I visited Sevalayam Children’s Home September 2013 during a time I was in India to practice yoga. A friend had spent time there and based upon his experience I felt it would be a worthwhile visit. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. Although my visit was only for a few days I left feeling… Read more »

The time I spent volunteering at Sevalayam Children’s Home was truly one of the most inspirational and rewarding of my life. I came with an open mind, not really knowing what to expect, and very quickly my heart was filled with love for the kids and inspiration to help in any way I could. The… Read more »

November 2012 I found myself on the way to the Sevalayam Children’s home in Coimbatore. I reminded myself that no matter how tough it was and how saddened I was by the fate of these poor children, I would not cry. I was amazed by what greeted me… happy, radiant, beautiful children! These children were… Read more »

Coming to Coimbatore, India and participating in volunteer work at Hands Of Grace was the best thing I’ve done in my life this far. To see the world for how it really is with good and bad sides is a life changing experience. I hope to do more of this in future. Thank you to the entire… Read more »

Sevalayan Orphanage (meaning “House of Service”) truly defines this place at its core. While I come here to serve and to give of myself to the kids and all whom I come in contact with, the irony is that no matter how much I come ready and willing to help I find that I am the one that is reaping the gifts of service.
From the staff to the kiddies there is a resounding gong that rings of God’s love and service that can be heard from continents away. This is a safe haven where a rush of joy and goodness overflows. It nourishes the spirit in unimaginable ways.
The kids are not only getting the word of God, but sharing in community with one another, receiving nutritious meals on a daily basis, receiving education and having all of their basic needs taken care of. It really demonstrates that less is honestly more. The less you have the more room you have for the things that really matter….love, faith, hope and joy.

It’s something you have to experience for yourself.
Hk

India has left nostalgic memories with a lasting impression deeply embedded in my heart. The beautiful moments with the children and of people I met along the way will forever be cherrished. Whether it was loving the children unconditionally, just being a lending ear, or the gentle touch of the children hands, inviting me to “Come, Come!”. Seeing the glow on the kids beaming… Read more »

“Before leaving to India I really wanted to do some volunteering in an orphanage. I ended up finding an orphanage through a friend in Coimbatore which is in the state of Tamil Nadu, in the South of India. The orphanage was made up of 72 children, ages ranging from around 3 to 16. The orphanage housed both girls and boys.

I was told that I was more than welcome to stay at the orphanage for as long as I liked so long as I spend time with the children. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The kids were absolutely amazing! Spending time with them included getting them ready for school, walking them to school, eating together, playing games, helping them with school homework, helping them to wash their clothes, etc. It was great! Whilst the children were at school I would spend time with the families that lived at the orphanage. I loved to watch and help them cook and spend time trying to communicate with them…which was more often than not, very amusing!

These children do not have a lot and yet they have some of the biggest smiles I have ever seen. I cannot believe how much they enjoyed having visitors and how welcoming they were. When I first arrived I was a little taken aback by how the girls used to hang off me, touch my hair and my face, it was the cutest thing. No matter what country, rich or poor, at heart these young girls were just girls….they loved the same things as little girls all around the world. They would want to do my hair, paint my nails and ohhh how they loved to dance, dance to any music and to laugh! The boys were great too. They loved to play sports and run around. We used to laugh so much because we would play pranks on the teachers that lived at the orphanage….the boys thought this was hilarious!!

It was an absolute pleasure to spend the three weeks that I had there. I do not think there is a day that passes where I do not think about all those beautiful children, the hard life they lead and the wonder of what the future holds for them. I hope everyday that I will one day get a chance to visit them again!

I would highly recommend anyone heading to Tamil Nadu to visit the orphanage and experience the unique ambiance that the orphanage has to offer. It is truly an absolutely amazing experience!”