Morning Star Children's Home:
We funded the building construction of the Morning Star orphanage extension in Bangalore, India. It doubled the footprint of the building which accommodated 55 children. (in 2007)
Today, they have a wonderful home where the children live happily. The "challenged" kids are cared for 24/7. John sleeps on mats on the floor with them at night and when they have bowel problems he carries them outside to clean and wash them without waking the other sleeping children. The mats are washed each morning and hung out to dry on the roof during the day.
The "capable" children attend school - walking 1 km to a bus each day. They showed us their homework and the pride they take in their exercise books is astonishing.
All children are spotlessly clean, polite, friendly and happy. Most of all, they are safe.
All of them are doing well . . . . even those who are immobile. John moves them to a different spot every hour and plays with them frequently during the day. There is no shortage of attention - from John or the other children.
One 10 year old boy who wants to be a doctor (and tops his science class) is also in charge of the email at the home. He is responsible for all external communication and proudly uses his own name as the e-mail address for the home!
The first child who was rescued from the rubbish bin is now studying 4th year pharmacy - and still lives in the home! He helps with cooking, cleaning, and caring for the challenged children.
They live a simple but healthy life. . . . . 100% vegan. They do not eat garlic or consume tea or coffee - as it upsets the youngest children. They grow fruit, nuts, berries and flowers. They have several animals and have adopted as pets - dogs, turkeys, cats, goats and sheep.
While John and I were crouched over the architects drawings for the extension, he told the children Trix and I were going to build them a bigger home. 20 kids broke into applause and jumped on us clapping and hugging us.
The children play sport every day, and engage in art, dance and music hobbies. Twice a day they attend a peaceful orchard they have built on the hill and, sitting in a circle, engage in contemplative meditation.
The children asked it they could sing for us. . . . it was surreal and extraordinary . . two songs, "We Welcome you to Morning Star" and "I am a child of God".
Trix and I were visibly shaken, and with lumps in our throat we broke down in tears. |
John and three of the challenged children showing us their vegetable/flower garden.
Some of the children are immobile, John will move them every hour to a different spot in the courtyard.
The capable children help to look after the challenged ones
The children asked if they could sing for us. . . . “We welcome you to Morning Star” and “I am a child of God.”
Discussing the possibility of an extension. (now complete)
Recently they finished the dormitory for the capable children 
Coming home from school. The entrance has fruit trees and flowers
10-year-old boy, showing his science exercise book
Schoolwork shown to Philip with great pride.
All the school children now have beds and make their homework in the dormitory. The beds where only recently donated, before they received this donation they slept on mats on the floor.
Ready to do her homework.
All of them are doing well . . . . even those who are immobile. John moves them to a different spot every hour and plays with them frequently during the day. 
Lots of hugs. . . . . 
Rescued animals…
now very much loved pets.
Twice a day they attend a peaceful orchard they have built on the hill. Sitting in a circle, they meditate before meals.
John and Philip study the proposal to construct the dormitory and playroom for the children.
The Winsome Constance Kindness Trust has committed to fund the building construction of the Morning Star Children's Home.
The new extension doubles the size of the building which currently accommodates 55 children.
John and the school children
Saying Goodbye
