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Udai Valluri is one of ICC’s grown children from the Sweet Home Children’s Village in India. He is talented and caring. And though he could be making a much higher wage working elsewhere, Udai is serving as a key administrator and mentor to the children at Sweet Home. The following is an edited excerpt from a testimony that Udai wrote. May you enjoy it and realise the important role you have in transforming the lives of orphan and vulnerable children.
I was 7 years old when I was brought to the DEWS Sweet Home campus on May 1, 2002. When I arrived, they showed me the Sweet Home campus and took me to the Flaiz Adventist School auditorium where other Sweet Home children were drawing pictures and singing songs. I was frightened to see a big group together. When I was placed in 2nd grade at school, I was a little nervous. Somehow, I managed to adjust to the atmosphere in the Sweet Home campus since we all lived together like a family.
In his childhood, Udai felt God's presence and love at Sweet Home from his mentors and peers. That love is what brought him back years later.
I was 7 years old when I was brought to the DEWS Sweet Home campus on May 1, 2002. When I arrived, they showed me the Sweet Home campus and took me to the Flaiz Adventist School auditorium where other Sweet Home children were drawing pictures and singing songs. I was frightened to see a big group together. When I was placed in 2nd grade at school, I was a little nervous. Somehow, I managed to adjust to the atmosphere in the Sweet Home campus since we all lived together like a family.
Sweet Home was a blessed place with lovely children and staff. We never felt like orphans. The campus was like the Garden of Eden with all kinds of fruit and big trees. We played together, we ate together, and we stayed together.
Years passed. I enjoyed participating in sports. I enjoyed playing with the rest of my brothers and sisters on campus. I also enjoyed church activities. I participated in Sabbath school programs, Adventist youth programs, and vespers, too. We would learn Bible chapters in our morning worships in Sweet Home. I was able to recite many chapters and verses from the Bible.
In evening worships Mrs. Lilly Kaligithi, Sweet Home founder, used to share stories. Every Thursday, each of our homes would recite what we learned during that week from the Bible. I enjoyed spiritual activities.
In 2010 while I was busy preparing for 10th level government exams, I was called to the office. Waiting for me was a cousin who was studying at Flaiz College. I was told that I needed to go with him to my native village. On the way, tears welled up in my eyes as I imagined what must have happened. Sadly, when I reached home, I saw my father's body that was prepared for burial. I had no words and I started crying along with my whole family.
My father had been paralyzed and bedridden from my childhood. I had never seen him walking on his own. My mother struggled to support three of us children. She had to take care of us and her husband and at the same time, bring in food for the family. She was uneducated and could only work in the field, and those jobs were seasonal. We did not have enough food, and our home was built with coconut palm leaves.
When I came back to Sweet Home after my father’s funeral service all my brothers, sisters, and staff comforted me. I was able to do well and passed the 10th level government exams by the grace of God.
I graduated from 12th grade in 2013 and completed my degree in computers at Flaiz College in 2016. It was then that I came back to Sweet Home and started to work as an accountant, assistant, supervisor, and driver, too. In 2017, I became the Sweet Home business manager. And when Suzanne, Sweet Home director, became ill, I stepped in to be the co-director when she needed assistance.
Udai recalls Sweet Home to be like the Garden of Eden- a blessed place with all kinds of fruit and big trees! Thank you for giving children like Udai a safe place to grow, learn, and live.
In 2018, I married Kalyani at the Sweet Home campus. In 2021, Kalyani completed a degree in nursing. We enjoy the many celebrations on the campus. It’s a time for us to get together and share our happiness with the Sweet Home family.
I am blessed to be at Sweet Home. I can never imagine my life without being here. As God promised in Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord,'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”Sweet home is a blessed place, and the Lord has been protecting us with His angels.
During the COVID pandemic, we experienced a huge loss in the world. Many people died around us, but the Lord blessed us and kept us safe under his wings. His promises are everlasting. I have many experiences in life where God has saved me.
I am always grateful for International Children's Care that has brought many souls to the Lord and provided food, clothing, and shelter for many unfortunate children like me. I’m grateful for sponsors who sacrificed their meals to provide for us. I am blessed to share my story, and I can never repay ICC. I will work here at Sweet Home as long as God leads me and ICC.
I would like to thank all the sponsors and donors who helped to build many souls for Christ's Kingdom.
I have never imagined that my life would be like this, and what I am today is all because of God's blessing and International Children's Care and Sweet Home. I would like to thank all the sponsors and donors who helped to build many souls for Christ's Kingdom. Blessings to all.
Left photo: Udai has enjoyed many celebrations on the Sweet Home campus- even his wedding!
Right photo: Thank you for contributing to Udai's lifelong testimony. The blessings overflow as he now mentors children at Sweet Home. Your support has made an incredible difference.
Good work you have done!
There’s nothing quite like the powerful testimonies of orphan children’s lives being transformed. Testimonies from Udai and others are examples of the Good Work you have done on their behalf. We thank you.
The ICC Children in El Salvador have Grown Up!
In 2005, operation of the Hogar Escuela Adventista Children’s Village (HEA) in El Salvado was transferred from Maranatha to ICC. The children in this village became part of the ICC family. And through your loving support, an entire generation of children have grown up and are now living independently. In recent years, under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, crime and gang activity in the country has been drastically reduced. He is turning his attention to improving the economy. Currently, there is not the same need for orphan care programs as there once was. In addition, the Adventist church owns the property where HEA is located and has asked ICC to return it to them.
Therefore, it is with mixed feelings that we announce that our collective mission on behalf of orphan children in El Salvador is coming to an end. You have done so much Good Work for the children, and they are grateful. And now we bid farewell and look forward to that day when we’ll have a great ICC family reunion in Heaven.
A generation of children have grown up, learned about Jesus, been educated, and are now living on their own thanks to your support. As they move down the pathway of life, they are grateful for the loving support of ICC family members like you. Thank you!
Find it in your heart to donate!
Prospect Motsi is very kindly walking the Great Glen Way in Scotland, a 120 km to raise money for ICC.
If you’re able, please donate today by following the link to his Just Giving page.
We really appreciate the support your provide for the ICC Children.Thank
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