Joy Redeemed

We’ve been here at Shishya for over a month now, so I (Amanda) suppose it’s time to give my perspective like we promised! I have hesitated because, to be honest, the return here has been a bit bittersweet for me… 

In some ways it has been such a dream to introduce my husband to the boys who first stole my heart! Danny has quickly and seamlessly become a part of this family. The boys love him (of course!), and his gifts/skills have been so useful here on the farm. Last week a lizard got into the water pump electrical box and fried up the motor, resulting in no water for three days. Danny helped lead the repair work… he was totally in his element!

He has also been working on a design for the small boys’ house remodeling project. I love seeing him thrive here and fall in love with this place & these boys just like I have. My heart is so happy!

It has also been sweet to reconnect with the boys—what a privilege to watch them grow up… to see them go from this...

 to this… 

...to see them grow from silly boys into mature young men. Seeds of faith and love have been planted and watered in each of their lives, and now they have grown and are ready to be the farmers, planting these same seeds into the next generation. Truly they are a bright hope for India! I am humbled to think that I was one among the many to pour into them as children, and it brings me great joy to see the fruit of their lives now!

However… this past month has not been all joy for me. Returning to a place that you have already left can be challenging, like visiting your high school after you’ve graduated. While once my role here was so clear, I came back this time wondering, “Where do I fit now?” Much of my frustration/disappointment, I believe, had to do with just letting go of expectations. Things will not be exactly the same as before—and that’s okay. Marriage offers new avenues of service—ones that I could never have done alone—and I am seeing that two really are better than one. J

 

Returning was also difficult because, in many ways, I feel like I closed my heart to this place the last time I left—maybe even more than I realized. Reopening it again has been a bit of a painful process, but already I can see the good, healing work God is doing in my heart.

And so, the joy is returning full force, with birthdays...

and tooth fairy visits...

and a "Japanese" sumo wrestling night.

 

Of course, the world's best pancakes in Mussouri don’t hurt either... ;-)

 

My heart is full!