More Highlights

Delhi Belly

We knew there would be lots of challenges coming to serve in India and there were lots of jokes about 'Delhi Belly' but we didn't expect our health to be the biggest challenge. The first six weeks were incident free and we were proud of our ability to adjust to a new diet and not suffer from the 'dio' which almost everyone else from the west must go through. But pride comes before a fall and, beginning with a few short stomach bugs, after the half-term break both of us were consistently ill for almost the whole term. 

It seems that we were hosting the parasite Giardia. It has taken three courses of antibiotics and two sets of worming tablets to get rid of our new friends but now we are feeling much better and are praying for a parasite-free future in India. 

The boys have had very little sickness Praise God for protecting them.

The worst thing about being ill here is the 'bland' diet which is part of the treatment. Bland diet is basically rice, weak soup, curd (a bit like yoghurt) and bananas, supplemented by ORS, a solution of salts for hydration. Having survived 11 weeks of NHS hospital food I refuse to do bland diet. This foolish stubbornness only exacerbates and prolongs the symptoms but sometimes you just have to make a stand.

Holidays

Yes, we still have the schoolteacher's advantage of long holidays (although this doesn't stop us moaning about the terms being too long). During the half-term holiday we went with a group of other staff to the Scripture Union camp-site at Avalanche reservoir for a long weekend. This is a beautiful wilderness location with hiking, swimming and kayaking. The boys enjoyed this break and it helped us relax after our first term.

The truck on the way in to Avalanche (a very rough ride)

Sunrise over Avalanche Reservoir

This break we were able to spend two weeks in Goa. The first place we stayed was a jungle retreat called Olaulim Backyards which was the most relaxing location we have ever experienced with great Goan food and our hosts treating us like new friends. The boys spent the majority of their time in the pool and disturbing the peace. 

Two very excited boys, sleeping on a train for the first time.

Luke and Euan in the pool. After two weeks they didn't need any floats.

Eve kayaking on the creek at Olaulim

The second place we stayed was Benaulim, in South Goa, right by the beach. Going to Goa during monsoon season has it's disadvantages, the chief of which is the large population of lifeguards who are concealed in hidden locations but appear as soon as the ocean depth reaches your knees . We spent a lot of time in the shallows seeing how far we could push it but they just don't allow swimming when there is a swell in the ocean. Fortunately we also had a pool and during this holiday Luke and Euan have learned to swim. 

Daddy being a lifeguard.

The other disadvantage is that the majority of places to eat and even shops are closed but we didn't want to go anywhere at this stage and were happy cooking our own food (particularly Goan Chorizo) on the hotplate at the small apartment we rented (the main advantage of monsoon season is everything's cheap).

A fresh catch on Benaulim beach. We bought some of this fish and cooked it on the hotplate.

A buffalo coming for a swim in the sea. Buffalo fights are popular in Goa (although illegal).

We really thanked God for these breaks we have had as we arrived in Ooty exhausted from the ordeal of putting our house straight, obtaining visas and preparing for Hebron, we then threw ourselves into our first semester while suffering from illness so two weeks of peace really put us back on an even keel. Also, we had our first experience of travelling on Indian trains.

An update at last!

We know that we have been hopeless at updating our blog, despite starting it with the best of intentions. We apologise for this and I'm sure you will all be glad to know that we are beginning this academic year with a new resolution to be more faithful to those who want to hear news from us.

In order to make up for our lack of communication, here are some highlights from our first semester at Hebron School:

Teaching!

A science lesson in full swing.

This is our main role at Hebron so we were both given some classes this semester and have enjoyed the teaching very much. Eve has been appointed head of modern languages (French, German and Hindi!) and taught standard 9 (year 9) and standard 12 German. Mark took on a standard 8 Science class, standard 9 Chemistry and Geography classes in standard 7 and 8.  He was also given a standard 11 tutor group which meant teaching PSHE (Personal Development). The pupils here are kept very busy with a long school day (8.30-3.50) and prep in the evenings as well as a plethora of other activities. Despite this, we have found them responsive, diligent and eager to learn. It has a been a privilege to teach them and we are looking forward to establishing ourselves further next semester.

Dorm Support

The end of Semester leavers service, saying goodbye to many of our Dorm boys.

Our second role has been Dorm support for A-level boys. This means helping out at weekends with dorm activities, carrying out dorm inspection and helping to settle them for the night and wake them in the morning when their usual dorm parents are unable to. It has been great fun building relationships with these young men and there have been some good trips away which we have all enjoyed but it has been very sad saying goodbye to half of them as they go on to bigger and better things, having finished this stage of their education. 

During the Leavers Service, a father of one boy spoke to the whole assembly about the experience of being a Hebron parent. It was humbling to hear him mention the emotion and heartache of leaving his children at boarding school but extremely motivating when he spoke of the joy of seeing his children grow and develop so much as a result of the unique education and experiences they have had here. 

Junior School!

Luke doing his bit in Star class assembly.

Luke and has enjoyed his new school very much and has been very enthusiastic about his reading. His teachers have said that it can be hard to get his attention on maths and other subjects because he is reading what's written on the wall. Luke misses Ysgol Babanod and his friends but he has been making lots of new friends here. Sports day was a great success with Luke winning a bronze medal for the 75 metre sprint.

The long jump.

Pre-school

Euan in pre-school assembly (excuse the blurring of other children's faces, we haven't asked permission to post)

Euan attends pre-school assembly every morning and we look after him in the afternoons. They repeated the assembly pictured above in the whole school assembly. Euan stole the show, however, by shooting webs (he loves spiderman) at all 450 people there. He is definitely not shy in front of a crowd.

Luke and Euan dressed as pirates for world book day.

That's enough for now, I will try to find the time during the week to add a few more highlights. Please look at 'How to pray for us' to inform your prayers and if you want to receive our newsletter but haven't already then please let us know your email address or simply follow the link in the menu on the right.

Don't Drink The Water...

I am writing this blog post at 6.55 am. The rest of the family are still fast asleep but I know that I need to walk down to the dining hall and collect drinking water for breakfast, a chore I forgot to do last night. The dining hall is not far away but the hill is steep and the thinness of the air at this altitude will cause me to be out of breath and dizzy after my ascent.

Euan having his morning wash (not in drinking water).

The altitude and the pathogens in tap water are just two of many things which we need to adjust to while living here at Hebron school. In two months time our bodies will have increased the concentration of red blood cells and the altitude will no longer have an effect; we will adjust to most other things much sooner.

Water scarcity is a real problem in the Nilgiris due to 3 failed monsoons.

Adjustments are made much easier by the generous and warm welcome given to staff arriving here and the orientation program which seeks to help new arrivals understand the culture of India and of the school. We have been struck by how sympathetic everyone is to the stresses of transition, evidenced by the help we have received from the whole community and by the excellent sessions provide by John and Janine Barclay and other staff.

'Middle Cottage', our accomodation.

Our front door the day we arrived.

Lessons on the culture of South India had an immediate practical application as the school community was invited to a local wedding in Ooty which all new staff and International Guests attended. Indian weddings are great for the guests; everyone is invited so thousands attend but only to eat the food, greet the bride and groom and swiftly depart, a pattern known as ‘Eat, Greet, Go’. The bride and groom suffer the most as they have their pictures taken with every guest who greets them. Eve took this opportunity to wear her Sari for the first time. The other first Eve experienced was an attack of ‘Delhi Belly’ as the rich Biryani proved too much for her western digestive system. It was mercifully short, however, and she felt much better after 24 hours.

The married couple will stay on the stage all afternoon greeting and receiving gifts.

Eve in her Sari

We have also been discovering more about our responsibilities during our first semester; Mark will be teaching Geography, Science and Chemistry as well as taking care of a standard 11 tutor group. Eve will be teaching two standard 9 German classes and some AS German. Both of us will be Dorm support for year 12 boys and we have various other duties, the full extent of which we have yet to discover. One thing learned quickly about Hebron is that everyone fills more than one role and there are always opportunities to take on more responsibilities.

Professional Staff at Hebron School for the coming semester - can you find us?

We have also learned about the compassionate approach Hebron takes as it nurtures the children and young people given into its care. Our own children are already benefiting from this as they discover new freedoms in a safe environment and make friends with the offspring of other staff. During the staff retreat our speaker David Wilcox has been emphasising this vital role as a Christian school and it is a feature of our calling which we will learn ever more deeply as time goes on.

Luke and Euan with some new friends.

Having been swamped by the practicalities of preparation it feels like God has brought us here in a whirlwind and it is only now we are appreciating the responsibility and privilege of the task he has given. My hope is that we will have the faith to take on the challenges and the time to appreciate the joys which we are sure to encounter.

Mark

The End of a Long Journey

The Youngs have arrived at Ooty!

After a teary goodbye with grandparents, Sarah and Anthea at Heathrow we experienced our first long haul flight to Mumbai. With all the food, drink and entertainment it isn't a bad way to travel but after nine hours we were ready to stretch our legs.

Final goodbye to Mark's mum and dad.

Sarah (right), Mark's sister and Anthea who helped with the bags and the driving.

We had a six hour wait in Mumbai before our next flight to Coimbatore but most of that time was taken up with collecting bags and transferring to the domestic airport. Mark's landlady from his student days, an experienced traveller to India, recommended we use the porters but be ready to give a tip. We had an excellent porter who took care of  us and our 8 check-in bags very well. His reasons that we should give him  a good tip included:

1. It is my birthday.
2. I only get paid 6000 rupees a month (about £60)
3. My rent is 2500 rupees a month
4. I am a Christian and will go to church today.
5. I have a father who doesn't work.
6. I will put most of my tip in the offering plate at church.
7. I have a bad back.
8. My children are hungry.
9. Life is very hard in India.

In the end he got a very good tip because we didn't have any Rupees at this stage and the smallest note in Mark's wallet was £10. A thousand rupees is very good pay for an hours work. The first thing we did after he left us was to change a £20 note into rupees!

The boys finally got some sleep in the departure lounge at Mumbai but when we woke Euan to get the next flight to Coimbatore he threw an intense and prolonged temper tantrum which lasted until he got into his seat on the plane. The boys were now in sleep mode and both didn't open their eyes again until we landed.

Two sleepy boys and exhausted parents at Mumbai airport.

Another helpful porter at baggage collection (only 100 Rupees this time) and we exited Coimbatore airport, feeling that we had finally entered India to be greeted by Donna Davies (Human resources from Hebron) smiling face.

The drive up the mountain to Ooty was everything we expected it to be; hot; colourful; chaotic road rules; hairpin bends; families of four on one moped with no helmets; health and safety always giving way to practicality and very exciting to be at the last stage of all our preparations and travelling. Luke loved this part of the journey and warmed our hearts by saying, 'Thank you for bringing me to India Mummy and Daddy, I love you'.

In the car driving up to Ooty.

We got a warm welcome on arrival at Hebron School, immediately forgetting the names of all the people we were introduced to, all of whom helped carry our luggage up the hill to the cottage which will be our first home in India. The boys are loving the playground and the new friends they have already made.

Our first impressions of India, our accommodation and the school will be in our next blog post. For now let me say a thank you to all who prayed for our journey and helped us to prepare. It was tiring but couldn't have been much smoother and the boys managed really well, the Lord has heard your prayers and blessed us greatly. Check out 'How to pray for us' for an update on our prayer requests.

God bless you all.

Mark, Eve, Luke and Euan

The Final Stages of a Long Journey

There are 4 days left before the Young family depart for Ooty in Tamil Nadu state, Southern India. If there are no delays we will arrive at Hebron School sometime after lunch, reaching a destination we have been journeying towards for almost twelve months. 

Ootacamund, now Udagamandalam, always known as Ooty

Hebron School,our final destination.

We first heard of this school for children of full-time Christian workers in South-East Asia from our good friend Salome, a former student. For two years we ignored Salome's persistent prompts to consider teaching at Hebron; we knew that God wanted us in North Wales running the youth program at a local Church plant. That is, until God turned our whole world upside down in every way we could imagine, showing us that whatever our future is, it will be His plan which prevails.

Salome with Luke (aged 3) in 2011

It was in hospital during a period of doubt regarding my final healing from cancer that God gave us, through his faithful servant, James Goodman, a promise (Jeremiah 29:11):

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

As we both recovered from the valley of the shadow which Christ had carried us through we sought God's plan for our future. We knew there was a need at Hebron School for language teachers as well as other roles. We knew we could fill that role, but we also knew that we have many plans in our hearts but it is God's will which prevails.

And so, we took the first steps of this journey . . .