Leah arrived back last Friday along with Kezia and Leah's two older sisters, one of whom would be on staff at the Hope Home Calcutta assisting us in the everyday operations. It is difficult to comprehend that of the seven brothers and sisters in this family, none has ever studied beyond the third grade. As soon as they are 'old' enough - say around seven years old, they are herded to the fields to assist the older folks in working in the fields.

The Hope Home Calcutta family even arranged a cake-cutting celebration to celebrate her return! At 2 years 6 months, she probably suffered the most at the government sponsored welfare home for three weeks. Most of the children and staff present here were in tears (of joy) in seeing her.

We were all able to attend the Sunday services at the St. Paul's Cathedral last Sunday and it was a great experience to be all together. I ended up driving the van as our part-time driver failed to show up  -an usual occurrence in Calcutta :-( 

Sumila returned back with Lum and Joel on Monday. She suffered much as the government authorities refused to release her although she is an adult and on staff at the Hope Home - a gross violation of human rights in India. We have been advised to file a legal complaint against the welfare department authorities but then I am not too keen of unnecessary litigation that could complicate matters further...

We did have a mini-celebration in the evening and cut two chickens in-house for the feast. As the boys and girls and staff began to share their experiences over the past two difficult months, many of them wept while thanking God for His goodness, grace and mercy in bringing them back to the family. Our hearts go out for Ranjit (Jonah) and Rohit (Noah) still in the welfare homes for boys and without schooling and education. I am completely dumbfounded in the attitude of this particular government department in denying the boys the fundamental right to education...please do continue to pray...