How can such a filthy place purge the filth from within oneself?
This question was posed by one of our fellow volunteers this evening as we all discussed what we have learned from India. This is a very daunting task to combine all of the lessons I have learned into one post. I hope I can do justice to the things I’ve learned and experienced. There have been so many amazing moments from something as simple as a smile, a touch, eye contact and body language say everything words can’t.
India has taught me the importance of giving of yourself entirely, knowing full well that as a result you may be hurt in the end. The children and RSO staff welcomed us with open arms from day one of our session. They knew full well we would only be here for 3 weeks but they gave all of themselves regardless. Tonight as we said our goodbyes three of my favorite little girls were crying. I love them so much! Sagayamary, Subasri, and Abisha are the three younger girls that we have sung to on numerous nights and become very close to. I’m even thinking of sponsoring Subasri because she needs one more. (Each child needs 4 sponsors and it is only $30/mo – contact me if you are willing to support a child!)
Another thing I have learned from India is a sense of community and at the same time simplicity. Here people work to live, they do not live to work. When their needs are met and they have some to spare they share with those who need it. Literally if they have eaten one spoonful of rice and you are at their door hungry, they will give the next spoonful without hesitation. I feel like too often in America and other developed nations, we compete with each other more than help each other. Having said that, when we first arrived and didn’t have our luggage we had many strangers at the time but are now friends, offer to help us with anything we might be missing until our bags came. Each time someone would run out of water during construction, or not have enough food there was always at least one person willing to share what little they had. I loved this lesson of giving, but my favorite was tonight as I said bye to Basha. After it was clear to him I was leaving tomorrow he got into his backpack (his only possession) and retrieved two golden rings. He gave me both! It was so cute and he gave me a kiss on the cheek- melted my heart. (I think literally) He is such a sweet boy! The rings are pretty big so I had the idea to put them on a shoelace and make it into a necklace. I plan to give one back to Basha early tomorrow before I leave, along with a picture I colored for him.
The third main thing India has taught me is the value of knowledge and relationships. I believe these are two of the few things we can take with us after this life. I have found that a person is a person and throughout this experience I have grown to love a vast variety of God’s children. I have established great relationships that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and the life to follow. I believe in the sanctity of one soul. I have come to realize that if my prideful self can have so much love , our Father in Heaven must be overflowing continuously with love. I’m very grateful for that knowledge. In the words of Maya Angelou via Oprah Winfrey, “When you know better, you do better.” I am a very visual learner, and though I’ve been told of conditions around the world they did not sink in until I could see with my own eyes the poverty that afflicts so many. Now that I know-I must do.
___
This morning as Venilla Mary was doing the henna on my hand and arm many of the boys came through the room. I eventually had the idea to draw I love India on my arm with a heart as well. Though Venilla speaks great English and Tamil she is unable to read or write. (However she is learning!) Nagaraj told her the letters to write. It was an indescribable peaceful, tender moment for me to watch this 9 year old boy spell the words I love India as his house mother artfully drew them on my arm. Venilla Mary outlined the heart with dots, and I asked if it’d be okay if each boy came and put his own dot on my heart. The boys were very excited because it is usually a girl thing to do henna so they were happy to be involved. It was a special symbolic image to me.
I gave Basha our friendship necklaces and some of the other boys drew me pictures. As I said goodbye and was leaving the hostel I heard, “auntie auntie” I looked up to see my boy Basha waving through his hostel window. What a great image to leave with.
I do not feel like this is the end, nor do I feel like this is the beginning. The souls that have united on this journey have known each other before, and I look forward to the day they meet again.
My theme throughout this experience is that one person can change the world. Becky Douglas was on person and she has helped change the futures of hundreds of children and families afflicted with leprosy. The following link will take you to my favorite song called "Change" by Carrie Underwood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69s8DN3v6fA
*www.risingstaroutreach.org
Like rising star outreach on facebook*
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Traveling Home
Today we left the RSO campus at 8:12 and headed towards Chennai. We arrived relatively quickly and made it in time for the wonderful breakfast buffet! After gorging ourselves a group of us headed into the city to do some last minute shopping. Amanda and Alexander had previously arranged a member of the branch to take us around the city. He only had room for 4 in his car so the rest of us rode in “took tooks” or “motos”. We went to a nice mall first and was very large and westernized. After that we went to the famous Spencer’s plaza. It’s amazing that in the distance of 1 KM the quality dropped enormously. I was still able to find some things I wanted though and we called it a day. By this time Brittany, Jessica and I were on our own so we bartered with a moto driver to take us back to the hotel.
What a ride! Baba was our driver and he was Bytium! (crazy) He kept talking in a super high pitched voice and moving swiveling the steering wheel. He mentioned he was drunk and that freaked us out even more! He was taking us through all kinds of crazy streets and we didn’t know where we were heading. He tried explaining another plaza to go visit that was on the way but we kept saying we were done shopping. Finally he got serious and said, “you don’t understand this man gives me commission on shirts” haha so we agreed to stop. I think we spent all but 2 minutes in this upscale store that sold scarves for 1800 rupees. ($45) Finally we made it back to the hotel, but not before Baba could drop this line, “I give you my number and when you come back I drive you one by one- one by one okayS?” No thanks Baba.
Steve and Jess were nice enough to let us crash in their hotel room with them throughout the day and into the night. We watched TV got somewhat decent internet access and chilled for most of the day. We ordered Pizza Hut once again and it really hit the spot. (I usually don’t like Pizza Hut in America but here anything remotely American is divine.)
Britt and I didn’t feel comfortable completely taking over their room so we showered and de-liced in the health club. It was nice there was two of everything so it was perfect (showers, toilets, sinks, changing rooms etc. ) The process took much longer than we thought but we felt we were very thorough and don’t have any bugs! We were advised to do this process one more time a week from now—looking forward to it :D
I fell asleep in their room on the couch while Britt skyped Stan in the lobby. When she came back up I woke up and we decided we better leave so Jess and Steve could sleep. We are now in the lobby awaiting or Taxi to the airport. It is 1:17 AM and our Taxi comes at 2:30 yipee it’s going to be a long 30 hours home!
Three days ago I was dying to get home. Today I’m going over plans to how I can get back here as soon as possible.
What a ride! Baba was our driver and he was Bytium! (crazy) He kept talking in a super high pitched voice and moving swiveling the steering wheel. He mentioned he was drunk and that freaked us out even more! He was taking us through all kinds of crazy streets and we didn’t know where we were heading. He tried explaining another plaza to go visit that was on the way but we kept saying we were done shopping. Finally he got serious and said, “you don’t understand this man gives me commission on shirts” haha so we agreed to stop. I think we spent all but 2 minutes in this upscale store that sold scarves for 1800 rupees. ($45) Finally we made it back to the hotel, but not before Baba could drop this line, “I give you my number and when you come back I drive you one by one- one by one okayS?” No thanks Baba.
Steve and Jess were nice enough to let us crash in their hotel room with them throughout the day and into the night. We watched TV got somewhat decent internet access and chilled for most of the day. We ordered Pizza Hut once again and it really hit the spot. (I usually don’t like Pizza Hut in America but here anything remotely American is divine.)
Britt and I didn’t feel comfortable completely taking over their room so we showered and de-liced in the health club. It was nice there was two of everything so it was perfect (showers, toilets, sinks, changing rooms etc. ) The process took much longer than we thought but we felt we were very thorough and don’t have any bugs! We were advised to do this process one more time a week from now—looking forward to it :D
I fell asleep in their room on the couch while Britt skyped Stan in the lobby. When she came back up I woke up and we decided we better leave so Jess and Steve could sleep. We are now in the lobby awaiting or Taxi to the airport. It is 1:17 AM and our Taxi comes at 2:30 yipee it’s going to be a long 30 hours home!
Three days ago I was dying to get home. Today I’m going over plans to how I can get back here as soon as possible.
“We are not human DOings we are human BEings.”
- Brett Feldman
“Your journey has molded you for the greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be . Don’t think that you’ve lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now, and now is right on time.”
- Anonymous via Meredith Feldman
Oh the Places You’ll Go
You have brains in your head
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose
You’re on your own
And you know what you know
And you are the guy who’ll
Decided where to go
- Dr. Seuss
“How can such a filthy place purge the filth from within?”
-Ember Hobi
10 ways you know you’re in INDIA:
10) You and ten other people ran the sugar house 5k
9) You understand words like chudidar, standard, vanakam, bytium, ungaperryenna,Aca,unae na nasiquiagrain etc.
8) After filling your water bottle you put it outside to cool off
7) The thought of wearing jeans is very foreign
6) You no longer hear any honking on the street
5) You have to put deodorant on to go to bed
4) When you see 30 people in a vehicle and it’s not a bus
3) You can dry your wet clothes inside
2) You speak in broken English to other Americans
1) When SUPER covers just about anything
- Brett Feldman
“Your journey has molded you for the greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be . Don’t think that you’ve lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now, and now is right on time.”
- Anonymous via Meredith Feldman
Oh the Places You’ll Go
You have brains in your head
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose
You’re on your own
And you know what you know
And you are the guy who’ll
Decided where to go
- Dr. Seuss
“How can such a filthy place purge the filth from within?”
-Ember Hobi
10 ways you know you’re in INDIA:
10) You and ten other people ran the sugar house 5k
9) You understand words like chudidar, standard, vanakam, bytium, ungaperryenna,Aca,unae na nasiquiagrain etc.
8) After filling your water bottle you put it outside to cool off
7) The thought of wearing jeans is very foreign
6) You no longer hear any honking on the street
5) You have to put deodorant on to go to bed
4) When you see 30 people in a vehicle and it’s not a bus
3) You can dry your wet clothes inside
2) You speak in broken English to other Americans
1) When SUPER covers just about anything
Thursday, July 7, 2011
22 and still clueless
It's my birthday today, shout hooray! I wasn't super stoked on celebrating my birthday in India, but as I thought about it I wouldn't be too awesome at home either. The parentals would be at work and the siblings aren't at home. So India it is :)
I woke up a little bit earlier than usual to skype with Heidi, Luke, and Taft. It was fun the connection was pretty good and Taft actually talked to me! He said a number of things including, "thanks is silly" "I love you" "happy birthday" and "big hug, big kiss- (as he blew me a kiss)" it was a super fun talk.
My mom called 3 times during my skype sesh with Heidi so I called her back and got to talk to my dad too! It was a lot of fun and they told me I get to go shopping at the Nordstrom sale when I get back woot woot! They bought me a camera to bring to India for my birthday so knowing that I get to do more makes me extra excited. (My camera stopped working today, I've only had it 2 weeks) They better replace or refund!
After skype I walked back to my room and saw that my window and door had been decorated by Kim J and Kim L. So cute! I would post a picture but the whole camera issue. At morning conclave everyone sang me happy birthday, and then I was on construction group for the day. When we got to the colony Victor, the colony leader, didn't show up for 30 minutes. When he finally showed up he said the stuff for us to do wouldn't be there for another 30 minutes. We took a vote and decided to leave. No construction today!
Instead we toured the old folks home in the colony, went to the junction for people to buy things, then came back to the hostel. We are having a water balloon fight this afternoon so we filled up 500 balloons! We broke probably at least 50 in the process but we filled up 8 buckets so that's good enough. By the end I looked like I had gone swimming but it was fun and I'm excited to play with the kids tonight!
Overall it's been a great birthday and I'm grateful to be celebrating in India!
p.s. On our way back to RSO we stopped at More store (a grocery store) and I stayed in the van but Britt came back with almonds and gum for my birthday! Two of the things that were stolen out of my bag from dumb TSA! I was super happy, and Kim L bought me 2 things of top ramen... holla back!
I woke up a little bit earlier than usual to skype with Heidi, Luke, and Taft. It was fun the connection was pretty good and Taft actually talked to me! He said a number of things including, "thanks is silly" "I love you" "happy birthday" and "big hug, big kiss- (as he blew me a kiss)" it was a super fun talk.
My mom called 3 times during my skype sesh with Heidi so I called her back and got to talk to my dad too! It was a lot of fun and they told me I get to go shopping at the Nordstrom sale when I get back woot woot! They bought me a camera to bring to India for my birthday so knowing that I get to do more makes me extra excited. (My camera stopped working today, I've only had it 2 weeks) They better replace or refund!
After skype I walked back to my room and saw that my window and door had been decorated by Kim J and Kim L. So cute! I would post a picture but the whole camera issue. At morning conclave everyone sang me happy birthday, and then I was on construction group for the day. When we got to the colony Victor, the colony leader, didn't show up for 30 minutes. When he finally showed up he said the stuff for us to do wouldn't be there for another 30 minutes. We took a vote and decided to leave. No construction today!
Instead we toured the old folks home in the colony, went to the junction for people to buy things, then came back to the hostel. We are having a water balloon fight this afternoon so we filled up 500 balloons! We broke probably at least 50 in the process but we filled up 8 buckets so that's good enough. By the end I looked like I had gone swimming but it was fun and I'm excited to play with the kids tonight!
Overall it's been a great birthday and I'm grateful to be celebrating in India!
p.s. On our way back to RSO we stopped at More store (a grocery store) and I stayed in the van but Britt came back with almonds and gum for my birthday! Two of the things that were stolen out of my bag from dumb TSA! I was super happy, and Kim L bought me 2 things of top ramen... holla back!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Independence Day
Happy 4h of July to everybody! We are all very sad not to be in America on this fun, family oriented holiday, but we did have a nice surprise as we drove home from Chennai last night. At exactly midnight we were driving through the village closest to campus and we saw fireworks going off. (The big professional kind) As we drove through the village there were lights, a concert, and fireworks! We felt like it was a welcome home party/ 4th of July celebration for us. We found out they were celebrating one of the Hindu temples, but we imagined it was for use anyway :D
Being in a 3rd world country on a holiday like this makes me even more grateful for the blessed nation I live in. Despite the many degrading attitudes towards America, I believe it is the greatest nation on earth and a beacon to the world. I know we have many problems but I am grateful for the founding fathers and all of the continuous sacrifices made daily to keep our nation safe and beautiful.
After posting today I am planning on checking CNN because I feel very out of it regarding national or world news, especially the presidential race as new candidates are announcing.
Happy Independence Day! Enjoy the beautiful and blessed country we all love!
add on: tonight at dinner Pam (longterm couple volunteer) made brownies for everyone ( I didn't have any) for the 4th of July celebration, and we all sang America the Beautiful as well as the Star Spangled Banner. It was my high for the day :) When we got in our rooms tonight we played some patriotic tunes including Whitney Houston's Star Spangled Banner and Ray Charles America the Beautiful. I love America!!
Being in a 3rd world country on a holiday like this makes me even more grateful for the blessed nation I live in. Despite the many degrading attitudes towards America, I believe it is the greatest nation on earth and a beacon to the world. I know we have many problems but I am grateful for the founding fathers and all of the continuous sacrifices made daily to keep our nation safe and beautiful.
After posting today I am planning on checking CNN because I feel very out of it regarding national or world news, especially the presidential race as new candidates are announcing.
Happy Independence Day! Enjoy the beautiful and blessed country we all love!
add on: tonight at dinner Pam (longterm couple volunteer) made brownies for everyone ( I didn't have any) for the 4th of July celebration, and we all sang America the Beautiful as well as the Star Spangled Banner. It was my high for the day :) When we got in our rooms tonight we played some patriotic tunes including Whitney Houston's Star Spangled Banner and Ray Charles America the Beautiful. I love America!!
Delhi Trip
Okay so this weekend has been a whirlwind of events. Wednesday our A/C went out in the Elephant house and it was miserable. We didn't get very good sleep that night and were very tired Thursday. It still wasn't working by Thursday night, but we had to leave at 2:45 am (Friday morning) for the Chennai airport so we all just hung out in the courtyard; ironically it was cooler outside than in.
We played games like signs and stuff, juggled a volleyball, made French toast (heaven sent) and just chilled until we left for Chennai. I did fall asleep from 2:00-2:30 and then I slept the whole 2.5 hours from RSO campus to Chennai. Once we were all checked in we had an hour before take off so I slept on and off for that hour. I slept the whole flight to Delhi so by the time we landed I had accumulated about 5 hours of sleep.
I tried to use the ATM and it wouldn't let me. I realized I didn't have a pin for my credit card and didn't bring my debit card-yikes! I didn't need it that day so I just decided to wait until I had Internet to call my mom and work something out.
We were met by our tour guides Praveen and Rajesh right as we stepped out of the airport. From there we boarded a charter bus that we'd use for the rest of the weekend.
Our first day in Delhi I was surprised at the difference between northern and southern India. Not only are the dress,food, and culture different but the landscape and architecture as well. We drove down embassy road (all the embassies are on one road) and we circled the Capitol buildings. I was so blown away at the cleanliness and landscaping of this area, but it didn't last long when the next place we went was Old Delhi.
We took rickshaws through the most narrow city streets I've ever seen. It was like being on the bus in Harry potter where you magically fit through places and people. The electrical wiring was crazy and all over the place. I took a lot of pictures but pictures don't do it justice.
India traffic is so busy and bizarre from buses to camels to cows to men pulling handcarts to whole families packing on a motorcycle and pedestrians crossing at any place or time it makes for chaos. During our rickshaw ride one of the drivers cut off a man pulling a handcart full of heavy bags and a fight broke out! All of our drivers (14) parked each bike and left us as they went to aid their fellow driver. It was a scary and potentially dangerous situation but somehow it was resolved and we got out of there. The girls whose driver initiated the fight got it on film!
During our tour of old Delhi we walked through the spice market and the smells were so strong it made me sick. We had a cool opportunity to go on the roof of one of the buildings and I took some cool pictures. After this we got back on the bus for a 7 hour drive to Agra.
We stopped halfway for bathroom and snacks. They had gum! ( I was so excited because the TSA lameos stole all 10 packs of mine!l) well I was so stoked I didn't realize how much I was paying--I paid $10 for 2 packs-- another dumb purchase which brings my total to 3 dumb buys. No big.
We finally reached our 5 star Jaypee Palace Hotel Friday night around 10:00 pm (after being up since Thursday morning at 7:00) We were exhausted, check in went smoothly until we realized one of our group members didn't have her passport!
That is one of the worst things that could happen and come to find out she hadn't made copies at all! I felt awful for her and Kim was sick ( she has lupus and she's the only coordinator that came) so the stress was not good. Most people went to their rooms but our tour guides and a few of us stayed to try and help this girl. We called so many different numbers and places but I believe the thing that helped us most was prayer. It is a true miracle that the Chennai airport found her passport there and was able to fax a copy to the hotel. (otherwise she couldn't have stayed there at all!) The whole ordeal lasted about an hour or so.
We finally got ready for bed around midnight and were up at 4;45am to get ready for the one and only TAJ MAHAL! Our tour guides have toured so many famous people including Gordon B Hinckley, Elder Holland, Elder Oaks, Julia Roberts and Will Smith. We had the best of the best.
Side note Praveen is a member of the church and he served his mission in Chennai and taught most of the members that make up that branch. Awesome. Also Rajesh is 28 and he's paid $10,000 for each of his sisters weddings because his parents can't afford it. He fell in love with a Spaniard from one of his tours and hopes to marry her. He said in India there are 90% arranged marriages and 10% love marriages. So his situation is very unique (although they aren't married yet)
At the Taj we took a lot of pictures and learned a lot about it. It's amazing that in comparative dollars it cost $22 billion and took 22 years to build! It's amazing! Also he had 2 other wives but he loved this one the most so he built this for her and the Mini Taj for the other 2. He wanted to build a black Taj for himself and actually started it but his youngest son went wacko, killed his older 3 brothers and put his father ( the emperor) in prison in the Agra fort.
After the Taj we went back to the hotel for breakfast. I ate sooo much! It was great to have a good variety of American and Indian options. We had a few hours to chill so we got internet to Skype my mom about my credit card situation. I felt bad because I called her at 12:30 am Utah time but she answered and said she'd look into it in the morning. After that call Britt and I met some of the others at the pool. We didn't stay long but it was very refreshing. We went exploring of the hotel and then at 2 left for the Red Fort (Agra fort) which was the emperors residence and is now occupied by the Indian army. It was very neat and cool to take pictures. It is across the river from the Taj. When the one emperor was imprisoned he could gaze across the river at his creation of the Taj Mahal ( Mahal means palace). While we were at the red fort I collided with Britt and I dropped my camera! When I picked it up i had lost all of my pictures! I kinda was freaking out inside and Britt said to take out the memory card and put it back in. I was thinking, "that won't do anything" but I opened it anyway and my memory card had been dislodged! When I pushed it back in all my pictures were there! HUGE sigh of relief!
All day Asians and Indians would just come up to us and take pictures with us like we were movie stars. It was nuts men and women were constantly thronging us that Ramesh had to pull us away. Weird.
We went shopping later and didn't have much luck. I'm having a super hard time finding gifts for the boys in my family and am also going over my budget but there is so much I want! Anyway we didn't eat lunch so by the time we stopped for dinner at 7:30 I ate a whole personal pizza at pizza hut. Yum!
Our hotel had a club and we were there for disco night. Pretty much everyone went but that's not my scene and I was worn out. Britt, Kim, and I went to our room and got to bed at a decent hour.
We woke up today (Sunday) at about 7:30 took my 4th real shower for the weekend and enjoyed our last meal of awesome food. We boarded our bus and headed back to Delhi. (kind of sad because this weekend actually felt like a vacation) At about the halfway point we stopped to ride elephants, camels and some people held monkeys. The rides were super short but it was fun to take pictures on the animals and pet them. We got to Delhi an hour before scheduled so we stopped at yet another market but I only got a fanta.
At the airport I was able to check my email but was disappointed to find out my mom won't be able to work out my card. Kim said I could borrow from her then just give her mom money to put in her account. That will be pretty great.
That brings me to current where I have spent the last hour typing this post on my iPhone notepad so I can email it to my laptop later. We should get in at midnight tonight and start a construction day tomorrow morning.
It's crazy this is already our last week here. Although it has gone fast I am ready to come home and face the reality of figuring out my future and what direction I want to go. Sometimes I think an arranged marriage would be awesome - sometimes not. Who knows but some things I'm looking forward to are seeing my family, my new dog :), eating good food, working out and laying out. Not looking forward to finding a job and growing up.
The end. Pictures to come.
We played games like signs and stuff, juggled a volleyball, made French toast (heaven sent) and just chilled until we left for Chennai. I did fall asleep from 2:00-2:30 and then I slept the whole 2.5 hours from RSO campus to Chennai. Once we were all checked in we had an hour before take off so I slept on and off for that hour. I slept the whole flight to Delhi so by the time we landed I had accumulated about 5 hours of sleep.
I tried to use the ATM and it wouldn't let me. I realized I didn't have a pin for my credit card and didn't bring my debit card-yikes! I didn't need it that day so I just decided to wait until I had Internet to call my mom and work something out.
We were met by our tour guides Praveen and Rajesh right as we stepped out of the airport. From there we boarded a charter bus that we'd use for the rest of the weekend.
Our first day in Delhi I was surprised at the difference between northern and southern India. Not only are the dress,food, and culture different but the landscape and architecture as well. We drove down embassy road (all the embassies are on one road) and we circled the Capitol buildings. I was so blown away at the cleanliness and landscaping of this area, but it didn't last long when the next place we went was Old Delhi.
We took rickshaws through the most narrow city streets I've ever seen. It was like being on the bus in Harry potter where you magically fit through places and people. The electrical wiring was crazy and all over the place. I took a lot of pictures but pictures don't do it justice.
India traffic is so busy and bizarre from buses to camels to cows to men pulling handcarts to whole families packing on a motorcycle and pedestrians crossing at any place or time it makes for chaos. During our rickshaw ride one of the drivers cut off a man pulling a handcart full of heavy bags and a fight broke out! All of our drivers (14) parked each bike and left us as they went to aid their fellow driver. It was a scary and potentially dangerous situation but somehow it was resolved and we got out of there. The girls whose driver initiated the fight got it on film!
During our tour of old Delhi we walked through the spice market and the smells were so strong it made me sick. We had a cool opportunity to go on the roof of one of the buildings and I took some cool pictures. After this we got back on the bus for a 7 hour drive to Agra.
We stopped halfway for bathroom and snacks. They had gum! ( I was so excited because the TSA lameos stole all 10 packs of mine!l) well I was so stoked I didn't realize how much I was paying--I paid $10 for 2 packs-- another dumb purchase which brings my total to 3 dumb buys. No big.
We finally reached our 5 star Jaypee Palace Hotel Friday night around 10:00 pm (after being up since Thursday morning at 7:00) We were exhausted, check in went smoothly until we realized one of our group members didn't have her passport!
That is one of the worst things that could happen and come to find out she hadn't made copies at all! I felt awful for her and Kim was sick ( she has lupus and she's the only coordinator that came) so the stress was not good. Most people went to their rooms but our tour guides and a few of us stayed to try and help this girl. We called so many different numbers and places but I believe the thing that helped us most was prayer. It is a true miracle that the Chennai airport found her passport there and was able to fax a copy to the hotel. (otherwise she couldn't have stayed there at all!) The whole ordeal lasted about an hour or so.
We finally got ready for bed around midnight and were up at 4;45am to get ready for the one and only TAJ MAHAL! Our tour guides have toured so many famous people including Gordon B Hinckley, Elder Holland, Elder Oaks, Julia Roberts and Will Smith. We had the best of the best.
Side note Praveen is a member of the church and he served his mission in Chennai and taught most of the members that make up that branch. Awesome. Also Rajesh is 28 and he's paid $10,000 for each of his sisters weddings because his parents can't afford it. He fell in love with a Spaniard from one of his tours and hopes to marry her. He said in India there are 90% arranged marriages and 10% love marriages. So his situation is very unique (although they aren't married yet)
At the Taj we took a lot of pictures and learned a lot about it. It's amazing that in comparative dollars it cost $22 billion and took 22 years to build! It's amazing! Also he had 2 other wives but he loved this one the most so he built this for her and the Mini Taj for the other 2. He wanted to build a black Taj for himself and actually started it but his youngest son went wacko, killed his older 3 brothers and put his father ( the emperor) in prison in the Agra fort.
After the Taj we went back to the hotel for breakfast. I ate sooo much! It was great to have a good variety of American and Indian options. We had a few hours to chill so we got internet to Skype my mom about my credit card situation. I felt bad because I called her at 12:30 am Utah time but she answered and said she'd look into it in the morning. After that call Britt and I met some of the others at the pool. We didn't stay long but it was very refreshing. We went exploring of the hotel and then at 2 left for the Red Fort (Agra fort) which was the emperors residence and is now occupied by the Indian army. It was very neat and cool to take pictures. It is across the river from the Taj. When the one emperor was imprisoned he could gaze across the river at his creation of the Taj Mahal ( Mahal means palace). While we were at the red fort I collided with Britt and I dropped my camera! When I picked it up i had lost all of my pictures! I kinda was freaking out inside and Britt said to take out the memory card and put it back in. I was thinking, "that won't do anything" but I opened it anyway and my memory card had been dislodged! When I pushed it back in all my pictures were there! HUGE sigh of relief!
All day Asians and Indians would just come up to us and take pictures with us like we were movie stars. It was nuts men and women were constantly thronging us that Ramesh had to pull us away. Weird.
We went shopping later and didn't have much luck. I'm having a super hard time finding gifts for the boys in my family and am also going over my budget but there is so much I want! Anyway we didn't eat lunch so by the time we stopped for dinner at 7:30 I ate a whole personal pizza at pizza hut. Yum!
Our hotel had a club and we were there for disco night. Pretty much everyone went but that's not my scene and I was worn out. Britt, Kim, and I went to our room and got to bed at a decent hour.
We woke up today (Sunday) at about 7:30 took my 4th real shower for the weekend and enjoyed our last meal of awesome food. We boarded our bus and headed back to Delhi. (kind of sad because this weekend actually felt like a vacation) At about the halfway point we stopped to ride elephants, camels and some people held monkeys. The rides were super short but it was fun to take pictures on the animals and pet them. We got to Delhi an hour before scheduled so we stopped at yet another market but I only got a fanta.
At the airport I was able to check my email but was disappointed to find out my mom won't be able to work out my card. Kim said I could borrow from her then just give her mom money to put in her account. That will be pretty great.
That brings me to current where I have spent the last hour typing this post on my iPhone notepad so I can email it to my laptop later. We should get in at midnight tonight and start a construction day tomorrow morning.
It's crazy this is already our last week here. Although it has gone fast I am ready to come home and face the reality of figuring out my future and what direction I want to go. Sometimes I think an arranged marriage would be awesome - sometimes not. Who knows but some things I'm looking forward to are seeing my family, my new dog :), eating good food, working out and laying out. Not looking forward to finding a job and growing up.
The end. Pictures to come.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Yesterday and Today
Today was a good day. My group was on construction but it was a way awesome construction day! We worked in an assembly line and it was so efficient and easy that it didn't feel like we did much work, but yet we accomplished a lot.When we finished our construction manager took us to the local snake charmer to see the cobra he caught! We watched him agitate/play with the snake and eventually devenom him! This particular charmer drinks the venom so he can build up an immunity to the bites--- cuurrazzzy! (he dilutes it with water but still!)
After the snake charmer was messing with him the snake broke free and that's when everyone is sprinting and yelling cuss words as they go it was madness.
We made it to the Bindu school of art and looked through a lot of paintings. These paintings are really neat because they are painted by people afflicted with leprosy. Some are missing fingers and almost all are missing toes and more. It was really neat to look through the art but I haven't been able to pick yet.
Instead of family time I skyped with my mom for 45 min! She was at work but no biggie right mom? I also bought some Skype credit so I can call direct phone lines. I was able to talk to my sister Tates for a little bit too. I tried facetiming my dad and brother multiple times but never got through to them. (nog I would've called you but it was pretty early your time)
My dad got my voicemail and as a response he wrote me one of the sweetest emails I almost cried. When I showed it to Kim she got choked up too. I have an awesome family!
This morning I was able to Skype with my dad and that was awesome too! Today is my halfway point it's been great!
Tutoring was not super fun tonight but that's okay. It's just hard when students don't really want to learn or put the effort in. Also our AC is broken in every room of the elephant house so that's not super cool either. It's colder outside than inside--which seems crazy. I'm outside but now it is raining on my laptop-awesome? I think not. However, the cooler weather is much appreciated.
Tomorrow I am on medical and then Friday morning at 3:00 a.m. we leave to Chennai so we can fly to New Delhi. There we will drive on a 6 hour bus ride to visit the Taj Mahal then back 6 hours then fly to Chennai and drive 3 hours back to RSO so it is going to be a lot of traveling in a few days-but it is definitely worth it to visit one of the 7 wonders of the WORLD!
When I left I didn't think I would miss anybody from home--I was wrong. I miss all of my family. I was looking through pictures on my phone and it made me miss my nephews a lot and Moca and Maya (our past dogs) I'd love to get my own pup when I get back home--that'd be super :D
That's about all for now
After the snake charmer was messing with him the snake broke free and that's when everyone is sprinting and yelling cuss words as they go it was madness.
We made it to the Bindu school of art and looked through a lot of paintings. These paintings are really neat because they are painted by people afflicted with leprosy. Some are missing fingers and almost all are missing toes and more. It was really neat to look through the art but I haven't been able to pick yet.
Instead of family time I skyped with my mom for 45 min! She was at work but no biggie right mom? I also bought some Skype credit so I can call direct phone lines. I was able to talk to my sister Tates for a little bit too. I tried facetiming my dad and brother multiple times but never got through to them. (nog I would've called you but it was pretty early your time)
My dad got my voicemail and as a response he wrote me one of the sweetest emails I almost cried. When I showed it to Kim she got choked up too. I have an awesome family!
This morning I was able to Skype with my dad and that was awesome too! Today is my halfway point it's been great!
Tutoring was not super fun tonight but that's okay. It's just hard when students don't really want to learn or put the effort in. Also our AC is broken in every room of the elephant house so that's not super cool either. It's colder outside than inside--which seems crazy. I'm outside but now it is raining on my laptop-awesome? I think not. However, the cooler weather is much appreciated.
Tomorrow I am on medical and then Friday morning at 3:00 a.m. we leave to Chennai so we can fly to New Delhi. There we will drive on a 6 hour bus ride to visit the Taj Mahal then back 6 hours then fly to Chennai and drive 3 hours back to RSO so it is going to be a lot of traveling in a few days-but it is definitely worth it to visit one of the 7 wonders of the WORLD!
When I left I didn't think I would miss anybody from home--I was wrong. I miss all of my family. I was looking through pictures on my phone and it made me miss my nephews a lot and Moca and Maya (our past dogs) I'd love to get my own pup when I get back home--that'd be super :D
That's about all for now
Monday, June 27, 2011
Play Time!
Aravind 2, Basha, and ?
Praveenkahn-They can climb trees that look like twigs because they are so tiny!
Sanjay and Johnathan
My little Sagaia Mary. She is Christraj's sister.
? and Christaraj. My little thugs are so cute!
This is Aravind, isn't he adorable?
This is sweet sweet Basha. He is from the colony I visited today.
Sanjay, Michael, Karthik and Johnathan Love these boys!
This is Ebenezer. I think he is stunning, and I LOVE this picture of him.
This is Michael. Every time you go to give him a high-5 he runs his fingers through his hair as if he is too cool.
She reminds me of my sweet niece Jayda. I can't pronounce her name though, let alone spell it. (sounds like Subasria)
Before I catch up on all of today’s activity I have to write about what just happened. I was sitting on my bed getting my computer stuff ready and I felt like something was in my pants. I said it out loud and my roommates jokingly said, “it’s probably a lizard” well I didn’t feel it anymore so I let it go. Then about 2 minutes later I felt it again but on the other leg. My initial reaction was to smack my leg and when I did I screamed and squealed because I felt something! I threw my pants off onto the floor and had my roommates look while I was jumping and screaming. It turns out it was a little baby lizard---IN THE PANTS I HAD ON!! I’m still wigged out-not exactly sure how I’m going to sleep tonight.Today I was on the medical unit and we went to a leprosy colony to provide treatment. There are so many colonies RSO takes care of that they can only visit each one about once every two weeks. We each had different duties and I was assigned to washing feet and hands; whichever area had ulcers. It was a very humbling experience washing the feet of those who many call “untouchable”. These people are extremely loving and giving it is remarkable.
(The 3 preceeding pictures are of a grandmother to one of our Rising Star girls Vigilashmi. ) I had a very special experience. Rajim was the leader of this colony and he had some ulcers he needed taken care of on his feet. Well our nurse had to dig into his foot with scissors and tweezers to get some of the decayed tissue out. This is done without numbing or pain medicine and it was very painful and difficult for Rajim. Some of these pictures are intense and you can really see his anguish. Through his suffering I wasn’t sure how to help comfort him. I don’t speak any Tamil and even if I did I don’t know what I’d say. I resulted in putting my arm around him, as he squeezed my hand. He is such an amazing man and I struggle to put that experience into adequate words, but I am grateful to have learned from Rajim today. After he went through the most excruciating part of the procedure he formed his hands into a prayer and looked to heaven praising our Savior. Seriously, he is such an inspirational man. He taught me strength, patience, humility, and most importantly gratitude.
After we finished helping all of the patients we walked through the small colony and one family asked us to come in. We got a lot of pictures with them and then when they were showing us the second of two rooms in their house the man was a little too friendly with each of us that we got out of there quick. Kim thought he might be drunk but I don’t know. That little downfall didn’t outweigh the high I felt with Rajim and the rest of the leprosy affected patients we helped today. (Though the lizard in my pants might have.)
After the first colony Dr. Susan wanted to go search out another leprosy colony to start helping. We found it and the people were so excited. They started praising Heaven with huge smiles on their faces as they realized they were going to receive medical attention, that somebody cared. It was very neat.
We got back around 4 so we missed our alone time by 2 hours and we had play time at 4:30. Brittany and I decided to chill for an extra half hour and went to play time at 5 instead of 4:30. I took my camera today and I feel like I got a lot of good new pictures. I’ll do a picture post next It’s easier just to add them all in one post since I’m not proficient in the blogging world.
I had originally planned to come for 3 weeks like the regular volunteers, but then an opportunity to become a coordinator after this session presented itself. It requires that I stay until the end of August. I’ve thought about it a lot and I don’t think I’d like to do it. I think I’m ready to come home at the 3 week mark.
That’s all for now. :D
p.s. our roommate lizard is still here and making noises-I guess he wasn’t the one in my pantsQuick Catch Up
(Allyssa, Britt, and me at church in Chennai-we think Allyssa is a twin of Michelle Peshev)It's amazing how much happens in one day here. I haven't blogged since Friday night and I feel like there is so much to catch up on.
Saturday we woke up early and left Rising Star around 7:00. We drove for about 1.5 hours to a tourist town called Mamallapuram. The second we got off our little RSO bus we were swarmed by people trying to sell us stuff. They followed us around and gave us a tour of the ancient ruins. I said no probably 30 times to these men selling little trinkets and things but to no avail. They eventually suckered me in. They would say things like "small business" "two kids" I know they could be lying but who am I to judge. I didn't spend a lot of money with them but I bought a few souvenirs. (No one else in my group got sucked in)
We spent about 3 hours in Mamallapurram shopping and looking around. We had one lady (in her teens) follow us around for a few blocks, holding out her hand saying "baby, baby" because she was carrying her baby with her. We refused to give her money. I know it sounds harsh but this is a huge problem in India where they make their living off of begging. I'd rather buy something I'll never use and support someone who is working rather than just give money away freely. I bought way more than I needed to throughout those three hours, but I did get some rocking deals as the day wore on.
I learned to let everyone in my group buy from certain vendors first and then since so many had bought from them they'd give me a better deal. On top of this Brittany is about the best barterer I have ever seen. I definitely learned some good tricks from her and even walked away from one place with a free purse! (I'm not giving details about the purchases because a lot are for family gifts)
We left Mamallapurram around 12 and headed over to a resort called "Ideal Beach". Let me tell you it was definitely ideal. We got to spend three hours chillin on the beach, playing in the ocean, and lounging by the pool. It was definitely a well deserved, nice break. On the way home we stopped at a local restaurant and got Parota. It is a bread sort of tortilla thing that is delicious. One of the few things I've liked here. The restaurant was swarming with flies and cooks who you can tell don't wash their hands after they go behind the building to take care of business, but that's India.
When we got back to RSO campus we had a little bit of time before we had movie night with the kids. We watched TRON from a laptop projected onto the cafeteria wall. I started out with about 4 little boys all over me but as everyone began to settle Karthik stayed on my lap the whole movie while Christaraj sat next to me. It was fun to see the kids figure out the movie and saying things like "hero", "bad guy", and "super movie". They use the word super more than any other word. The video took a lot longer than usual to finish because power outages are the norm here. Probably a minimum of 10 times a day. By the end of the movie I was very exhausted and as I was laying my head back on the cement cafeteria floor, a little boy behind me put my head on his lap and said, "auntie sleep". It was so cute. Have I mentioned I love these kids?
Sunday we drove 3 hours into Chennai to go to church. It was a good experience to go. A long term volunteer helped Brittany and I with our Sari's, but when we got to church two sister's helped us redo them. Roslyn and Vannila Mary. Vannila Mary is a house mother here at RSO and she is Hindu, but she has come to church the past 3 weeks and meets with the missionaries each time during Sunday school. I slept through most of the sacrament talks, but while we sang "Jesus Once of Humble Birth" I stopped singing for a whole verse and just listened. I listened to the voices who have been born in very humble circumstances, who travel hours by bus to get to church, who love the Savior with all their heart, and it was a very special experience for me.
During Sunday School I sat in on part of primary class and then talked the rest of the time with Pam. She and her husband Jim are here for a year and a half. They are retired and contemplated serving a mission. After talking to Becky Douglas, their neighbor and founder of RSO, they decided this could be their mission. It was really neat getting to know Pam and her experiences. I did fully attend relief society and it was awesome. It went a half hour long (Indians don't seem to pay too much attention to time) but it was a neat unifying experience realizing again the love Heavenly Father has for each of us, no matter where or what circumstances we are born in. We are all His children and He loves us dearly.
The drive home from church was not fun. Another 3 hours on bumpy, crazy roads, but we got back safely around 3 or 4. We had the rest of the day to chill and hang out. We tried projecting Tangled in the Mango Room (our club house room) for a long time but with power outages, a slow computer, a scratched dvd, and problem with the speakers, it just wasn't meant to be.
I didn't eat their dinner but I was full from lots of snacks when I got home from church. After dinner I sat and talked to Kim and Derek for awhile on the roof. It was really neat just to talk about life and the similar decisions we each need to make. I was definitely comforted by talking with them. Afterwards I played a few games with some volunteers in the Mango room then went to bed. I'll catch up about today later tonight- no it's time to go play with the kids :D
Saturday we woke up early and left Rising Star around 7:00. We drove for about 1.5 hours to a tourist town called Mamallapuram. The second we got off our little RSO bus we were swarmed by people trying to sell us stuff. They followed us around and gave us a tour of the ancient ruins. I said no probably 30 times to these men selling little trinkets and things but to no avail. They eventually suckered me in. They would say things like "small business" "two kids" I know they could be lying but who am I to judge. I didn't spend a lot of money with them but I bought a few souvenirs. (No one else in my group got sucked in)
We spent about 3 hours in Mamallapurram shopping and looking around. We had one lady (in her teens) follow us around for a few blocks, holding out her hand saying "baby, baby" because she was carrying her baby with her. We refused to give her money. I know it sounds harsh but this is a huge problem in India where they make their living off of begging. I'd rather buy something I'll never use and support someone who is working rather than just give money away freely. I bought way more than I needed to throughout those three hours, but I did get some rocking deals as the day wore on.
I learned to let everyone in my group buy from certain vendors first and then since so many had bought from them they'd give me a better deal. On top of this Brittany is about the best barterer I have ever seen. I definitely learned some good tricks from her and even walked away from one place with a free purse! (I'm not giving details about the purchases because a lot are for family gifts)
We left Mamallapurram around 12 and headed over to a resort called "Ideal Beach". Let me tell you it was definitely ideal. We got to spend three hours chillin on the beach, playing in the ocean, and lounging by the pool. It was definitely a well deserved, nice break. On the way home we stopped at a local restaurant and got Parota. It is a bread sort of tortilla thing that is delicious. One of the few things I've liked here. The restaurant was swarming with flies and cooks who you can tell don't wash their hands after they go behind the building to take care of business, but that's India.
When we got back to RSO campus we had a little bit of time before we had movie night with the kids. We watched TRON from a laptop projected onto the cafeteria wall. I started out with about 4 little boys all over me but as everyone began to settle Karthik stayed on my lap the whole movie while Christaraj sat next to me. It was fun to see the kids figure out the movie and saying things like "hero", "bad guy", and "super movie". They use the word super more than any other word. The video took a lot longer than usual to finish because power outages are the norm here. Probably a minimum of 10 times a day. By the end of the movie I was very exhausted and as I was laying my head back on the cement cafeteria floor, a little boy behind me put my head on his lap and said, "auntie sleep". It was so cute. Have I mentioned I love these kids?
Sunday we drove 3 hours into Chennai to go to church. It was a good experience to go. A long term volunteer helped Brittany and I with our Sari's, but when we got to church two sister's helped us redo them. Roslyn and Vannila Mary. Vannila Mary is a house mother here at RSO and she is Hindu, but she has come to church the past 3 weeks and meets with the missionaries each time during Sunday school. I slept through most of the sacrament talks, but while we sang "Jesus Once of Humble Birth" I stopped singing for a whole verse and just listened. I listened to the voices who have been born in very humble circumstances, who travel hours by bus to get to church, who love the Savior with all their heart, and it was a very special experience for me.
During Sunday School I sat in on part of primary class and then talked the rest of the time with Pam. She and her husband Jim are here for a year and a half. They are retired and contemplated serving a mission. After talking to Becky Douglas, their neighbor and founder of RSO, they decided this could be their mission. It was really neat getting to know Pam and her experiences. I did fully attend relief society and it was awesome. It went a half hour long (Indians don't seem to pay too much attention to time) but it was a neat unifying experience realizing again the love Heavenly Father has for each of us, no matter where or what circumstances we are born in. We are all His children and He loves us dearly.
The drive home from church was not fun. Another 3 hours on bumpy, crazy roads, but we got back safely around 3 or 4. We had the rest of the day to chill and hang out. We tried projecting Tangled in the Mango Room (our club house room) for a long time but with power outages, a slow computer, a scratched dvd, and problem with the speakers, it just wasn't meant to be.
I didn't eat their dinner but I was full from lots of snacks when I got home from church. After dinner I sat and talked to Kim and Derek for awhile on the roof. It was really neat just to talk about life and the similar decisions we each need to make. I was definitely comforted by talking with them. Afterwards I played a few games with some volunteers in the Mango room then went to bed. I'll catch up about today later tonight- no it's time to go play with the kids :D
Friday, June 24, 2011
Pictures!
We went on a walk through the village near us this morning. These are a few of my favorite pictures from that walk. 
This is my favorite
This is my favorite
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Construction!
Today we went on with the construction coordinator, Kim Lyons, to a leprosy colony. We hauled sand from one central location to many different homes for them to use as mortar to build bathrooms. We transported the sand in what they called buckets but they are really in the shape of saucers. Needless to say it was difficult in 100+ degree weather. It was neat though because a lot of people ran out of water and we came together and shared what little we had. It was a neat experience, I'm not good at sharing details of things like this but it was definitely a neat experience.
While we were working a few women from the colony went and spent what little money they had to buy us volunteers cold juice! It was beyond sweet how kind, thankful, and generous they are. It is really humbling to think how much we have and at the same time how stingy we are with all of our excess. I am learning from the people of India day by day.
For play time today we did talent classes. There are two other people here, Drew and Carlee, who play soccer. We did a few relay races with the kids in our group and played a game called "head,catch". They thought it was all boring and all they wanted to do was play a real game of soccer. It was fun to play with the kids and it rained a little bit too so that was a pleasant surprise.
Today was the first time I felt clean, for a split second, while I was here. When we got back from construction I took a nice shower. The power wasn't working so I didn't get to sit in the air conditioning to dry, but we had moderate weather outside so I sat and watched some volunteers play soccer. I would have played if it weren't for two things: a) I ran this morning and also did lunges, squats, and yoga. b) I had just showered before they decided to play. It was fun to watch though, but I was reminded again of how much I don't miss soccer. I wonder when I'll miss it?
I'm really not into Indian food but I have gotten my appetite back. I got to hang out with Kim for a little bit today. We talked girl talk and over a nice bowl of cereal :)
I got to watch the dancer's perform their number again today. I recorded it for my pleasure as well as yours!
Tonight during dinner when we went through our highs and lows, Becky Douglas the founder of RSO, mentioned that she received an email her 3 year old granddaughter might not make it for her to get home. Two months ago she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and she was given 9 months to live. Becky is cutting her trip short and leaving tomorrow. The Marriott kids (3 married couples) are also leaving tomorrow, as well as our principal April. It will probably feel different tomorrow but it will still be good.
After dinner at family time I had fun with my girls helping them with homework and singing songs. The girls are so cute. One girl named Eshwari (ish-wad-ee) had her head on my lap and said, "My head has lots of lice" haha - yikes. Sagaia Mary gave me a bracelet she made out of yarn in talent class and also made me a ring. I'm planning to take a picture tomorrow night of it with her bracelet as well. They are our friendship bracelets :)
As I was singing to the little girls, I looked at Abashi and she was staring off into space but her cute little feet were wiggling. I don't know if this will translate to anyone else but this is for my recollection of this sweet moment.
*The other day Becky was telling us that Amy Antonelli said something along the lines that leprosy is the biggest blessing these kids will ever have in their lives. It may sound weird, but this school is the best in the area. The kids are well fed, have love and compassion, and a good education. Unfortunately we don't have the capacity to take in all of the kids in the surrounding villages. Who knows what happens to the kids who can't be at school could be that they are, beaten, malnourished, uneducated, or begging for their families survival. Leprosy is truly a blessing in the children of RSO's lives, despite all of it's challenges the disease of leprosy has given these children many opportunities they otherwise would not have. May we take the time to notice the blessings in our lives that may be in disguise.
While we were working a few women from the colony went and spent what little money they had to buy us volunteers cold juice! It was beyond sweet how kind, thankful, and generous they are. It is really humbling to think how much we have and at the same time how stingy we are with all of our excess. I am learning from the people of India day by day.
For play time today we did talent classes. There are two other people here, Drew and Carlee, who play soccer. We did a few relay races with the kids in our group and played a game called "head,catch". They thought it was all boring and all they wanted to do was play a real game of soccer. It was fun to play with the kids and it rained a little bit too so that was a pleasant surprise.
Today was the first time I felt clean, for a split second, while I was here. When we got back from construction I took a nice shower. The power wasn't working so I didn't get to sit in the air conditioning to dry, but we had moderate weather outside so I sat and watched some volunteers play soccer. I would have played if it weren't for two things: a) I ran this morning and also did lunges, squats, and yoga. b) I had just showered before they decided to play. It was fun to watch though, but I was reminded again of how much I don't miss soccer. I wonder when I'll miss it?
I'm really not into Indian food but I have gotten my appetite back. I got to hang out with Kim for a little bit today. We talked girl talk and over a nice bowl of cereal :)
I got to watch the dancer's perform their number again today. I recorded it for my pleasure as well as yours!
Tonight during dinner when we went through our highs and lows, Becky Douglas the founder of RSO, mentioned that she received an email her 3 year old granddaughter might not make it for her to get home. Two months ago she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and she was given 9 months to live. Becky is cutting her trip short and leaving tomorrow. The Marriott kids (3 married couples) are also leaving tomorrow, as well as our principal April. It will probably feel different tomorrow but it will still be good.
After dinner at family time I had fun with my girls helping them with homework and singing songs. The girls are so cute. One girl named Eshwari (ish-wad-ee) had her head on my lap and said, "My head has lots of lice" haha - yikes. Sagaia Mary gave me a bracelet she made out of yarn in talent class and also made me a ring. I'm planning to take a picture tomorrow night of it with her bracelet as well. They are our friendship bracelets :)
As I was singing to the little girls, I looked at Abashi and she was staring off into space but her cute little feet were wiggling. I don't know if this will translate to anyone else but this is for my recollection of this sweet moment.
*The other day Becky was telling us that Amy Antonelli said something along the lines that leprosy is the biggest blessing these kids will ever have in their lives. It may sound weird, but this school is the best in the area. The kids are well fed, have love and compassion, and a good education. Unfortunately we don't have the capacity to take in all of the kids in the surrounding villages. Who knows what happens to the kids who can't be at school could be that they are, beaten, malnourished, uneducated, or begging for their families survival. Leprosy is truly a blessing in the children of RSO's lives, despite all of it's challenges the disease of leprosy has given these children many opportunities they otherwise would not have. May we take the time to notice the blessings in our lives that may be in disguise.
We are having game night now with the volunteers so I'll talk to you later!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Chill Day
Today was a pretty chill day. We were on the special projects group which basically means you do whatever random projects the organization needs. Today that included making a shed for Lola the sheep and also painting the elephant in front of the elephant house. Because we were on campus we got to eat lunch with the kids. It’s interesting because they eat on the floor with their hands and they eat a special way with their hands. I made a peanut butter and banana sandwich and brought it with me. The children thought it was weird I eat with both of my hands. I tried explaining I don’t use my left hand for the bathroom like they do but they looked confused. They also were questioning why I wasn’t eating their food like the rest of the volunteers.
I haven’t ever really liked Indian food and every meal is spicy. The spicy isn’t good for my stomach so I usually have a valid excuse not to eat. It’s crazy how much you crave water though and even though we have three refrigerators (smaller size than we are used to) they don’t get our drinks very cold. I go through about 40-60oz of water a day but I crave 120 oz. I crave a bin full of sonic ice, but any ice would do!
Today during play time I went to watch the dance class practice. I’m happy I did because they rehearsed their dance to “Somebody’s out there” by David Archuletta. They love him because he has been here a few times and sang for them/served them. Anyway the dance is choreographed to portray the children suffering and then angles come in and pick them up. (angels are the volunteers) There is a segment in the song where each child was supposed to go home and observe their parents who are leprosy afflicted and pick a daily movement that they could then choreograph into the dance. This part made me cry, to see what the kids see through their own eyes. Some kids were begging, some were walking with pains and dragging a leg or an arm. I came to realize these kids seem so normal and amazing, and every once in a while you are taken back to their reality of where they come from. These kids are so amazing and it makes me more and more grateful everyday for the things and people I have been blessed with.
I haven’t ever really liked Indian food and every meal is spicy. The spicy isn’t good for my stomach so I usually have a valid excuse not to eat. It’s crazy how much you crave water though and even though we have three refrigerators (smaller size than we are used to) they don’t get our drinks very cold. I go through about 40-60oz of water a day but I crave 120 oz. I crave a bin full of sonic ice, but any ice would do!
Today during play time I went to watch the dance class practice. I’m happy I did because they rehearsed their dance to “Somebody’s out there” by David Archuletta. They love him because he has been here a few times and sang for them/served them. Anyway the dance is choreographed to portray the children suffering and then angles come in and pick them up. (angels are the volunteers) There is a segment in the song where each child was supposed to go home and observe their parents who are leprosy afflicted and pick a daily movement that they could then choreograph into the dance. This part made me cry, to see what the kids see through their own eyes. Some kids were begging, some were walking with pains and dragging a leg or an arm. I came to realize these kids seem so normal and amazing, and every once in a while you are taken back to their reality of where they come from. These kids are so amazing and it makes me more and more grateful everyday for the things and people I have been blessed with.
Each evening after dinner we go to our “families” and help them with homework or play with them when they are done. Today I wore soccer shorts for painting/construction and stayed in them all day. This was a mistake because my girls kept asking me why my shorts didn’t go past my knee. To be clear this particular pair went to my knee but not over it. Anyway I hope my luggage gets here tonight so I can stop wearing these grubby clothes and get clean! (one other girl besides Brittany and I lost her luggage and her name is Ivy. She still doesn’t have hers, and her birthday is tomorrow! We are both celebrating our birthdays in India!)
I think this is the wrap up of the day. I really need to shower it’s been a few days. Bucket showers here I come :)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Bags coming today? Maybe?!
For the third day in a row we got wind that we should get our bags today! Our drivers had to go into Chennai today to take the founder of Rising Star, Becky Douglas, to do some administrative things. They are planning to pick up our bags for us, so we had to provide them with copies of our passports, visas, flight tickets, and baggage claim tickets. Hopefully with all of this information they will be able to bring us back our bags tonight! It has been 5 days with only one change of clothes and it has been difficult.
It is amazing what you take for granted in the states. Ice, cold fruit, cold water, basically anything cold. Grocery stores without bugs, beds, pillows, the list could go on. The interesting thing is in America the children are given so much, and yet I feel the kids here are just as happy if not more so. Some may say ignorance is bliss, or something along those lines. Regardless of those excuses it goes to show that as a nation dependent on consumption, the US could go without in many areas and still be happy.
Today I was on special projects and we worked on building a shed for the pet sheep Lola. Sound pointless? It kind of was but it was also fun to work with our hands and as a team.
We got our bags tonight at 10:00!! halleyuah!! TSA went through our bags and totally destroyed them! They also stole my Lacoste sunglasses, costco size mixed nuts, costco size box of gum, and my Adams peanut butter! I am so sad but yet so happy to get my bags. Bittersweet :)
It is amazing what you take for granted in the states. Ice, cold fruit, cold water, basically anything cold. Grocery stores without bugs, beds, pillows, the list could go on. The interesting thing is in America the children are given so much, and yet I feel the kids here are just as happy if not more so. Some may say ignorance is bliss, or something along those lines. Regardless of those excuses it goes to show that as a nation dependent on consumption, the US could go without in many areas and still be happy.
Today I was on special projects and we worked on building a shed for the pet sheep Lola. Sound pointless? It kind of was but it was also fun to work with our hands and as a team.
We got our bags tonight at 10:00!! halleyuah!! TSA went through our bags and totally destroyed them! They also stole my Lacoste sunglasses, costco size mixed nuts, costco size box of gum, and my Adams peanut butter! I am so sad but yet so happy to get my bags. Bittersweet :)
Eye Doctor with Aravind :)
(I'm very pasty compared to these kids, get used to it)Today we woke up kind of early because our group, Group 1 was on medical. We took 10 children to an eye doctor in Chennai that is doing this work for free! It was over a 3 hour ride due to traffic but once we got there they started examining these kids right away. I got to be paired up with Aravind. He is the sweetest little boy in the whole world.
Aravind has quite a story. Two years ago he came to Rising Star with his sister after their father lit their mother on fire and killed her. Aravind (2 at the time) witnessed this tragedy. Apparently this is a common enough occurrence that in India they call them “house fires” to cover up the truth. At the same time these father’s that do this love their children and would never hurt them, but men are viewed as superior to women so abuse is very common. It is tragic.
I got to be paired with Aravind all day long and I loved it. He was constantly holding my hand or sitting on my lap and I loved every minute of it.
Aravind has quite a story. Two years ago he came to Rising Star with his sister after their father lit their mother on fire and killed her. Aravind (2 at the time) witnessed this tragedy. Apparently this is a common enough occurrence that in India they call them “house fires” to cover up the truth. At the same time these father’s that do this love their children and would never hurt them, but men are viewed as superior to women so abuse is very common. It is tragic.
I got to be paired with Aravind all day long and I loved it. He was constantly holding my hand or sitting on my lap and I loved every minute of it.
After all the children were done being examined the two doctors took us up to an auditorium and expressed their desire to help those in need and it was really touching. The main doctor said if he wasn’t compassionate or able to use empathy then he would not be capable of being a physician. I thought that was very neat of him because he donates so much time and many resources to help those who can’t help themselves. Apparently India has the 2nd highest population of blind people, and the largest population of blind children. The other doctor said something very profound. “The problems are enormous, but the possibilities are enormous.” I thought that was great. Another interesting thing about these two men are that they are both Christian. That is not very common in this country and especially among doctors.
(I know I look pasty but get used to it )After the auditorium the doctors fed all the children while the volunteers in my group ate our sack lunches in the van. I have not had much of an appetite at all due to heat, malaria pills, and the time adjustment.
We weren’t able to pick up our luggage so hopefully we will be able to tomorrow. It has been a long time and we are ready to get them back! It’s been 5 days that we’ve been in the same clothes-that is 4 days too long! Luckily we where the native clothes, chudidars, everyday so the only thing we are reusing is under clothes-yuck!
We didn’t get back from Chennai until about 5:40 so we missed play time and chilled for a few minutes before dinner. I didn’t eat dinner because I’m not feeling to hot but later I had a granola bar to make up for it hopefully.
I went to family time after dinner and enjoyed singing my girls to sleep and telling stories. I also enjoyed having my hair played with by some of the older girls.
No luggage today but hopefully tomorrow!
1. The girls say their prayers every night and they love Jesus.
2. There is a LDS church being built in Chennai- the first church building to be built new.
3. I’m exhausted
4. There are so many details to be caught up on but I don’t have the time or energy. Hopefully I will tomorrow.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Rising Star!
Today we woke up naturally around 7:00, took advantage of the showers again, and went to breakfast. Again the Marriott staff was extremely hospitable and made both Indian and American food for us to try. Dosa’s are like a crepe and they were okay but I think everything else Indian I tried I didn’t really care for. They had great omelets, muffins, and French toast and that huge breakfast ended up feeding us for the majority of the day.
Rising star was an hour late picking us up because of traffic but I screamed out of joy when I saw Kimmy and gave her a big hug! Kim needed to exchange dollars for rupies while so when everyone else was loading the vans we were inside. When we came out all the vans were full so the three of us got in a car (mid suv) and drove the 2.5 hours pretty comfortably. My eyes were glued to the window as we drove through the different scenery from downtown Chennai to the rural outlying villages.
We definitely stick out like sore thumbs here in India but when we smile and wave they always smile and wave back. There smiles are so white and beautiful. We got to campus around 2. We had orientation and got our rooms and then we got to play with the kids.
The second we came over to the boys and girls hostels they were all over us ready to play! They are so cute I played soccer with them and it was so much fun. Sometimes I was carrying two kids while chasing another- all smiles all the way. No need for shoes or a pumped up ball we had fun without those luxuries. Every day we get to have play time for two hours and then we come back to the elephant house (volunteer house) for dinner on the roof. We ate a vegetarian dinner with a form of rice, fresh mango, tortilla and some spicy potato thing. I enjoyed the tortilla and mango mostly.
After dinner we all go over to our “families” in the hostels and help them finish their homework, sing songs to them and put them to sleep. Our kids range from ages 2 to about 15. I have already bonded with the little kids they are soooo cute! Sagaia Mary and Abashi are two of the most adorable girls I’ve ever met and they are so loving! Abashi looks like Halle Berry it’s crazy!
We got word tonight that our luggage should be in Chennai tomorrow and maybe we can pick it up when we are there for medical session.
Until then goodnight!
p.s random things about india
1. they don’t obey any form of traffic law, not even lanes!
2. there are more motorcycles/mopeds than cars. Sometimes whole families pile on these bikes to commute. The man drives, the women sit sideways (don’t straddle the bike!) while holding their children!! It’s madness
3. there is dirt and garbage everywhere-to get rid of it they burn it and that makes it stink.
4. the kids are awesome!!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Simply Simple
The reason I chose the to title my blog simply simple is because of the amazing peace in simplicity. India is a place of simple things and everyone is simply happy. I am grateful for the simple joys in life including every little smile will get from the adorable kids from Rising Star Outreach in India.
Traveling to India
Tonight we finally arrived to our Marriot Hotel in Chennai, India! Brittany and I have been traveling for almost two days now and it feels good to be here despite the many struggles we faced on the way.We left Salt Lake City at 4:30 on Friday and flew to Chicago. From Chicago we were flew to London. There was a problem with our plane that delayed us by over two hours. Unfortunately we missed our flight from London to Chennai; however, the airline crew was notified in advance. When we got off of the tarmac the employees had already rebooked us on different flights and had our boarding passes printed and 
everything. (Being an organized person I really appreciated this.) There were some drawbacks- we had to wait at the London Heathrow Airport for over 6 hours and we had an extra stop added to our Itinerary. During those six hours we found computers to help us contact our families to update them. WE also needed to schedule a hotel room and my mom graciously and efficiently took care of that for us. Thanks mom! We also did some laps around the terminal checking out the shops, restaurants, and products. American Airlines gave us a 10 pound meal voucher to use in London. We decided to eat at Starbucks and made our first friend there. His name was Kahn. He worked for Starbucks but conveniently took his break after we ordered and sat by us. We talked a bit and he was a nice fun guy about our age. He was studying business in London but is originally from Dubai. After dinner we headed to our gate and Saturday night at 8:45 we left London for New Delhi.
everything. (Being an organized person I really appreciated this.) There were some drawbacks- we had to wait at the London Heathrow Airport for over 6 hours and we had an extra stop added to our Itinerary. During those six hours we found computers to help us contact our families to update them. WE also needed to schedule a hotel room and my mom graciously and efficiently took care of that for us. Thanks mom! We also did some laps around the terminal checking out the shops, restaurants, and products. American Airlines gave us a 10 pound meal voucher to use in London. We decided to eat at Starbucks and made our first friend there. His name was Kahn. He worked for Starbucks but conveniently took his break after we ordered and sat by us. We talked a bit and he was a nice fun guy about our age. He was studying business in London but is originally from Dubai. After dinner we headed to our gate and Saturday night at 8:45 we left London for New Delhi.When we arrived in New Delhi they had us go all around the airport in different areas, go through the visa checking station and all that jazz. Once we made it through there we had no clue where departures were so we asked a worker and she directed us to go through customs and then on up an escalator around the corner. Little did we know we were supposed to pick up our checked baggage and take it through customs with us. (yikes!) Even after we made it through the Delhi madness to our departure gate we had to wait there for about 6 hours for our flight to Chennai.
While we were waiting for our flight we were laying on these nice chairs that were almost like the chairs you’d la
y on at the pool. There were 3 and Brittany was in the middle and this is where we met our 2nd friend of our journey. A young man about our age came up and sat down next to Britt. They began talking about very random things (mostly he talked and Brittany pretended like she knew what he was saying) By the end he was giving her his number in case we ever need help while we are here. He had to leave before we did, but he made sure to buy us a snack before he left. (He also asked if we could share the snack with him J)
y on at the pool. There were 3 and Brittany was in the middle and this is where we met our 2nd friend of our journey. A young man about our age came up and sat down next to Britt. They began talking about very random things (mostly he talked and Brittany pretended like she knew what he was saying) By the end he was giving her his number in case we ever need help while we are here. He had to leave before we did, but he made sure to buy us a snack before he left. (He also asked if we could share the snack with him J) Our flight from Delhi to Chennai was only two and a half hours but I pretty much slept the whole way. It ended up being good because when we FINALLY landed in Chennai our luggage was literally lost- we had no idea where it was or how to find it. The workers were telling us if it was in customs still we needed to get a lawyer and a notary and all kinds of stuff, meanwhile we are 2 hours late for our driver so I’m trying to track down his phone number to make sure he is still here waiting for us- thankfully he was! We left the airport with no clue when, where, how, or if we would get our bags but there wasn’t anything we could do about it then so we pressed on.
At the Marriott all the employees were extremely kind and welcoming and helped us through our luggage problem a little bit. We ultimately went to our room with stressed out bodies and minds. I was able to call my friend Kim who is a coordinator this summer and she helped ease my worry by saying there are workers here who could help us locate our luggage.
I was also able to talk to my mom, dad, and sister tates on the phone for awhile so that was great.
I took advantage of the shower and stayed in there for quite some time. Now I’m heading to bed-we get picked up by Rising Star Tomorrow woo woo!
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