After a few days break we have now continued the painting in the nursery. Almost all of the doors and window frames have now been painted with an acrylic based paint (our walls are mostly painted with a powder based distemper). One of our volunteers, Charles, from the USA gave our guys a hand in getting the work done fast. The weather has turned hot very fast, during the days temperatures soar into the high 40's (115°F and higher) so painting, especially outside in the sun can be a nasty job.

One of our volunteers helping sand the doors and windows ready for painting...

Next to one of our agricultural water pumps we have a large concrete tank which we can pump bore water into before sending it off to the fields to water the crops. This tank of course serves as a swimming pool (it was designed that way) for the kids which not only gives them a great relief from the heat but also allows all of them to learn to swim. We have even been able to start swimming classes in our school which is great for the children of our community.

Our kids learning to swim...

Today our children were amazed as several large boxes filled with gifts arrived courtesy of some of our friends in Lucknow and the wonderful donors from Samaritan's Purse. All of our kids received their own gift box filled with toys, sweets, balloons and gifts! They were amazed to open them and find each one filled with unique and fantastic things. We are all so thankful for the gifts and for all who donated to our children, it really put a smile on everyones faces!

Some of our kids with their gifts...

We thought it might be nice to give an update on the twins. Both are doing great, gaining in health and weight constantly. It has not been an easy road though, Rick and Maxine along with Clifton and Priscilla have been taking 'alternate shifts' in taking care of the babies at night as they are in need of regular attention. Both have taken to feeding from a bottle and though they had a few small health problems when they came appear to be doing fine now.

Two of our older girls looking after Saloni and Shavani.

During the day there is no shortage of people who want to help take care of 'the twins'. The older mission girls are the favorites and do a great job of changing, feeding and caring for them. We trust that all will continue to go well with them and we will be sure to keep everyone updated on them here on our blog.

Thanks to the support of some friends of our volunteers Brad and Miriam Crouch we have now got a new high pressure cleaner for use around the mission. Not only will this come in great use for washing out tractors and vehicles but it will also allow us to strip the grime from the walls and then paint so many of our older buildings. We have already begun painting the exterior and interior of the nursery. The interior had been done a few years back but was badly in need of another coat. The exterior has never been painted so it will be wonderful to brighten up the old grey building.

Painting the exterior of the nursery.

Clifton painting pictures on the walls inside the nursery.