I knew in my heart - as the Holy Spirit spoke to my soul, the whole time we were in Australia and New Zealand, that " someone " was crying out to God, for us to return to Calcutta. Just approx 4 weeks after our long journey home - in response and obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit, we returned to the land which has truly stolen our hearts - Calcutta! in March!

Sure enough - after only a few hours into our arrival - a beautfiul young 17 year old girl contacted us - crying from her heart and said " i have been crying out to God since last September, to send you back to us, as you are our only hope". As i listened, it transpired that they had been evicted from their slum dwelling, just one week after we had returned to Ireland last September and had been sleeping on the footpath since. Ruby is the name of this gorgeous child of God. She is 17 years old, has a mother, father, sister and brother, all of whom are dignified and gracious people. We have known them for 7 yrs and have been closely associated with them, as the children attend the local school. The father earns his living as a church cleaner and receives some meals that way - yes it was Ruby calling - and our faithful master answered her cry.

We did not have specific funds to purchase a permanent house for them, as they are quite a way down our housing list. We did however secure a fairly reasonable house to rent for 3 yrs for them and know that in Gods time they too will have a home of their own. During this march mission, we bought houses for 3 more families - incl Penny who had once been in prostitution, given birth to a baby boy and was about to end his life when the hand of God stepped in and stopped her!! She has since attended night school, and is now teaching and truly deserves this house as she had been living under polythene sheeting! She is a marvellour example of the human spirit"

Of course i could go on and on as we are familiar with all the circumstances of those we house. Of course we could not house anyone without the generosity of donors. We hope to return to the "city of joy" sometime in August or Sept - God willing - and depending on charity. While there in March , a huge fire broke out and 4 hundred families lost their homes, so our mission grows all the time. We will never forget the pitiful sight of the fire the next day, people were trying to salvage family photos - and one man was searching for his sole posession, his bike, which after a few hours he found, totally burned, "no bike - no living"

We left Calcutta for Ireland - with broken and bleeding hearts, but will return as soon as possible. It is wonderful to see the difference in the demeanour of the children who have been taken from the slums and housed, shining eyes, clean hair + clothes, weight gain etc.

The computer room is going well and the feeding station is growing daily

The 17 seater car is being used to take children to school etc and the house we renovated is now completed

Many girls are now earning a living for their families with the sewing machines and we are paying several lost of school fees

One father of 4 has been setup with welding equipment + license while another father has been provided with a tea stall and sells tea to passersby.

Many people have had their hospital fees paid and a shiny new rickshaw has been purchased for one family enabling them to work