This was made possible by the kind and generous support of the Ladies Missionary Society and the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia.

Emma and I had never dreamed that we would be able to visit, but this trip proved that with God all things are possible.

Can you believe that we fund raised $9000 in 12 weeks?!

We were part of a team of volunteers from Australia, who went to spend two weeks helping at Mukti Mission in India.

It was the most incredible experience of our lives.

Mukti is dedicated to helping the disadvantaged women and children of India.

They provide shelter, safety, love, education and hope.

Mukti takes in and cares for abandoned babies, abused children, elderly ladies, and those with disabilities.

Their goal is to provide a "Christ centered home where destitute women and children irrespective of their background are accepted, cared for, transformed, and empowered to be salt and light in the society."

Whilst we were there we were given a tour of their facilities which includes several schools, a hospital, dental clinic, nursing home, nursery for the babies, and houses for the girls and disabled ladies.

We also visited the farm – for Mukti grow a lot of their own food – and the dairy.

Mukti has 12 milking cows which provides some of the milk that the children need.

After this we had the amazing opportunity to be able to run a women's conference in which the local village ladies were invited.

We had about 150 ladies attend, and what followed was two incredible days of fellowship and laughter as we worshiped together, and in the afternoons ran craft activities.

Some of these crafts were as simple as coloring in, but the poverty within India meant that this was something most ladies had not been able to enjoy for several years!

We also made two different types of fabric flower brooches, which were a great hit with the locals.

They loved having something pretty to pin their saris with.

Emma volunteered at Mukti's hospital and nursing home.

"It was touching to see how much these people appreciated the simple things like colouring in, having their nails painted, or the gift of a colourful lap rug. It made me realize how blessed I am to live in Australia!" says Emma. 

The lap rugs, together with knitted baby goods, socks and other items were all donations from Australians. Thank you Aussies for providing these!

We also had the opportunity of hearing some of their stories.

They just broke your heart.

One mother shared how her baby girl became gravely ill, and because she didn't have the money to pay the doctor the baby died.

The payment was only 20 rupees – about 40 cents - in AUD.

We heard how one baby was brought into Mukti, born so horribly disfigured that her mother would not even look at her.

This little girl is now about four years old.

She has had several surgeries and now is a bouncing, bright, smiling little button with a future.

Some children are so traumatized by their past that they do not speak, but after being lavished with love and care, they are transformed.

God is working in Mukti.

We were very excited at being able to meet most of the girls and ladies that our church supports.

To see their faces light up showed the excitement was mutual.

Even though language was at times a challenge, we both feel that we have made lasting connections with them.

Emma states "Reading Mukti newsletters now is so different. I have a better understanding of the mission and its needs. I have personally seen how Mukti makes a difference in the lives of disadvantaged women and children."

Mukti was a life changing experience for Emma and I.

We have come home with a greater appreciation for the benefits that we enjoy in Australia, as well as a deeper desire to help Missions, like Mukti, who are so crucial for changing the plight of those less fortunate. 

Both of us would love to visit again some time in the future.

We would both like to thank the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia and the Ladies Missionary Society for their support and prayers.

We also pass on our thanks to everyone from the community who helped get us there. Thanks also goes to the local newspapers for this article which will hopefully raise awareness for Mukti and other missions.