Goodbyes and Heartache-Megan

Today was my last day at RSO, and my heart is breaking. Yesterday was my last full day. I woke up feeling good except I got a cold which is not bueno but fine cause I can still do everything. Then I was on medical and it was great to see the people again and help them and smile and just feel that tangible love that I still can’t describe. I think that is India though, so amazing, life changing, and indescribable. One man was talking to me during medical and his English was really good. He kept saying thank you madam and then I would say you’re welcome. Then he looked at me and said, “We are lepers and no one looks up to us or comes to help us, thank you madam.” I didn’t know what to say. We were told that it was like this but to have one of these amazing people afflicted with leprosy vocalize it and degrade himself by calling himself a leper really hit me. I quickly responded with “well we love you, and want to help you.” He was such a cute old man saying I was new doctor but he was old patient and then laughed. I wish these people could see their worth. I think I have helped somewhat by showing them love but I can’t wait till they get to meet their creator and know their incredible worth.
After that we went back to RSO and stopped at the junction for ice cream and such which was fun. Then I took a break till it was play time which turned into a water fight. It started out with water balloons being sling-shoted in the air by the kids and the other kids running to see and catch them and ended with buckets of water on almost everyone. I managed to stay somewhat dry but others were soaked. That sort of changed the evening routine but it was so worth it cause they had so much fun. Then we did dinner, which was interrupted by a rain storm. We eat on the roof every night under a canopy but that didn’t work so well when the canopy was soaked and the rain was like a full blast shower. Luckily, we were already wet.  Then it was bed time/play with the kids one more time. This was so hard for me. We did the regular reading, make-overs, and tons of pictures but as bed time came and they found out I was going back to America their little frowns just broke my heart. Then they gave me cards and we said goodbye for a long time. They started to cry so we did the moccoraina to cheer them up and didn’t stop till everyone was giggling. Then the goodbyes started up again and it was so hard. They all told me to come back. Sabasri said, “you go to America tomorrow you come to India on Saturday.” Then Eswari begged me to take her with me but I promised to write and was slowly pulling myself away, then Sathya made me cry just looking in her eyes and as we did the I love you sign and touched our fingers together. Then I hugged and kissed them one last time and went back to the elephant house with a ache in my chest. That ache only got bigger with today though.
I woke up, packed, ate and pretended like I was not leaving in an hour or so. I wanted so badly to have this be just another day but it isn’t and it hasn’t fully hit me yet, but the glimpse like last night of realizing it is actually over makes me scared of feeling empty. When my stuff was ready to go we had our last conclave where we went around and shared with the group. It was inspiring and wonderful to see how these new friends have grown over the last 3 weeks. It is gradual but clear. I wonder if people at home will see the change.
I shared with the group a journal entry and talked about how each person in the colonies added their own threaded to the blanket of love that covered me and continues to cover me. This is true with all the people and kids I have met here. Their small actions added a thread to my own personal love blanket. The love here is amazing and I know that I say that all the time but I can’t seem to be able to describe it. I now know pure love and charity or at least more so. I told them that I and learned so many things here like love, charity, patience, the worth of souls, the power of stigmas, and my own strength to name a few, and I know what India did for me. As for what I did for India I think I added my own threads to other people’s love blankets. I hope they could feel my love and the spirit and I think they did. I still don’t know if I touched one person or a ton of did something no one else could but I know I have a purpose and I was supposed to come to India and whether that is just to add threads of love or something more and bigger I don’t know but I trust that God knows. I wish I could put into words all my feelings or even the experience but not one will know unless they have been there. Experience is the only thing that will do it justice, cause my words can’t.
After many wonderful thoughts, griffins amazing song that made me bawl, and tons of tears it was time to say goodbye to the other volunteers not coming to the Marriot. It shocked me who made me cry. I said goodbye to my amazing room buddies like Laura Jane and Kim and was going around hugging, promising to hang out, and dry cheeked when I got to Katie W. We were not super close or anything I just thought she was amazing and great. Then she started telling me how beautiful she thought I was and how strong and how she felt the spirit around me and how I seemed so in touched and I lost it. I had no idea anyone let along her thought that about me. I was so grateful she shared it with me and it made me wonder and think about how many time people touch us and we don’t tell them and yet it would mean so much. It meant so much to me and we just cried and hugged. Then I got to the other Katie who told me similar things about how much she loved me and how she had written down my thoughts and such. I was so touched again. I wish I was more eloquent and could express to each person how they blessed my life and what they taught me and their examples. Some of them more than others of course but they all did. And that is not to say some were better that is just who did it for me more which I am sure is different for everyone.
I could go on for hours but I would not even chip the ice berg. Cause there is so much love, appreciation, and oh I don’t even know inside of me and yet an ache as well. I am at the Marriot now and I can feel the ache and yet the joy filling me. Yes I don’t want it to be over but at least it happened and for that I will be forever grateful and changed for the better.

Keep your “Indian Eyes”

thoughts credulities and conclusions

It is the last day here at Rising str for Meg and I. Break time for the volunteers, and yet I find myself not wanting to take a break today. It feels like Iam lying to myself saying, that it is the last day. I packed last night so that today I can spend as much time with the kids as possible. Doing so much just to stay here and do as much as I can. I have been giving my all everyday to the best I can, and I still feel it is not enough. I guess that is just how it is at the end of something incredible. As I have always done I am writing what will be my last post about Rising Star for this year at least, and maybe even for this trip, entitling it "thoughts crdulities and conclusions. I do this partially as a tradition, but moreso as that is what I always to. I write my thoughts the credulities of the whole, and the conclusions I have drawn from it all. I have butterflies in my stomach just writing the three words cause I know what it means.
THOUGHTS:
Love is givng your all to another without expecting back. A moment, t ime as it always does, passes to memory, taking lfight like a dove. butterflies in your stomach at the end bring tears of love, joy, and still sadness at the end of something great. Our Greates friends are made in the hardest moments, and times of life, and are kept by experiencing with them more of what I believe should just be called life, not hard times, or trials but life, and happiness, proving us to the end. Love can never be measured by any instrument, because it would never be great or big enough to accurately do its job. Love grows to fast, and is never ending, like the big band theory, it just keeps expanding as we allow, letting in more people as we serve them, and experience life with them. The tears in my eyes may water this computer to damage. the Priesthood is incredible and a reality on earth when righteous men weild it. Indian people as many in third world countries find the happiness we all seek simply in family and friends, and the touch of love by others.

CREDULITIES:
This is the part where I right sensible logical truths of this trip. The greatest moments, the greatest things. Are you ready? alright Lets go....
In the last three weeks of my life I have made friends that I hope would never cease to be my friends. We share something so special and it is so simple...just our experience here. It is sad that I can not take this place with me, all the way to America, but I would not want to anyway. It is a magical place with something special, and that is the hand of God in the work that is done. How else could one explain that volunteers always seem to just find out, and come. Many of us here right now at one point or another felt very strongly that we needed to be here, and that it is now our duty to spread to others. I know that Heavenly Father is in so much of what we do, but here I feel especially to change the lives of India for the better. So many of the kids here are bright, intelligent people. In their eyes I seriously can see the future leaders of this country, that can prove that even from leprosy affected colonies and families, Heavenly Father can raise up many amazing people to do his work ont his earth.
Last night my boys tried so hard to get me to promise to come back. They bugged me and bugged me (actually bug is the wrong word), they just were persistent with their opinion. I guess I willbe coming back and hopefully sooner than later. Mom Dad if you are reading this, this would be one of the greatest family trips you could ever bring us on. No matter what I think I will just make it happen, because I have fallen in love with this place. We took some great pictures, but th best were the hugs last night. Even then they were hugging me like it was the last time they would see me for a long long time. They hug with everything they have, and are not held back by suspiscion, or doubt. They have so much trust, and are like children spoken of in the scriptures. I will never forget those hugs last night, and I cant wait to feel them again tonight. I am even goingn to wake up early to go eat breakfast with them in the morning, because I will still need to see them one last time.
One of the greatest moments, though is realizing that one of the reasons I am here is for a boy named Karthik who is older, and a pretty big kid. I think he is sixteen. He is so quiet and reserved. Kind and gentle, but just never spoke to many people. I spoke to him a few times, and we have a deep bond. on the bus rides to church he always had me sit with him, and would lay his head on my shoulder and lap, and always hold my hand. (Men here hold hands as a sign of great friendship, and brotherly love. Homosexuality is not eve recognized here.) He always gives me the biggest smiles, and always comes to talk to me. sometimes I still have to go out of my way to talk to him, because the other kids compete very hardcore for my attention. But his smile, and that moment when I realized I will never forget.
Here among many with nothing and yet everything I have found happiness. Parallell only tom my mission this whole experience is. Yet, maybe due to my maturation, maybe because I have expereinced my mission already, this almost seems deeper in some ways. But the key to happiness was once again thrust into my mind, and that is that Service=Charity. If you serve someone else, you will love them. Deeper and Deeper each time you lift a foot to brush off the dirt, each time you hold a frightened feverish boy in your arms, each time you spend every last ounce of energy tutoring and playing with a child, each time you reach out your hand, and touch the hand of one who has not ever even dreamed that they would feel that warmth again it grows still deeper. That is why love can never be measured, nor will it ever be, unless you stop serving. In that moment it can be measured and weighed, to find you wanting.
I am not sure if everything I write makes sense to everyone who reads this, but that is partially because my stomach is about to burst in butterflies, and my tears are about to drown me. But dont worry I am a good swimmer.

CONCLUSIONS:
I have had the greates three weeks of my life here. I am not afraid to say that. It is a conclusion. I came here as Griffin Mansell, I leave as Griffin Mansell, but that person with the same name, is changed all the better. I will never be again who I was when I came out here, and I will never be again tomorrow who I am right now. Each Day brings a change in some way. It is inevitble, and the last three weeks each day, has brought a better change in me. but 21 betters together, and then you have who I am in this moment, but still not who I will be tomorrow. Tomorrow there will be a chance to make that 22 or to make it still 21, but add 1 to a different part of me, perhpas the selfish part or something. It is my choice, and everybodys choice. The Greatest Conclusion, and realization that has come to me in the last three weeks is this: Heavenly Father LOVES ALL his children, no matter race, gender, background, religion, and had created us in his church to show that to everyone else, either by teaching them the gospel or by showing them. Both begin to accomplish his work and design!!!! I love India with all my heart, and these have been my thoughts credulities and conclusions.

-Grif

Turning a 180 - megan

So my post earlier was about how I was sick and everything and how much I missed my girls. Well as luck would have it I feel so much better and was actually able to go to my family and tuck my girls in. It was so great to see them and walk in and see thier smiles. They all told me how sad they were for me cause I was sick yesterday and that they missed me. It broke my heart when Eswari said that she cried when I didn't come. I am just really grateful that I was able to go and spend some time with them. They all were worried about the cuts and lumps on my face and said " I sad for you antie" and "don't cry." I assured them that I wouldn't at least not till tommorrow when it is my last night then I really might ball. Then we talked and read stories. Davey decided to give me a make over and Eswari did my hair and Davey did my makeup while Sathya documented. :) I looked like a girl from the 80's but it was fun. After Eswari had me sing her songs from the hymn book, and the little girls like Sagamari and Misba sang a goodnight song to me, andria, and chelsea which might have been the sweetest sound to enter my ears. When their eyes started to droop and after reassuring them that I would be here tommorrow, they ended thier hugs and said goodnight. It was so sweet and wonderful. These little girls have been through so much and have nothing and yet they are so giving and loving it amazes me. I have learned alot just being around them and sometimes I think they are teaching me way more than I can ever teach them and I love them all so much.

I lost a fight to an Indian Door- Megan

So I am still sick and stuck and bed which sucks cause I really want to be out there with the kids playing and serving but there are blessings to being sick too. So to explain the title, this morning when it was still dark I woke up with really bad nausea and ran to the bathroom but then I got really light headed and fuzzy and knew that I was about to faint and all I could think is that I needed help so I ran back to my room but then fainted and slammed into the door. It was loud enough to wake everyone up and I soon had 5 amazing girls by my side who were checking me and helping me and ran and got Griff and Derek and Jenny. I was rolling on the ground just so sick and miserable. Then Griffin gave me a blessing and I calmed down alot and felt so peaceful. I knew that I was going to be ok but they didn't and so they forced fluids into me and I was not allowed to sleep until the doctor came to check and see if I had a concussion. I didn't luckily just a big goose egg and gash on my forehead, chin, and knees and my lip was split open. The doctor gave me ointment and medicine for the nausea and I went back to bed. So far I have been feeling alot better. I am still sick and can only eat easy foods to digest and can't stand for long periods of time but I hope by tommorrow that will change if I rest enough. I don't want to miss my last day at RSO. So although I am weak and look like I lost a fight I am just happy to be feeling better and so grateful for the preisthood and to have worthy men in my life that can give me blessings when I need them. Being sick has actually been surprisingly uplifting in other ways and I know that there is a reason for it. I will blog tommorrow and let you know how I am doing. Pray for me please. :)

Sickness -Megan

So isn't ironic that as soon as I post about how wonderful it is to be back and play with the kids and work hard and everything like that I get sick and can't see them. Last night I started feeling sick but I kept on pushing through the stomach cramps and light headedness because I didn't want to miss anything. I am happy I did though. It was worth it to have them scream butterfly and come running to me and wrap thier arms around me. That is thier nickname for me by the way and then I got to play with the girls and get to know one better. She is so sweet and spiritual. She always talks about God and how if she prays everthing will be ok. She amazes me and yesterday she came up to me all sad and told me she did not pass her science exam. I just held her and told her how smart she was and that she was going to do great on the next one. Soon I was able to cheer her up and then we went to pray and then I went to dinner where I started to feel worse but I was not about to miss kissing the girls goodnight or giving the birthday girl Sathya the card I made for her so I went and had a great time even with the pain. Eswari gave me a cross with christ on it and brushed my hair and they were all so happy and cute as we read books and then I kissed them all goodnight and went to the elephant house. Unfortunatly, I started feeling worse but wanted to watch Slumdog Millionaire so I stayed up thinking that it is probably just my regular stomach pains but it wasn't.
This morning I woke up really sick and could barely stand. So I have been in bed the whole day trying to get over this bug or whatever it is. I am sad to miss the kids and everything but looking on the bright side I have decided that I just have to rest today and then tommorrow hopefully I can play hard and be all better. Also it was good cause I got to talk to the girls and we had a great spiritual talk. So it is ok. I am feeling a little better and hope to be all better in the morning.

It is great to be back-megan

Today was so great. It was so nice to get to work again and serve and be with the kids. Today I got to do construnction but before we went to work in the colonies we got to walk down the street to the Bindu School of Art that was set up by a man and he teaches some of the leprosy afflicted to paint as their proffession. Some of them are missing fingers and all of them have leprosy but they paint the most beautiful pictures. We met the people and saw them painting then we told them that we were interested in buying some of them and they opened up closets full of pictures. We looked through hundreds of them and I was able to narrow it down to two paintings. They are gorgeous and a prized possesion now. They are more expensive then other things I have been getting but it is for a good cause. The money goes back to the community to help build it more and then the artists recieve part of it as payment but it is a pool and so they all get paid even if one sells more than the other. They have even gone to art shows and sold them for hundreds and the best part of that is not the money but the fact that they are again fighting the stigma and showing that they have talents and are amazing people capable of things that I can't do like paint well. They are part of a group that are showing the world that they have worth and can contribute to society and thier disease will not keep them as beggers on the streets. That is what this whole amazing program is about and it is helping to end this stigma which is worse than leprosy. As mother teresa said, "One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody" and "Lonliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty" We often say that the stigma hurts more than the disease so while we are helping them medically it would be almost nothing if we didn't help them prove the stigma wrong and show themselves and the world thier worth.

Sunday

Yesterday was amazing!!!! I felt so good again finally, and the best part was church. In fact It might be one of the highlights of this trip!!!! I sat down next to this random guy asked him his name and started talking. He was investigating the church and is getting baptized in August. There is like one or two baptisms a week there. insane kind of. I really enjoyed talking to him, and I had a great chance to really bear my testimony as well, and help him with questions he randomly trusted me with. It was great to feel like a missionary again!!! His name was Kellep. TIght name it was.
church was good because we got there on time and I was able to partake of the sacrament, which really was a great blessing to have once again. I am back to full life now with lots of energy, and everyone seems ot be really happy about it!!! The afternoon consisted of a long bus ride home, on which Kartik fell asleep on my lap, and we hit a bump so big that I literall flew up in the air about a foot!!! IT woke everyone up which was really funny to watch being the only one still awake.
We also watched Ghandi, and like so often a good movie does, it just moved me. I love movies baout men that do great things in the name of something righteous and good. I was so touched by so many things Ghandi did while watching it and the people themselves as they allowed themselves to be beaten but would not lift a finger against the others. Just like El Cid, and other such movies, I just pondered alot afte we stopped it at intermission to finish tonight!!!! It was a great day, and I felt so blessed to be here for it and not traveling.
-grif

Weekend Touring

So I am sorry that I have not blogged for awhile but we were touring in the north for the weekend and I didn't bring my computer so I will just make this a really long one and then blog about today later tonight. So here it goes...
On friday, we woke up at 3 and I found out that Griffin was still sick and wouldn't be coming with us which made me really sad and sorry for him. I was really hoping that he would be able to come but it just didn't work out cause he was really sick. So we left giff here with the other people staying and departed in the dark morning on a long bus ride to chennai then a plane ride to New Delhi.
I was shocked when we were dricing around about how clean it looked around the airport and how nice the buildings were. it was intereting though cause then in the city I saw both worlds on top of one another. There were 5 star hotels next to rundaown apartments and little tent shacks on the street in front of beautiful buildins. I saw both rich and poor where as in Chennai it is mostly all rundown, dirty, and poor. I was also shocked thatit was a little more westernized and touristy. People wre in jeans and t-shirts which made us stand out even more in our chuddadars. Most the ads were in english and it was wierd. This changed however as we went to Old Delhi which looks alot like Chennai. In Old Delhi, we took rikshaw rides which was so much fun especially since we risked our lives being on really little rikshaws in the streets of India ;) but our driver was really protective and sweet and reminded us to watch our stuff and just looked out for us. We saw the international spice market which was crazy with hundreds of people and barrels of open spices crammed into the alleyways. Men were carrying bags of spcies as big as me on thier backs and the shopps had so many spices that the air was almost unbreathable yet wonderful cause every breath was a new sensation. I was smushed and pushed through the crowd which reminded me of a mosh pit. I wish I could have gotten some spices but with so many people and the lack of oxygen we didn't spend much time there.
The city was rundown and old but so alive with people and bright colors everywhere. It was amazing to see but I think the people there were more surprised to see us cause they just stared at us and took pictures of us which was akward. They were nice but is was wierd to get attention like that. It probably didn't help that we were traveling on a huge bright orange bus that said Tourist on the top. I can't imagine why we were always surronded by beggers and kids trying to sell things. ;)
After touring the city we got back on the Orange Dream machine and drove 5 hrs. to Agra, checked into the hotel, got food and just chilled and relaxed which was nice. It was fun to walk into the hotel and have them put a mark on my forehead and give us rose water and treat us like honored guests even though we looked tired and our old chuddadars looked even more tired.
On Saturday we left for the Taj Mahal at 5 in the morning and it was still crowded which surprised me alot. It was great though cause we beat the midday rush and heat and we got to see the Taj light up as the sun came up on it. It was incredible and since it is made out of marble it just sparkled in the sun. The closer I got the more the intricate details took my breathe away. We but on slippers and walked around it and inside and the buildings around it. It was so beautiful and words cannot descibe it. We went to Fort Agra whre the Muggal kings lived when they occupied India. It made me think of the Great Wall of China but it had a moat surronding it and a courtyard with gorgeous buildings on the inside. It was cool to see and eventful with out little fan club of indian men that followed us the whole time. We tried to just move along but they kept following and asking for pictures with us. We just made sure we stayed togeather and went along though.
Then we went back to the hotel for breakfast, and swimming which was a blast to play with everyone. We raced, played games, and just splased around for a while. Then we went to a Indian Rug Shop and watched how rugs are made by hand on the loom and it is incredible to see. The details and skill involved just floored me. They were fast and it was amazing to see the designs taking shape as they "sang" to eachother to get the pattern down and burn the back to keep the rugs from being slippery and sliding. It two people about 5 months to make these rugs that only cost 700 dollars. I was shocked that they were so cheap for how hard they were to make. There are so many steps and such skill involved. But that is still pretty could pay here since the average salary is really small. I would say that it is sad but maybe it is not cause they people live simply and they are so happy. Somtimes I wonder if Americans really do "have it better." Anyway then they did a rug show for us and we sat on couches and drank soda while they unrolled amazing rugs. It was cool to see. Then we went to dinner and the bazaar for shopping which was kinda sketchy but really fun and I got some awesome shoes. Then it was back to the hotel and we went dancing while people stared at the strange white kids trying to dance.
Sunday we rode elephants which was really cool and then made the day long travel back to Rising Star. The weekend was really fun and the bonding was great but I missed the kids and the service. I was really happy to get back and see Griff and get ready to see the kids and work hard today. I missed them alot and the feeling that I get from serving which no amount of touring can make up for. I will write more about today though tonight when it is over. And I still need to get all the pics so I might end up not showing those till I get back. Sorry.

The Blessing of Sickness

Hey everyone,

Last time I wrote on this I said I was a little sick. Well I get pretty bad for two days, and for that reason I am the only volunteer still hill at the "elephant house" while the others went up to New Delhi, touring the Taj Mahal, and such. I had a crazy fever, it was only 101, but I felt so sick. Since I never get sick due to my health obsessions, it was so wierd. I have been so cautious, and yet I still got something. A few people have been getting lick though. The amazing thing is when I first watched everyone leave at three thirty int he morning to drive to chennai, and catch their plane, all I could think of was that I was missing out on a party. Steel Hendershot, the only other LDS Melchizedek bearing priesthood member here, gave me a blessing the night before, and I was so sure that I would be fin by the time I woke up six hours later at three to go. But It did not happen. but as all trials seem to be I have found some amazing things within this one. So for this Blog I am just going to share a few quick enlightenments if you will.

1. Faith requires action. Of course I already knew this, but I am not sure I realized what all that might entail at times. I really had done nothing for this. I even had the thought to go get Katie (one of the councelors) to call Steel so he could come give me a blessing, but she had been sick too, and I did not want to bother her, so I didnt. About half an hour later Steel showed up on his own and offered a blessing. I almost started crying just realizing that Heavenly Father cared even though I did not act. Then I did not have to show much faith since I was expecting ot be fine six hours later. I have had that happen. On my mission I was really sick only once, and I had Elder Gowdy give me a blessing within an hour it was gone. But I got thinking about it, and as I was reading in the NEw testament, I realized all the people who had been healed straightway had had the infirmity for years sometimes. They did not just experience one day. They had been showing their faith for a while, by bearing with patience. Also many did great things like travel distances or washed his feet with their tears. So I suddenly became willing to wait for his timing. But I knew I had to do all Ic ould. so I started taking medicine.

2. Trust professional help and do all I can before the priesthood needs to step in.

By this I mean that I was expecting the blessing to just work, because it was the melchizedek priesthood, and it is the power of God on earth. But I rembered this talk in the Ensign a while ago, about how we need to use all that God has given us and then use a blessing after because we have been blessed with so much technology to help us. So I got Dr. Kumar, who luckily was on campus at the time, and he came over talked gave me some pills, and whala this morning my fever, and everything but the Diarhhea was gone. The runs are getting better meaning less frequent, which is good.

3. sometimes Heavenly Father sees what we need more than what we want.

I have not had sacrament in forever it seems like, becase last week my bus was way late getting to church, so we only heard the last two speakers. So I have an oppurtunity to go again tomorrow with a few people and hopefully be on time. I would say I need that strength to simply to be boosted up since I have been working so hard, and giving my all here, and I want to leave it all here, and just sleep the whole plane ride home cause I am so tired.

there it is then!! Some of the blessing that have come besides that is I have been able to spend time with the counselors, and with the kids. I helped decorate the star store today which was really fun, and I get to have the kids all to my self!!!! ;) Maybe I shouldnt be so selfish though!!

This really is an ALL or NOTHING experience, so if you ever get upset that I never get back to you on emails or facebook, it is just because I dont use them that often. I am trying to be HERE in the moment, and soak it all up!! It is amazing what happens to a heart when it is just serving, and how much one can love others by serving them, and just being there for them. I love the hugs every night because the kids hug with all they have. We have to ask as a rule, but I hardly ever have to ask, because they just come runnin to me and wrap themselves around my legs!!!! WOW I love it!!!

-Grif

Sweat, laughs and hugs. -Megan

Today I worked hard played hard and just enjoyed. I did construction today and it felt so good to work hard and sweat under the Indian sun for these people. We carried heavy blocks and big bowls on our heads with rocks and cement. It was great. Then I came back and talked to the amazing girls in my room. It was so fun and we got to know each other more. I just loved then and they are so sweet and fun. Then we helped with dinner cutting fruit and then went to our talent classes which was crazy again and just played with the kids. It was so fun after two days coming back and as soon as I walked onto the playground, my legs were tied with little arms hugging me and I was just swarmed with kids. I loved it as they said they missed me and then wanted to go to my class and just held onto me. It was wonderful and I really missed them as well.
At dinner we did highs and lows and then what we learned from the last couple amazing days away. It was really spiritual and wonderful to hear all the lessons learned and other people's insights. They really made me think and it was nice to reflect on all the life lessons learned here and just the reminders. I shared about the amazing love that I feel for these people. It is so weird and hard to explain cause I really do love them even though I barely know them. I couldn't tell you thier name and I have never met them and yet I love them so much. This is so new to me cause usually there are only a select few I would say I love but there it is just this love and bond that I have never felt this strong before and I love it. I also tried to explain the feelings of the last couple days but words cannot descirbe it. It is like love, charity, and peace yet fatigue, humble and just oh I can't describe it. I just wish everyone could come here and feel this amazing feeling and learn all the personal lessons taught here. It is incredible.
After dinner I went to my family where I was greeted with more hugs and kisses as all the girls cried out "butterfly" which is thier nickname for me. We read stories while the girls crowded around me and held my legs and arms; it made me almost not notice the bugs falling all over me ;) The girls were so cute and Davey wrote on the petals on my water bottle "I heart u Megan" which made my heart melt. Then I had to say goodbye which was so hard cause I just got back and now won't see them for a while and they kept saying " you back on sunday?" I hugged them and said goodbye and then Sattia and Davey stood on the balcony blowing me kisses and waving goodbye. Oh I love these kids so much. Well I better get to bed since I have to wake up tommorrow at like 3. It is late but it is my own fault for having shower singing parties and talking and snacking with the gang instead of packing. Now we are all frantically blogging and journaling before we have to get to bed. Today will be a long day as we travel to Dehli.

The slums of Andrapredesh

Today was an amazing and crazy day. It seemed like we ran into every problem and delay again but as we always say TII( this is India). Eventually we made it to the colony though. This one was in the slums and so it's inhabitants weren't just leprosy afflicted but also the very poor. We ended up setting up in a small assembly room. It was stuffy with over a 100 people in about the size of a normal classroom or smaller but we have been blessed and it has been kinda rainy lately and cooler so that helped with the stuffiness. Also when we got there I said a little prayer and it was totally answered. I was able to help treat over 100 people and although I saw bigger ulcers and more rotting flesh than I have ever seen, I was fine. I didn't mind the smell or the sight which others were having troubles with. The hardest part was to while washing and bandaging watching the people as they were in pain. There are two men that stick out to me and they were sitting next to eachother which made the situation even harder. One of the guys had crawled in cause the ulcers on both his feet were so bad and he just just shaking. I helped take off his bandage and such but eventually I just held his leg up and rubbed his arm trying to comfort him without passing cultural boundaries. That was hard cause his ulcers were really bad and the flesh was so infected. Then next to him was another man with a really bad ulcers on one of his feet. Probably by far the worst I have seen. The tears streamed down his face as he motioned to us that he wanted his leg cut off cause it hurt him so much. I didn't want us to put the medication or bandage but we had to just rewrap it. We had about 6 people working on those two alone and after that we were told to take a break cause it was hard. We stood in the rain outside collecting ourselves and then we went right back in their.
I saw hard things today and there were so many people pushing to be the next one treated since medical treatment is rare and we couldn't communicate to them well and it was just crazy. But we treated over 100 people in that colony and left happily fatugued. I loved serving those people and seeing thier strength and will power. I feel so blessed to be able to serve them and interact with them.
After that we left for a 6 hour bus ride home with even more delays and problems but luckily we could do some bribing. I think God is trying to teach me patience and let me tell you it is working; traveling in India is doing the trick. ;) I am learning so much and just love it here. Oh and I will post pictures of these last couple amazing days later but many of the pictures I want are on other peoples cameras. Sorry

Crossing Borders -Megan

Wow Today was an amazing day. We woke up early and got on a bus for a 4 hour bus ride that ended up being more like 8 hours. The problem was that we were crossing to another state and gettting across the border proved to be quiet a challenge. They made us switch buses cause they needed a permit and it couldn't be private and then only 12 people were allowed per vehicle so some people walked across. It was crazy but so worth it. Then we got here where they don't speak english or tamil so neither us nor the drivers/ Dr. Kumar could talk to people. So we checked into the hotel, ate, and then were off to a new colony. This coloney Dr. Kumar has been to once but it has never had volunteers from RSO or America for that matter come so it was all new and so great. These people are isloated to the jungle but they were a large happy group. It surprised me that although RSO had never been there they were so willing to accept us and were so loving right off. We said hello and the women were so cute and garbbed my hands when I offered them and then blessed me. The love was automatic and then after introductions and we began the medical treatment line.
We took 10 at a time and did blood glucose, blood pressure, documentation/ pictures and then washing and bandaging. Then they went over to Dr. Kumar and got medications. I was on blood pressure and when I wasn't I went around and without words met poeple. We took pictures, smiled, held hands, blessed each other, and ususally exchanged names. I wish so badly I could speak to them but it is amazing what body language can do. We were able to interact and it was so wonderful. I feel like I say that alot but I dont have words for the feeling of joy I felt. The respect and love was mutual and so sweet. To show their appreciation they put flavors in our hair and kissed our hands.
Today I say conditions worse than previous colonies that we see often, but instead of the bad I focused on the good. Some might have only seen the large ulcers, and smelled the rotting flesh but if I had only seen that I would have missed the exchanges of love in the form of smiles, the little hand squeezes, or the tears of gratitude and humility, and the warm spirit. Everywhere I looked above the sores I saw the smiles, tears and love. It was wonderful to be a part of and at the end I said goodbye to each person still lingering including the children and then we got o nthe bus. they lined up and waved goodbye. These people started out as strangers this morning but turned into friends by night fall. They were so wonderufl and I am grateful for the chance I got to meet them, even though I will probably never see them again cause tommorrow is a new colony. They still made an impact on my life and are amazing.

Monday

So on monday it was a regular day of tutoring and playing with the kids. It was nice though cause we only have two days with them this week cause we were gone on tuesday and wednesday and leave again on friday. So I got the privelege to tutor Monisha which was great but hard at the same time. We had to go back to basics in math cause she was supposed to be doing fractions and long division but still had to count on her fingers. Often the kids here just memorize instead of learning how to do the math or memorize the spelling of a word instead of how to sound it out which limits them alot so we try to teach the basics so they can do any problem and read any word not just the ones that they have previously memorized. I so wish that the education was as good as in America but at least these kids have smaller classes and native english speaking tutors right? :)
Also we worked in the star store which is a fabulous idea and way for these kids to practice finances. The kids earn stars for doing chores and homework and such and then they can spend them and buy things like journals, pens, toys, chapstick, ect or they can save them for bigger prizes. Then it was a regular day of play time from 4 to 6, dinner, and then helping with homework and helping put to tuck into bed which is always a blast. They are so cute and were so sad that I would be gone for most the week and asked to kiss my cheeks and one girl Sattia gave me braclets that she made for me. It was a great day.

weekend and adventure

The last few days have been so fun and intense!!!! I feel like we have been so priviledged!!!! We even got to go to church in Chennai. It was quite the amazing thing, to see it. It was so much like Hungary, in the small branches, but yet again you see the strength of so few being incredible. There are even a few kids here that are LDS and went with us. It was cool to meet their families, and get to know a little more where they came from!!!
Then the last two days we got the oppurtunity of a lifetime here. Something that has never been done. We got to go to another state and be the first ones that have ever gone to these two leprosy infected colonies. It was supposed to be just a four hour drive to the first, and that is with stopping at the hotel, and dropping off our stuff. But the border here we got stopped, and had to bribe some people to get us across kind of. We had to rent a different bus, and leave ours at this town by the border, and then there was some huge guy gathering with Dr. Kumar, and the drivers, and a bunch of random people. The director Jenny came back and said, so pretty much we are bribing to get across the border to another state. It was so funny and yet so sketch!!! We arrived at the Hotel Grand which had a sign below it that said "really grand"!!! I found that to be really interesting since the Hotel ripped us off, and was really scary. Right before I fell asleep Megan said, grif this wall looks like someone got attacked, and kidnapped. I looked over to see, and there were black and red marks like hands and feet, and such. and a sign on the desk said, if you do not feel like your sheets need to be washed then please put this on, so we can conserve energy. WOW!! But it was still a good nights sleep anyway!!!!
The first place had seen Dr. Kumar two years ago but it has been a while. It was amazing to once again see the peoples patience as we worked with them, and got to kow them. I really went out of my comfort zone this time, and just went around talked to everyone shook their hands, and one of the men did something, that I will never forget... when I reached out my hand to shake his, he grabbed mine with both hands, and put his lips to the back of it, and then, put it to both of his cheeks, and just held it for a moment. It was a very touching moment for me!!! Probably even more than when I first washed one of the leprosy affected mens foot. To see the love that people have for strangers, just because they are so grateful for their sacrifice to come help them who have always been the untouchables. We arrived at two and were there til seven thirty. It was awesome!!!
The next day we went to the slums of the city. It was called Tirupati by the way, and the colony that we went to the day before is Jyothi. This one was just in the ghetto. First time they had ever been seen, and for that very reason, it was incredibly intense. Some of the ulcers were huge, and I helped wash and bandage one man who pretty much has no skin on his shin or top of his foot, and right side of his ankle. I thought it might be gross when I first was taking his huge bandage off, andn I could see the leakage. But for some reason I was not grossed out. I just started washing, and it took a lot because his skin was falling off in my gloves, and on the towel I was was washing with. He was so grateful as well. the rest of that day was intense, because we were brand new, and at least 107 people came to see Dr. Kumar, and before that the most was like 80 maybe. I even had to be a bouncer for a little bit, because people were pushing their way in. I found out that it is because usually the medical people that come, have limited supplies so first come first serve, but we were able to see all of them. It is an amazing thing we are doing here. I think I might make it even more a part of my life, to really help eradicate it. Dr. Kumar is one of the only doctors that does what he does.
Today I am sick with diahhrea, and hoping the pills work, so I can go to delhi tomorrow, and not have to much of a problem. but I am feeling fine, it is just really bad diahhrea kind of wierd, but I am glad I feel okay. Hope many are enjoying learning of our moments, and adventures here.
-Grif
P.S. On the way home we had to bribe more people to get back across the border. haha. Oh man TII (This Is India)!!

Church - Megan

So it has been crazy here and I have so been so busy that I haven't blogged in a while but luckily I have written in my journal so that helped. So Sunday we got dressed in Saris and drove for over two hours to church. We went to a small branch in the basement of some building but it was so wonderful to talk down there and hear the hymns. Most of the block was in english but was still very hard to understand. But the spirit was so strong as these sweet members bore their testimonies. The 2nd man was espically hard to understand but his was so powerful. I only caught a few words but I know that he was talking about anger and it was cute when he said that we should smile all the time cause it is hard to be angery with a smile. :) I totally agree with that though everyone should always have a smile. It was so sweet and mademe think of a conference talk about teaching simply and bringing the spirit.

The rest was also wonderful. These members are wonderful and I loved seeing that the church is the same in India. I really need that unliftment to get me through the week. Then I got back to the hostel and it was nice just to relax and email and stuff. Also in an email from John today he gave me a quote, "Buty makes us do things; love makes us do them well." I think this is so true and I would add to that cheerfully. I have been amazed that I am here doing hard work, sweating constantly from the heat and living with all sorts of bugs, showering with frogs, and washing ulcers. Normally I might complain or slack off but I find that I am willing to do anything and deal with anything because I love these people so much that I am happy to help. I hope that I can keep this attitude always cause I have learned here that even in the worst conditions you can find happiness and as Jaraj said, "be jolly."

life

Hey everyone, I know its been a while, but the internet was out. Mostly life has just been amazing, and exciting. I have decided that I really dont want to leave this place. There is a family that leaves tomorrow, and I think it is just so sad that they dont have more time. I would die if I was leaving so soon. This place is so magical, and I just fell so in love with it!!!! It is an amazing place!!!!! Well it is late I love you all!!!!

Grif

Mamallapurum? - Megan

Today was our day off so we went to mamallapurum or howevery you spell it. It was was to get out and do some shopping and site seeing but I really missed the kids and serving others. We went to the temples here and saw the "butterball" which is a giant rock on a slope and no one can figure out why it is not falling. I personally think that it was the girls holding it up but that is just me :) It was fun though to spend more time with these amazing girls and two boys. They are all so great and shopping togeather, site seeing, running through the rain, and wading through giant puddles of water in our chudidars was awesome. I am just sad that I did not take more pictures. I seem to have a problem with that and I always regret it. But I did pick up a new skill today and that is bardering. Rule of thumb never pay as much as they first say. I was shocked that this worked. They taught me a few tricks and I was able to lower the prices alot which was great. Also I tried a new food today that was incredible. We went to a little street place and got perota. Which is like a flacky thin bread and hard to describe. They serve it with a omelet and amazing curry like sauces. Oh man it was so good and really filling and only about 50 cents. Man I love India. I am just in heaven since all the food is incredible. Well I better get to bed but today was great and I am so excited for tommorrow when we go to church here.

Heaven on Earth-Megan

Bindi Women and her husband.

Dominoes blower :)

Jaraj with this drum singing

Today I had the amazing privilege to go to a colony called Moot. It is a special one since there are only 7 people left in the colony but they are amazing. When we first got there we got out to go find them. We were greeted by a loud laugh as Jaraj came running up to us laughing and smiling and shooting out broken english to us. He was so happy and from what I have been told is always like that. As can be expected his laughter and smiles were cantagious and we all caught them. Then the next person I met was a women who did not have leprosy but came to the colony to take care of her husband which is unheard of since most people are outcast. To cast yourself out would be a great act of love. She was so cute and blessed me with pinch kisses and then pushed a bundi practically in my head since it didn't want to stay. She was so sweet though. Then they started to come out of their cement apartments and set up there bedding mats to play games. They are all pretty healthy and so we mostly played games with them. It was amazing to watch these people as they played Janga and dominos with mangled hands. They were really good with the few fingers they had and the man with no fingers was able to push the dominos that I set up and he loved that. We were all laughing and having so much fun and I can't even begin to explain the feeling there. I didn't know these people. I can't even pernounce their names and yet I love them and they love me. I have never felt like that before. To care so much for strangers. It was like they were family and it was so natural. It was the greatest feeling and truly heaven on earth. I loved as we banged tins and dominos and anything we could find to make a beat and sang songs and danced. Then we shared our cultures by singing our anthems to eachother and then we taught them snowman and the popcorn popping song. I have rarely been so happy. Then the saddest part was leaving. When it was time we said thank you and good bye and each one grabbed my hands and kissed them. The pinch kisses continued and then we loaded the bus. We waved the whole way and the last thing I saw was them waving and blowing kisses until we were completely out of sight. I was fighting back the tears cause I will probably never see these people again and yet the afternoon that we shared and the overwhelming love all around was life changing. I never want to forget that day.

Best Day Yet! - Megan

So the pictures on the other best day yet post go with this post but they were placed wierd and I don't know how to move them so sorry that yesterday is between today and today's pictures but hopefully you can put two and two together.
Right now I am on break and so this amazing day has not ended yet but I thought that I would get a head start on blogging so I can get some sleep tonight. I think tonight is movie night so heaven knows I won’t have enough time. Today we went to one of the more developed colonies which look like a regular village. This is because of microloans. They have peopled with all sorts of jobs even a barber. The community has also been saving their money and built an old folks home and an art school to help more people with incomes and are now working on a community center. This is so important because people form leprosy colonies are not allowed in community centers of temples which is where the marriage. Take place. So this will serve many functions one of which is a place for these amazing people to marry.
We helped them move sand cement. This was done in large bowls and was hard work, but my amazing group was so happy to be helping. Oh by the way they have the coolest shovels ever and carrying things on your head really is easier. Ok so back to this, I was so inspired as I sweated buckets under the hot Indian sun and watched these incredibly able people work with us. They were so kind and although I could not speak to them the love, respect, and appreciation was there. They were proving the stigma wrong. And so were we. They have worth; we showed them we thought so and they showed the world. Well I am off to teach my talent class but I will maybe blog more but if nothing so exciting happens I will see you tomorrow. :)
Well the day just got better so I am back with more. We did talent classes and the card making was a chaotic success, but the kids loved it and I loved seeing their faces. Their cards were so cute. Then dinner was probably the best yet. It was so scrumptious. :) But the best part of the day by far was helping the kids with their homework and getting ready for bed. I walked in and the girls called my name and as I helped them they were so excited to see me and have me test them. Two of the girls Eswari and Suvitha saw that I was struggling hard core with all the names of the twenty girls in my family and so they grabbed by hands and wrote all the names all over that palms and pointed out the girls and said, "this your homework" then they were teaching me tamil and as I called out all the names the girls all smiled and by the end I had a nickname "butterfly" and they were all hugging me and saying they loved me and goodnight. I didn't want to leave but it was bedtime so after many hugs, smiles, and pictures I left. Tonight was for sure my best night yet. Sorry this is so long. But I was just so happy that they are warming up to me and I just love them so much. The only bad part is the dreaded lice. A lot of the kids have lice and all of us are so afraid that we are going to get it but I have decided it is worth all the lice in the world to have them hug me and be close to me. So hopefully I won't come back with it but I don't think that I will.

Tutotring by Megan

Yesterday was a really busy day so I didn’t get the chance to blog but I will tell all about it today. Yesterday my group had the privilege to tutor kids. I was a blast, but it made me realize how silly our language is. There are so many exceptions and different sounds that the letters make, helping them sound out the words was frustrating because of this, but the kids are so smart and doing so well. Have native English tutors is invaluable in India, and they are doing so well. This school went from being a looked down upon place where the “leper kids” went to a place where villagers and others want to send their kids so that they can get the best education. Although in America it would be considered a bad school with limited supplies here it is a place of luxury with a small computer lab, library, and newly added dining hall. Rising Star has grown so much in the last little while and there is not doubt that God is making it happen. It is an inspired program.
This was evident yesterday when I had the privilege to meet Padama. She is the one who started this program with Becky Douglas. She is of the highest cast because she was the daughter of a president but instead of a life of luxury she has chosen to serve the leprosy afflicted people. She told us more about the micro lending that has helped these people start up business and taken them from begging on the street to self sufficient and productive members of the colonies. This is helping change to stigma that these people have no worth and given them their dignity back. Rising Star Outreach is also fighting this in more than one way. Taking the children from the colonies to one of the best schools in India that teaches them that they are special helps them change the stigma associated with them. These kids with English and computer skills truly will become the rising stars of India even though there origins would have kept them as low as dogs on the street. I love that this program helps on so many levels. When you see it you can’t help but know that this is true.
We also had the privilege of helping the kids write sponsor letters. They were so excited and they highlight of my day was helping this little girl that was just beaming with excitement write to her sponsors and tell them thank you and that she loved them. They really do love their sponsors. One little girl got a letter from one of hers and still is carrying it around telling everyone and when she found out I was from America asked, “You know my sponsor Christine?” They are so loving and strong and just happy. If you want to cure the blues come to India and play with these kids. It will turn that frown upside down in a matter of seconds. The day was just wonderful and we even had game night. I have learned more about the other volunteers who are amazing by the way. We were up late last night just laughing like crazy and lately we have really begun to bond with a few. I hope that happens with all of them. I loved yesterday and today was wonderful as well which I will soon be blogging about. Sorry this was so long.

Best Day Yet!

also...

Today I also tried to teach some kids how to front flip. It was soooo funny when they would try to do what I say. i told them to jump and tuck, but they just kept tucking and jumping!!! :) I was helping them at first, to be safe, and they would always run to me tuck and then jump right at my knee. Then I would have to lift them. finally I got them to do the jump and tuck, and they wanted to do it alone. It looked like kids were raining from the ski, as they would jump up as far as they can and then just tuck, get scared and just flail to the ground on their hands and knees. Tonight was super fun to because the kids from my house all did fohawks with me and we took some pictures not to mention my team beat the other team in soccer twice!!!
-grif
P.S. I also posted the one below this just FYI.

the change

Today and yesterday I have been thinking alot about two different sayings, one by ghandi, "be the change you want to see in the world." and also has megan put it earlier, Heavenly Father answering "I did. I made you." in response to a mans question to suffering. Yestrday I did Tutoring in the school which blew my mind. these kids here are being taught so much, and are rerally smart. All their books are in english so they learn Math and sciences in English. It just amazed me, but my real pondering was that we are helping to make the future leaders of India, who may be the change they want to see in the world. I realized how important it is that we be that change so that we can be HeavenlyFathers instruments in chnging the world, and in helping others to be the change they want to see. Many of the kids would surprise you with their intelligence and dreams, to do something. Some are still to young but the older ones, are alredy practicing it. Shankar wants more peace and so far I have not seen him fight, or hit anyone else. He has great patience.
today I thought even more about these things as I did construction in one of the leprosy affected colonies. By the way to say the term Leper is very derogatory so we say leprosy affected or leprosy "curse from God", and were not people in a real sense to those who were not afflicted. So now we just dont call them lepers because they are people still and not just a disease. Anyway It was amazing to see the smiles as we drove into the colony, and started working with them to build this community center! IT is amazing how far this particular colony has come. Dr. Kumar has been working with it for years, and it looks like anyother village which is rare. They are so independent now, and so happy just o be alive. Really it is amazing to me now just as it was in Mexico years ago, that these people have nothing and yet something that all of us want, and that is happiness, and yet so many int he world have so much and yet feel sorro so much and so constantly. If only we would all realize that WE were made to be Gods hands, not to sit at home and veg away on a TV finding now happiness. I have found here already that it comes really only from service, being with people and loving one another and showing that love by our actions. I have not felt sad, down, depressed, or anything since I have been here. I am just constatnly smiling, and sometimes it is wierd to justbe smiling for no reason, but here I am doing it anyway. Feels l ike my heart is changing alot!!!

Touching the Untouchables

Today I ad the privilege of going to one of the Leprosy Colonies and treating the patients. It was a long bus ride but that is ok because I got to know Dr. Kumar and the girls in my group, " the cobras," better. It was so cool getting to know Dr. Kumar and hearing his story of how he got involved in the medical field after his grandfather died and then how he got involved with RSO. He is great. So when we finally got there I saw some the the worst living conditions I have ever seen and the people were suffering physically and emotionally from the diseas the the stigma going along with that disease. The stigma that these people are bad, cursed by God and untouchable is so present when you see how they are outcasted and hearing thier stories. It just breaks my heart. But like the thought given at dinner " how could a loving creator let these people suffer and not do anything. Well he has done something he created you" I loved that thought that we can be the blessings God gives to others.
Almost the whole first half of out time there I was on the verge of tears and biting my lip to hold back the tears. At first I was hesitant but a cute women came and grabbed my hand and then one of the old men said that many had died in their colony but they were not giving up. They have so much drive and are so incredible. Many of them have learned to live with deformities since they were 15 and have struggled and it is incredible to see them. We tested blood pressure and glucose but wrapped thier ulcers and stuff. My favorite part though by far was washing the feet. I washed the man's feet in the picture below. It was so humbling to go from keeping a distance to getting below them to wash thier feet. I scrubbed the sores that looked like tree knots and were just as hard. I rubbed and washed with only my hands no scrubber both is deformed feet that had gone through so much and in doing so I remined myself that we are all equal children of God. It made me think of when people washed Christs feet and showed him respect by doing so. I was showing that man that the stigma didn't matter to me. I let him know that he is special and has worth and I touched the untouchable. It was a great day today and got even better as I played with the children and the girls kissed my cheeks and braided my hair and told me stories after I told them stories. It was a great day.
(Disclaimer: it was brought to my attention that I have alot of typos and just as a disclaimer for that; I do most of my blogging at night right before bed and I am exhausted so sorry for the typos. I hope the message still gets through) Good Night :)

work out of a lifetime

Hey everyone it is good to finally leave a post of my own here. The only thing I will add to Megansposts of yesterday is that I listned to the Eagles Take it Easy as we were going down the road. It was pretty awesome to be on a bus and just have that song blasting in my ears. Then last night when we first met the kids, One named Ragu came and grabbed my hand, I looked down at his beautiful eyes and he asked for my name, and no sooner had I said Grif then twenty boys surrounded me and pusehd, and pulled me toward the spinning thing, yelling, "Spin very fast Grif Spin Spin Spin very very fast" IT was awesome. I have never sweated so much that even after four liters of water I still did not use the rest room.
So today this morning i got up at five thirty and went for a run. We ran for quite a while as the other guy is a marathon runner. but it was wayfun to be out in the middle of nowhere running around trees and ponds, and haveing to climbg arounf huge ponds left from last night. Then once we got back we went on the roof and did some Yoga for about twenty minutes, and then did some balance things on these little pillars up there, and the whole time just getting to look out over the countryside. It really is magical as one of the guys said last night. Once you look up and "loook" you see the magic of India!!!! The trees, and the animals, and the hunidity, the heat, the rice patties, the smell, everything!!! The people so far are really really kind. they make great food here too. In fact last nights dinner on the banana leaves was one of thebest inidian meals I have ever had. So much for kathmandu or bombay house. ;) Thebest part is this is jut Grif

Then we ate dinner which was amazing. I also loved that it was on banana leafs which I guess are the most sanitary way to eat here. It is fun though and should be taken back to the states. During dinner we did the highs and lows for the day. Every night at dinner everyone goes around and tells thier high and low for the day. It is a great way to get to know people and remember how wonderful yet funny life can be.
After dinner we helped the kids with thier homework. They are smart kids though and so curious. One of the girls I was working with, Misbad, wanted to know everything about me and where I lived and my family plus why people didn't live on pluto, why saturn had rings, and all sorts of great questions. She then told me that she came from a family of five and one of her sister is there but only two kids per family are allowed at the school to make it more even. She told me that her mother was dead but that she had a wonderful father in the colonies. Just for those who don't know the kids are not in the colonies. They sleep at the school to help them stay healthy and get to see their parents once a month. They are so sweet though and call us megan auntie and griff uncle. My first day was wonderful and I loved every minute. I can't wait to see what the day holds for me tommorrow.

First Day at Rising Star

So the first day was introduction and orientation which we are going to finish tommorrow. I learned how to use my first squatting toiet and bucket shower today but other than that the facilities and even those things are really nice. It is wonderful here. After that we unpacked a little and then went to play with the kids. Griff and I had so much fun and between that running, playing, and humitity I pretty much took a shower today. :)

I read I sign today that is by the women that created this organization. It said. "Once you see, you own the responsibility to do." I thought that was so great and once you see the kids you can't help but want to help them. They are so happy and sweet ( other than the laughs they had over my nose ;) .

Going to rising star

So afte an extremely long hot bus ride we finally made it to Rising Star Outreach. The bus ride was not that bad however cause we got to see the indian country side and talk to people that have come before. Hearing more about it just made me that much more to start and help the people. I am so excited so the bus ride was not that bad cause it peaked my excitment. Then we finally came across the sign that said we are near.

Thi is the rising star School that we are staying at and helping at.

The country is so green and gorgeous. India really does hold all sorts of teasures and just being here and seeing it really brings that to life.

Behind the Hindu temple there were catfish that would swarm anything thrown in the water. Some of the locals through in bananas and the catfish literally jump out of the water and onto the cement to get it. So here are the pictures of that and some more locals.

Tour Continued

So I just realized that this will be backwards cause the most recent are the top posts. Just fyi if you are as blond as I am. :)

So after showing us the beach Samsun took us to the churches and temples. We saw to Hindu temple and a Catholic church and since it was sunday there were peole worshiping there. Samsun told us that about 95% of India is Hindu but where we were there was alot of catholics in that part of town.

Our tour guide was Samsun and he loves Chennai. You could tell by the way he talked about these places that he was proud to be indian which was cool to me. He took us to see the 2nd largest beach in the world. This is were the poorest of the poor live according to our guide. I have many more pictures but since I can only upload a few pics at the time most of them will be on facebook. But it was sad to see this people. There homes were little shacks that got destoryed when the tsunammi season comes and they were all fisherman. Our guide asked us if the poorest people in our country were fisherman and what they were like. We told him that the poorest were probably the homeless but that there were shelters and things for them and that our government took care of the poor. He looked almost confused that we didn't have people suffering like this. It made me realize how amazing our country really is and how blessed we are to live in the US.

Traveling to India

So we are in India but it was quiet the journey to get here. We spent two days traveling and sleeping in airports. One of the most memorable moments was in New Delhi. As we went from the international to the domestic area, they took us to a room guarded by soliders with large guns. Then on a bus through what looked like the front line of a war. The buildings were crumbling and had holes. I turned to Griff and said, "This is the part when they turn around and kill us." :) But we were fine and even got a picture with one of the guards. At first we didn't know if he was saying yes ccause here they bob thier heads side to side to say yes instead of nod. Then we finally made it to chennia. With swollen feet and drooping eyes we tried to stay awake to beat jet lag (which worked by the way). So we went on a tour.