"We had an amazing time in India, and it was so rewarding to see how such little things can make such a huge difference to children's lives. They were so grateful for the gifts that we took over, hair bobbles and ballons, things we take for granted everyday. The work of the charity has inspired us to do some of our own fundraising so we can input into Kidz Haven. Thank you so much for having us out there and keep up the good work."

After two months back in the UK, the Love the One Team arrived back in India (August 2009) refreshed and ready to continue their work with Mercy Homes. With one day between getting back and another team of three volunteers arriving from the UK, there was a rush on to get the house back up to speed and cleaned after two months of absence.

The new team (2nd year medical students) arrived from all over India, Ben arrived via Chennai after a 6 week tour of India, and Becky and Philippa had arrived from Mumbai after flying in from the UK. Straight away the guys were put to the task of painting the office and clinic. Instead of providing them with the details, Cat and Mary left the guys to their own devices and to their own tastes in terms of colour. When word started leaking out that the scheme was 'paediatric,' both Cat and Mary looked worried, however, at the unveiling, their reaction was undoubtedly positive.

The volunteers also spent time helping to reorganise the house, and prepare Love the One for the influx of visitors expected over the next few months. They also managed to tidy up the 'Treasure Chest,' and added a number of items that had been brought over from the UK.

In the last couple of days the volunteers have also been visiting a few Mercy Homes, carrying out checks on children that have been brought with medical complaints, and were even able to attend an Indian wedding next to one of the homes, as well as spend a night on a house boat down in Allepey.

With so many keen and enthusiastic volunteers coming out here, Love the One is looking ahead to a fruitful and positive new phase. Permission has come through for the first phase of building on 'Kidz Haven' to begin, and more Parenting and Healthcourses are planned for Mercy Home parents. With your support and kindness, Love the One is making headway – one child at a time.

Josh, my husband, and I spent around ten days with Cat, Mary and Andy at the end of April. We had been asked whether we would go with a team and help facilitate a children's camp which Love the One were putting on for around eight of the Mercy Homes. We both had such an amazing, quite tiring, challenging and exhilarating time! Josh was involved with a few others in putting together and running a program for the 80 or so children. They did mini olympics, musical chairs, sang songs, painted t-shirts, went swimming and generally had a fantastic time. It appeared that many of the children had never had paints, glitter, and presents. They really made the most of all the activities and had a lot of fun. This was especially important as for many of them having fun and treats is way down the priority list when there are more pressing concerns such as homework, preparing food and just surviving.  

While the children were having some serious fun the parents were being entertained too but in a rather different way. The adults attended a Parenting and Child Health course where they participated in sessions on child health, on the possible experiences their children had had and how this might impact on their behaviour, as well as how to effectively manage difficult behaviours. It became clear at the end of the camp that some of the Mercy Home parents had been dreading this week feeling like it was going to be a lot of hard work. At first they were quiet and subdued but as time went on and it became clear that we really valued their input, their questions and their own ideas, they began to discuss their children more freely and even laugh! By the final session on health promotion which involved demonstrations of hand washing and tooth brushing the women in particular could not stop giggling. It was such a pleasure to see them become engaged, enjoy themselves and hopefully have learnt something of real value that will empower them to care for their children even better.

Following the camp we had a stop off at the beach and spent some time battling large waves in the Indian ocean before going back to Cat and Mary's house. From here we visited a nearby home and a twelve year old boy known to Cat and Mary who has cerebral palsy. Josh is a physiotherapist and was able to undertake an assessment of his mobility potential. He was a child who was shortly to become house bound as his mother could no longer carry him and they lived up a hill. It was very exciting to see Josh attempt to walk with this child, supporting his legs as they moved and to see him smile and laugh. Josh was very impressed with his function and believes that he will be able to walk with the appropriate aids and with practice. He then showed the child's mum how to do some exercises which will strengthen his legs.  

Overall we felt so privileged to have been part of Cat and Mary's life for a short while, to be of some encouragement to them as well as to use our time, skills and experience to bless a few children and their carers many miles a way. We would certainly do it again and would encourage anyone else who wants to be useful to visit and support the work of Love the One. In doing so you get to experience the joy and satisfaction that comes with providing  a little bit of sunshine in the lives of children and families in India.