People of India
An early view of the Elizabeth-Ann Home
in Burlavaripalem
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Dear Supporters,
Thank you very much for your continued support. We do appreciate it. Hopefully, this newsletter will provide you with a flavour of how things are progressing in India. Richard and Judy Cecil have just returned from a visit. They were able to see much of the work and report on how things and people have been changing. Much of what follows is in their words. Yours gratefully,
The Trustees
February 2024

Richard and Judy write,

Back row: Baby Jo; Cynthia; Vinaya; John; Keerthan; Sudeena and Priyanka the cook
Front row: Vinay, Richard, Judy, Benedicta
Burlavaripalem
We arrived to a very warm welcome. Most of the family were there as you can see in the photo taken in front of the new house. This is where we stayed whilst in Burlavaripalem, the village of the Elizabeth-Ann home.

You will notice that there is no Mary. Sadly, she died on 9th December 2023, quite suddenly. They often make banners and the picture above was in Mary’s memory. Most of the banner was in Telugu, the local language of Andhra Pradesh, which was Mary’s language. The reference is to Psalm 116:15 which says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” She is buried in the village cemetery next to her husband Moses. Also, you see Cynthia is holding her daughter, 8-month-old Joanna, who brings joy to all around with her smiles.
Supper for the home boys
Girls are fed well too
We visited the boys and girls after school and chatted with them. They all seemed very happy and enjoy school. Ten boys live in the home and 60 to 70 non-resident boys and girls are regularly supported with homework and good food.

The children wait to perform overseen by the teachers

One evening there was an amazing dancing and singing display, with distribution of small gifts to the children and teachers. Some children came from the Hindu village and danced to a Christmas song. One of the beneficial effects of Covid has been improved connections with the Hindu village.

Many parents came to watch and take children home for their bedtime.

Sunday School with their teachers and Benedicta

Afternoon Sunday school was very noisy over loudspeakers. We met the children at the end and took some photos. Boys were enjoying climbing trees and playing in the sand. A bit worrying as, Benedicta was telling us, there are many snakes.

A Carroms board
We played a game called Carroms, with Cynthia and one of the boys in the evening. It seemed a bit like a cross between shove halfpenny and snooker without cues. They were skilled while we were not. The board was out again the next day and Vinay showed his skill too.

Venella, whom many will remember and her brother

Many of you will recall Pavan, one of the first home boys. He now has a job in Hyderabad.

The road at present

We looked at the route of the access road to the home and church. Hardcore has been laid as a foundation on the land which has been bought. There are some electricity poles in the way which need to be moved and then all will be ready for the government to pave it. The road will give easier and safer access to the home. The JEM tuctuc is in good condition and is used mainly for transporting supplies.

Elderly

Lunches for the elderly continue and we witnessed the elderly pensions distribution for the month, meeting with 57 (minus a few who came later or were unwell) Many of the elderly also gave 10 rupees as a gift for other poor people or mission. All this was followed by a lunch for all, of rice, fish and leafy vegetables. A big thank you to all who gave donations for blankets, especially Winscombe Church. 100 were given and much appreciated.

Medical Camp

A routine blood pressure test
One Sunday afternoon there was the regular medical camp. Many consulted the doctor and nurse for a variety of conditions. We are sad to report the death, in a road accident, of Rajshakar a 27-year-old man, recently married to one of Benedicta’s prayer partners. We visited his wife and family.

Barrypuram

Republic Day lunch preparations at Barrypuram
We had a friendly welcome in Barrypuram with flowers and garlands. Huge pots were ready to cook a feast of rice and chicken. Also pomegranate and grapes which we shared with the children. We walked round the village and saw property boundaries now marked off with fences draped with old saris.
The existing bridge at Barrypuram
We discussed plans for a bridge to access the village from the road, where it is necessary to cross an irrigation canal. The canal was gently flowing about six feet deep providing water to the surrounding fields, possibly thousands of acres. The bridge is a project dear to Barry Watson’s heart but sadly, he was unable to be present, except by virtue of a Zoom call between the UK trustees, and some of the villagers. Barry and the villagers were excited to see each other after the 10 years since his visit. Richard went to Barrypuram with Vinay and Benedicta to attend Sunday service and preach.

Golden Bells

Judy and Vidya
We stayed with Metilda, Vidya and Percy and met Bharati, Raju, Jason and Maliti. We also met Prem, a relative of Joseph’s, who is helping Vidya, Metilda and Maliti. No visit to the school this time as it was a holiday after exams. Vidya assured us all was well. We visited Vidya’s maths teacher’s housewarming party. She and her husband have bought a new house and there was a party. The next day we visited Tirupati zoo with Maliti, Percy, Vidya and Prem using Raju’s car. Just before leaving we spoke to Kinsey on the phone.

We have made visits since 2014 and notice the adaptability of Vinay and Benedicta to changing government requirements. We thank them for their loyal and devoted service. The wider family are more involved now and the whole of Burlavaripalem remains a blessed and caring place for those who live there and those who visit.