Nov. Dec. Jan. update

It seems that all good intentions of updating this blog every other month have been preceded by being busy. Much has happened since the last entry. To begin with we experienced the end of our involvement with humanitarian projects as the new Welfare couple arrived in Nov. and we were able to hand over all these projects to them. The highlight of this transition was a trip to Rajahsthan to inspect the progress of the catchment dams and participate in the Rotary celebration of the completion of a couple of their projects.

Here are some pictures of the completed project and celebrations associated with completing these dams.
The celebration and inauguration of the projects always include garlands, turbans, shawls and of course the famous bindi (red dot on the forehead). Food and dancing is also always a big part of the event.

As we hiked to the dam this group of ladies continued to sing and dance on the way to the dam. It is such a carefree and happy event. Diane really got into the swing of the celebrations, music and dancing as we walked along.

It was such a delightful day and the addition of running water, instead of a dry creek bed, created a very peaceful atmosphere .

People of the village below this dam report that with the improvement of water supply for more than just a few months, they are now able to harvest three crops a year as to where before the dams, they were only able to have one crop harvest a year.

On a second trip we inspected the progress on the many dams that are being constructed by the LDSC Humanitarian project funds in co-sponsorship with a Rotary International club in New Delhi.

As you can see the work is mostly individual hand labor work. There is a backhoe tractor to dig the foundation but the construction of the dam is all done by hand.

Yes, that is Elder Brown with the pan on his head. I felt I needed to try my hand (head) at the labor these people are engaged in. My helping out created quite a laugh and disturbance as it seems that only the women carry these pans of cement. There is a clear division of labor here in India.

While these projects are very worthwhile and meaningful and bring much needed benefits to the people, perhaps the most rewarding and uplifting work of this mission has been the work of building and establishing the Church here. The Branch we are assigned to and that I am Branch President of, has grown unbelievably in the year we have been here. The first meeting (Feb. 2008) started as a home group with only 8 members in attendance. When the Branch was established on April 6, 2008 there were 27 members on the official Church Branch records. Most of these existing members were located by the full time Elders from information on Adresses at Church Headquarters in Bangaore. Today the Offical Branch membership is 50.

All of the additions have been convert baptisms. It is an amazing experience to watch these members grow and accept callings and responsibilities in the branch. Many of them have accepted callings and are doing their best to fulfill them even though they had been members only 3 weeks. You can be sure this presents a unique challange in teaching and training. Many times things are not done as would be done in the established areas of the church but "no problem" the work is moving forward and the members are humble, dedicated and willing.

We enjoyed a real Thanksgiving dinner, complete with real Turkey. All the senior couples collected at one couples apartment and we had a great meal. I didn't get a picture of the Roast Turkey but I did get a picture of the left over turkey bones as evidence that we had real turkey for Thanksgiving.

We held a Christmas party and there were over 80 people in attendance. This presented quite a challange as the place we meet in can seat about 60 people. But true to form, as the Indian way of doing things, everyone made room and all fit well in the room available. You can see what we mean by the pictures included. Space and individual room is not a problem here as we are all quite accustom to closeness. One has to be with a population of 1.3 billion people. We have even seen families of 6 all living in a one room space about half the size of the average bedroom back in the states. Happiness is not dependant on things but more on relationships and sharing.

Santa Clause (of sorts) even showed up at the Christmas party. We had a hard time creating the beard. Most Canta Clauses seen around here don't have a beard. But Diane managed with a white plastic sack and a paper towel. It made no difference everyone enjoyed him just the same.

Well this about concludes our posting for now. The only other thing we would like to mention is that we have just been asked to help establish and initiate the Perpetual Educanion Fund (PEF) project for the New Delhi Mission. This means that we, once again, get to be pioneers of sorts in starting a great church program, new to this part of the world. We continue to be involved in Employment Services with the Career Planning Workshops and coaching individuals in their job seeking. Now, with the addition of PEF loans, more people will be enabled to get the education and formal training needed to qualify for and obtain more stable employment, and break the cycle of poverty that has existed for many generations in many families here in India.

This really is great work. Diane and I both feel we have been blessed with most exceptional experiences. We have been blessed to witness so much growth, benefits and strength coming to individuals and families through the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. This truly is His work and a great blessing in the lives of many people, both members and non-members alike.

Wishing you a Happy New Year - Reynold and Diane (Elder and Sister) Brown