Our News Jan 25, 2016

Snow - Last Tuesday we had our first real snowfall – less than an inch and this week we are gearing up for a snow storm!  We got the snow plow truck going and would like to invest in a salt spreader for our paved lane – please support here if you can – it costs $980.  You can email Dhruva@theyogafarm.com with your desire and contribution.  It gets pretty icy and slippery here so all the residents especially the cows and our guests will greatly appreciate your generosity and contribution in this regard. North American Temple President’s Forum -Parijata dd attended the North American Temple President’s Forum on behalf of Gita Nagari in Houston this past week.  She returned with favorable reports and shared the highlights at our Community Meeting last Sunday.  The Community Meeting was especially enlivening this past weekend – thank you to everyone who contributed.  The minutes will be out shortly.

Kitchen - The big move back into our fabulously remodeled kitchen is in progress as we write this (Wed evening 10:45pm – Nandi and Krpamoya are setting up the kitchen).  Will post pics in the next newsletter.  A Huge Thank You to everyone who contributed in various ways, and of course to Nandisvara das for leading the Project and doing much of the work/service himself.

Welcome Back! - Special Welcome Back to The Yatras (Snana Yatra Prabhu and Mother Jhulan Yatra) who returned from a recharge in India.  Krishna Kumar is also back after a very successful book marathon and already plugged in, while recovering!  Nandisvara das leaves to New Zealand for a well deserved break and will return  – all the residents, including the cows and oxen who are very fond of him, will miss his association and service. Home Program - Pariksit Prabhu, Mother Anasuya, Vrnda devi and Vishaka devi hosted our community at their home where everyone had an opportunity to re-connect on a deeper level around a very effectively facilitated gathering.  Devotees shared freely and made commitments – sure ways to advance in devotional service!  Thank you Prabhus for this significant service! Tulasi devi - Another significant offering is the very healthy care of Tulasi – she is vibrant, fully “leafed”, rich green and reciprocating with Her servant very wonderfully.  Pariksit Prabhu takes exceptional care of Tualsi devi and ever since he has been doing this service, she has not just survived every winter but continues to flourish!  He has plans to renovate her home – her special warm greenhouse.  The floors need replacement and the walls painted.  Please do support this special service – you can email parijata@theyogafarm.com with any contributions you would like to offer. All services and offerings are significant so please connect with us on how you would like to be involved – we have so much planned for 2016 – much more service than volunteers!  Email parijata@theyogafarm.com regarding this. Food Distribution - Fresh Express Food Distribution continues steadily by the dedicated efforts of Mothers Yasoda, Jambavati and Mayapuralila – we are well situated in our new venue – thanks to the Mifflin Borough Council. Boiler - As the temperatures dip really low, all of us at Gita Nagari want to extend our sincere gratitude to Yasoda-dulal Prabhu and all the sponsors he rallied to purchase a new boiler for the farm, last year.  By your generosity, Sri Sri Radha Damodara, the devotees, all guests who stop by or stay over, are very warm.  The residents especially are able to serve in a focused way, free of bodily concerns regarding the cold and are in good health.  Your gift of heat to us is very precious and deeply appreciated.  Thank you, from our hearts. Our Wood Boiler keeping us warm; Brrr! Icicles!; Hooking up the Snow Plow; Sati - our blissful and talented garland maker; Krishna Kumar (KK) back in action - he looks cute in his apron :)