2012 Camp Masala

We had an amazing time at Camp Masala!  What a great experience for all of us!

On Friday we visited a Hindu temple and then went out for an Indian lunch.  This was an extra excursion that they added this year for people who were in town early and everyone really enjoyed it.  I was interested to know about the Hindu faith because this is probably what Ranjit has been used to .  This is not our faith and I wanted to be able to understand what it was all about to be able to discuss our faith with him when he gets here.  I was worried about taking Emma and Jackson with me and the confusion it may cause them but in the end I am very glad that I did.  Our tour guide was very informative and understanding of our group and as many people were praying with me for u,s God gave me some really amazing insights for discussion with E&J about our own faith.  While I know some people find it controversial that I would take this excursion, just know it was something that was done with much prayer and I believe God used it in a great way for E,J and myself for glory of Him.  How could I talk to my son about our faith without having some knowledge of what he’s been taught?

Friday evening was mostly a time for meeting and greeting other families and then they played a Bollywood movie but we didn’t stick around for that, although the cheesiness almost sucked me in ;)  I finally got to meet my amazing friend “Sandwich” who was the one who took RJ his shirt back in April.  She’s amazing, her kids are amazing and I’m so grateful to have her insight and advice through this process.  AND they have decided to come and visit us next week and she’s going to teach me some Indian cooking!  WAHOO!!

Saturday the kids had their own classes and so did the adults.  We were studying North East India and it was very interesting.  We got to have a few cooking demonstrations and watched a beautifully narrated video on those regions.  While those are not the regions that Ranjit is in, it was great to learn about his country and some things are similar.  I’d have to say the best part about it was that there was a lot of free time so I soaked up getting to know other families and hearing their stories.  I’m reading some great books about adopting older children and about India but to actually talk to someone face to face who has been through it was so priceless!  I took a dance class in the afternoon while the kids played cricket which was super fun.  Then we went to pick Jack up from the bus station.  We had originally decided we would head back to our friends house where we were staying but the kids begged us to go back so we could see the talent show.  So once again our amazing friends said it was OK to keep Laila a bit longer and we went back for the talent show.  Most of the children did dances and they were beautiful.  E,J & I also got Mehndi and  think I’m hooked.  I’m kind of a tatoo girl anyway and these aren’t permanent so that’s a good point ;)

Sunday we packed up and headed back for one more class and then the closing ceremony of the camp.  We had purchased some used Indian clothing from the camp store so we got all dressed up and headed out for the day;  nothing to fit big dutch daddy though :(  At the closing there was Indian food for lunch and then each class did a little presentation about what they learned.  They were also studying about the red panda so they learned lots of fun facts about them as well.  The mommies even presented the dance we learned even though our instructor forgot it and we couldn’t get it right without her.  It was fun anyway :)

There was just something about being with all of those Indian kids and hearing their stories that warmed my heart.  Seeing E&J making new friends that they will see again next year and hoping that by next year RJ will be with us is such a hopeful and exciting thought.  In talking with a few others it seems very far fetched that he would come home in 2012 but our God is bigger than statistics or timelines.  He has moved mountains for us already and I trust He has the right timing for this.  And it helps that we got home and had some more approvals on their way (info to come in the next post).  I’m choosing one thing a month to fast from to really direct my thoughts to God and His plan for us.  This month was fast food and pop.  WHOA, I have prayed more than ever and I see it working!  Next month’s fast…… facebook……. oh man!  And no they are not cumulative fasts, momma needs diet coke on July 1st!

A BIG BIG BIG thank you to Dave and Jenni for letting us stay with them and for keeping Laila Friday and Saturday ALL day.  We love you and are so blessed by you!