TEC Valentine Fellowship & Farewell

Territorial Executive Councils began on Monday, 13 Feb with the noon meal.  It was reminisent of our arrival two years earlier when the first thing we did was attend the February Executive Councils.

There was the normal business that needed to be taken care of including talking about the upcoming transfers of appointments for the Officers in the Territory.

I decided rather than talking about the content of the Councils, I would fast forward to Tuesday evening when we had a TEC Valentine Fellowship in the Ward's flat.

Colonel Marguerite prepared a very nice event and everyone needed to wear something red.

To get things started everyone was to take a little candy valentine heart (the kind with a very brief message on it).  People were asked to come to the middle and act out the saying on their heart and have people guess what was written there.  It was fun to watch the performers.

They also had Major Salamat dress up like a woman and sit in front of a mirror to make himself beautiful.  He was assisted by Major Haroon who was behind him and became his arms and hands.  The lipstick never made it on his lips, but rather all over his face.

Another game we played was pin the heart on the angel's wing.  The girls team won but I think they cheated.  It didn't matter, the boys team cheated too.

I tried to get around to get pictures of all the couples but only managed to capture some.

They wanted to include a TEC farewell for us and we were presented with a gift and kind words by Captain Washington.  He said they were good at doing welcomes but for farewells, not so much.  When it was my turn to respond I told him I would do a reverse garlanding, and removing my red tie I put it on him.

Lynn also shared a response and expressed our thanks for all their love and support.  We know we will never be the same for having served in the Pakistan Territory.

Final Visit at Joyland :(

A day or two before our arrival in Pakistan, Captain Robina was hit by a passing vehicle and was critically injured.  On the second anniversary of this horrific event they wanted to have a worship service to give thanks to God for sparing her life.  Lynn and I were invited.

We always enjoy visiting at Joyland.  Captain Alvin and Robina are lovely people and seem to operate a very good home for the girls.

The Central Hall Corps Officers joined us, along with Majors Saleem and Irshad.  Major Saleem is the Social Service Officer.

One of the girls read a tribute to us that she had written in English. We soon felt like this meeting was more of a farewell than a thanksgiving service for Captain Robina.  Major Lynn was able to respond with translation given by Major Saleem.  I was also given a chance to say something.

Major Iftakhar was asked to give a short meditation and I think his comments were more directed toward God's goodness is helping Captain Robina during her recovery from the injuries.

At some point he made reference to how I toss his son, Anosh, up in the air and asked if I would give a demonstration.  I think he was suggesting that just as Anosh trusts me to catch him, we can trust God with our lives, knowing how much He loves us.

Once again, Lynn had prepared some treats for the girls and they were very happy to receive them.  We will really miss their smiles and their joy.  They will always remain in our hearts.

After the service we shared a meal prepared by Captain Robina.

The first four pictures below show a panoramic view of Joyland.  From the front gate and front yard, to the front and side of the building and ending with the Captain's quarters in front of the THQ van.

Last Visit to Lahore GBH

Major Ella asked us to come over after church so the girls of the Boarding Hostel could say good bye to us.  We told her it would have to be after our visit with Adnan and Reba and this was fine with them.
As we entered the GBH the girls were all lined up to welcome us with open arms.  These kids are so easy to love.  They are all adoreable.
We stood out in the courtyard and the house mother, Eunica Rose translated for Lynn as she shared a few words with the girls.  She told them how much we would miss them but that they will always be in our hearts.
Gifts were presented to Lynn by Eunica and Lt. Nabila (Assistant Officer), and then Major Ella also presented gifts.  The girls love having their pictures taken and most of the time one is not enough.

Lynn also had prepared a few things for each of the girls to receive which made them very happy.

We didn't realize it, but Major Ella had planned that we would also eat lunch with her, Lt. Nabila and  Eunica.  (Good thing we didn't eat before we came.)
Having this meal gave me another opportunity to eat rice with my fingers.  I learned also that if you offer food to someone with your hand they feel an obligation to accept it.   (Germophobes would have a tough time with this I think).

One of our regrets is that we didn't get a chance to be  more involved with the ministry of the GBH.  These kids are precious and this is a great opportunity to build strong Christian values into their lives.