Karuna

Karuna, who has been living with us in House of Hope for 3 years, suddenly passed away last night. She was HIV positive and suffering from 5 brain tumors which caused regular seizures. She had been weak for months, but she was feeling better the last few weeks. Yesterday she shared with Sangita how happy and thankful she was living with us. She leaves her daughter Sakshi behind with us in House of Hope. Tomorrow we will have a memorial service with all the children.


Her death is sad for all of us and we will miss Karuna's sweet smile. But we are thankful for our time with Karuna and for the physical, emotional and spiritual transformation she experienced in the last years of her life. We know that she is in heaven with Jesus where she is fully restored with no more pain. 

Happy Birthday Sangita

Last week we celebrated Sangita’s birthday in House of Hope. Sangita has been working with us from the beginning and she is an angel. She definitely deserved some special attention on this day because Sangita turned 50! All the kids were excited and were wearing their best clothes. We had a big lunch together and we played outside in our clean and painted garden. It was a day of fun with a lot of cake and presents.


Nicole and Sangita




Keruna, Sangita, Justin and Nadine

 It has been so beautiful to watch Sangita grow in her leadership and responsibility at House of Hope over the past several years. She is completely overseeing all of House of Hope and is also working at our school, Bright Star Education. She is like a mother to all the children at House of Hope. Her gentle and steady leadership has been a great blessing for all of us. Sangita is also quite the prankster and always keeps us laughing. We are so thankful for her life, her service and her friendship!

Home Improvement

We recently had a team come to volunteer at House of Hope for a few weeks. They spent lots of time with the children, but while the kids were in school, the team was a huge help and did some major improvements to our outside play area. We are very thankful for all their hard work! Now our children have a nice, colorful place to play.

Amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do!

Vishal and Swamily

We are pleased to introduce our two new members at House of Hope - Vishal and Swamily

They are both going to our school, Bright Star Education. Vishal is the right age for kindergarten and this is his first time to go to school. He is really enjoying it! Swamily was in 3rd standard before she came to us but could barely read so we have started her in an accelerated kindergarten program so that she will be ready for 1st grade next year. We are so happy to provide these children with a home where they can be loved!

Christmas - a time to remember!

"Mom, when I grow up, I also want to work in an orphanage". Jaleesa, our oldest daugther, has seen the very beginnings of House of Hope first hand. She has seen the miracles and struggles, living and dying, but also the possibilities in DOING the impossible.

The 14 children in House of Hope have experience how hope exists and what a powerful thing hope is when faced with difficult situations. As we know and celebrate this Christmas that Jesus came to this earth to bring life in abundance, it is that very life to be passed on to others, and when really necessary with words. To give life is far from difficult as Shaheena and the other children are living proof of this.

In the picture on the left, Shaheena is 4,5kg in weight and dying of Aids. Now, five years later (she is 9 years old now) she has transformed into a beautiful, intelligent girl. She wants to be teacher :).

All the children wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

New Bicycles

The children got a wonderful surprise this week - new bicycles! They were very eager to try out their new wheels and the little ones are excited to learn how to ride a bike. 

Sakshi and Prasanna helping Chetan ride a bike.

Prasanna's turn!

Sandesh will have to grow into his bike.

Happy Diwali!

Happy Diwali Everyone! Last week all of our House of Hope kids were on holiday. So we thought it would be fun if we planned some activities for them to enjoy on their week off. We have been busy making Diwali lanterns, playing games, watching movies, taking trips to the park, and on Friday night we had our big Diwali party. We had dinner, played games, watched fireworks, and just celebrated together as a family! The kids have all had a blast and I am sure they have been sleeping well at night; all that playing can make one very tired! Here are some pictures from our fun Diwali party:

Sahara (front), Tanmay and Prasanna ready for the party to start!

Shaheena

Diwali Dance Party!

Diwali wouldn't be complete without a LOT of food.

Waiting to light their sparklers...

Sahara

Anush

Sanatan

Even little Angel enjoyed the sparklers!

Happy Diwali from House of Hope!