiring Stories of Courage from Christians Serving Around the World with Beth Moore and friends who put their lives on the line for God Complied by Kim P. Davis from our church media center. Listening to Cece Winans "We Thirst for You" off the "Throne Room CD". Thank you Compassion Bloggers for documenting your experience.
Melissa- I have long felt this way about your mother and sister... but with this video- I now add you to the group of people I apply this statement to. IF WE ACTUALLY KNEW ONE ANOTHER... WE'D BE GREAAAT FRIENDS!!!
I LOVED that video! You're hilarious. As is Shaun. And it's so obvious that your hearts are greater than your fears!!! Oh that we could all live the same way!
AND... a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you SPENCE!
I am so afraid of heights!!!!! Bless you dear girl, that is one part of your trip I feel no envy over! Love you for what you have done and shared and who we got to see that you are. Oh the video showed the wonder of the faith of a little child. Come home safe and soon. Shalom
Melissa,
Thank you for sharing!! My church just hosted a Compassion Sunday and your stories inspired me to sponsor my 2nd compassion child!
Cathy, Florida
This was just too funny. I would have been just as freaked out! I hate high things hanging on a string. It's just not my thing, and I'm okay with that!
Hope y'all are all back and safe and resting.
Also, I finally got my child. A little six year old boy who's been waiting for over six months for a sponsor! It was so serious he had a little heart by his name because he needed a sponsor, and quick! And as a huge bonus, he has my birthday! So exciting.
Much love to you, sweet Melissa.
loved the video...love all that you are sharing about your trip..every word
I just heard the Daniel video on Thursday when your mom shared the "I am dumber" thing!!! Made your blog even funnier.
I am glad you survived.
Wow. Your new blog design looks great!
Just curious--have you ever read the book "Mimosa" by Amy Carmichael?
When you talked about the baby being left alone all day, it reminded me of that book. BEAUTIFUL story and an easy read. . . well, easy in the sense it doesn't take long. Life-changing in the sense it has stayed with me so long!
J.
I was feeling your pain on that rickety gondola. I hate those things! Isn't it crazy how those kids were just having a ball, not worried about a thing??
I have loved reading about your trip. I pray that you are home safe and sound with Mr. Fitzpatrick. Thank you for honesty. I am looking forward to reading the rest of what you have to share with us.
God must have done something wild and wonderful AFTER you got off that gondola ride!!! Some 'heavenly' preparation was going on up there!! Bless your obedience on this adventure God has you on!!!
Dear Melissa, I am so glad that you are on this trip and that God is opening your eyes to the truth of poverty and the people who live poverty everyday. We in the states have no idea!!! I stood in a shack last summer, in Nicaragua on a Compassion trip, and the father of some sponsored children asked our group, "is it a sacrifice for you to help our children?" I wanted to crawl into the ground. I hung my head in shame realizing that my sponsorhip is not a sacrifice, but maybe it should be. Even now, as I read your blog I am reminded of that moment and how easy it is to forget these real places that seem so far away and unreal in a sense.
I am so glad your family is supporting this ministry. My husband has worked for the organization for 8 years and I can honestly say that is a ministry that highly values integrity! Wes Stafford, its CEO, is such an honorable man and truly allows Jesus to work through him. He is such a gentle, compassionate soul.
Last May I saw your mom in The Springs and I, along with another Compassion wife, wanted so much to share with your her about Compassion so that she could speak of it on her tours. Your family has such a unique ability to reach thousands of people and tell them about how their sponsership can directly impact the life of another human being.
Sarah, Greensboro
Sarah West,
Your comment touched me on a number of levels. And how amazing that you have had the privilege to see Compassion so up close and personally.
Blessings to you and yours...
Melissa
Melissa,
It is so difficult to put all the emotions that I have shared with you and your loved ones and your siestas into words. Thank you for your willingness and obedience to follow Christ to India, even on a gondola. And I keep checking the blog to know when you are home--it is a "Mom thing."
Terri
Yes, I would have not handled it all so well:) How far up was it?
BTW, don't know if anyone has ever mentioned this, but I totally expected a " girl from the south" sort of voice. I was surprised you don't sound like your sweet mama:)
I don't sound like my momma either, somehow she has still embraced the south jersey accent, and me well...I'm told I sound like a valley girl:)
Hope you are able to get rest, and take this all in bits...I don't think I could even begin to imagine!
Be Blessed:)
angie
Melissa I loved hearing your voice! Even slightly panicked. Thank you for making our little Emanuel in Tanzania more real than ever to us. He has been our Compassion Intl. child for 4 years. His letters never fail to bring us tears of joy and much needed humility in our circumstances. Thanks for following your heart and God's lead to India. You've touched our hearts in many, many ways. Happy rest and many blessings.
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