Star Store

Rising Star is not about giving hand outs. They believe that if you give money to someone who is begging, it just encourages more begging. We want to change lives, not just add a little to the cause. In Delhi, we had a little discussion about beggars and Kathy Mama said something that really stuck with me. She said that 'when you see a beggar, just add what you would have given to them to your tithing. The church will do a world of good more than you could.' Most of the children at Rising Star have come out of begging homes, with parents who are leprosy-afflicted or professional beggars. Somedays I witness how strong their begging skills are, and it is so heartbreaking. So, to teach the children worth and ownership, Rising Star set up the 'Star Store'! 

Throughout the week, the children get signatures for each class they have and their behavior at their hostels. They can receive up to 9 stars a week. Then, each tuesday, the Star Store is open and the kids get to spend their earnings or save up for something special. These kids have to earn everything they are given, including letters from sponsors and shoes. In November, we had a family of volunteers who came out, the Pope family. Their daughter was an artist and she was given the assignment to re-vamp the Star Store. She worked wonders, and now this magical place actually looks magical.

The volunteers can put their names in the Star Store, meaning they can have party nights with the kids. Kenady and I put our names in a few times together. We had a dinner and movie party for 30 stars, and the kids had so much fun. Inviting them into our home was such a huge deal to them. We technically aren't supposed to, because of the differences of living, but they know how blessed they are. 

This is Nagaraj, he was the life of the party. We served Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches with a whole bunch of treats... we definitely spoiled them. Then, we watched X2 and by the end, Nagaraj was the only one who wasn't asleep. My heart grew with love as I held Arun's hand and he fell asleep on my chest with M. Vishva sliding down my shoulder. 

Kenady and I also held an all girls "Make-up Night"! The girls all came over and we played Anastasia while doing their make-up and hair. The people back home know that I'm no make-up artist. In fact, I don't even do my own make-up, but I tried my best with these girls. The colors they were choosing were hilariously cute anyway. This is crazy Megala, obviously she was happy with her make-up choices.

It was so much fun to see these girls get all girly. They only get the chance to dress up if it is their birthday or if they are at home with their mothers (Indian mothers deck out their daughters just like us, Americans). Kenady and I had a blast.