India

And... We are in India. It's pretty amazing to be here. I know people are just chomping at the bit waiting to here all about our adventures and see how our humble family survived in the land of 1.2 billion people.

While I only have my iPad at the moment, I'll just summarize a few things that really are worth mentioning, things that surprised me....


The first most amazing thing is the railway system. I am completely impressed this system carries more than 2 million people and 22 million tons of cargo daily. Even more impressed is it's efficiency and (once you figure it out) ease to make reservations. A major triumph when I made my first reservation. ( unlike busses or planes, the train may start a long time before you get in and go for a long time after you get off....)


1. Having not researched enough about the local culture and religions, I realized 90% of what was in my suitcase was offensive! Delhi is predominately Hindu with a bit of Muslim, women show nothing... Knees and shoulders covered. I am thankful for the recent weight loss as I did bring a pair of longer Capri pants I wouldn't have otherwise.


2. 112*F (44*C) is really hot.

3. NO SMOKING! Seriously, the signs say, "No smoking, it is an offense!"

4. Fresh drinking water free at many public places! Huge respect for the government willing to make sure it's citizens drink clean water, free of charge!


5. In a city of more than 25 million, I never saw the same saree twice.

6. The poorest of women carry themselves with pride and humility.

5. Poverty in a train station will bring you to your knees as you see dirty barefooted children canvassing the tracks for empty water bottles.

6. Gandhi was amazing.

7. Women don't work for the most part. Our last stop is Mumbai, the most cosmopolitan and western city in India... So I am sure it is different.

8. The northern men love their women plump! Sitting by the pool in my very tiny bikini, I felt awkwardly self conscience about my weight.... I am pretty much a bean pole!

9. In Old Delhi, time seems to have stood still.... Men are working selling everything needed (not a tourist area) all secs of most eastern religions are working side by side in harmony.

10. I have never been hassles by so many touts in my life. Even with all the warnings and readings, they are so convincing... It was a bit scary.

11. in the north, my children were continuously photographed. It was sweet, interesting but at times very disturbing. There were a few instances we had to shield Emily like a movie star.


More later...

Bazaar Results - $16,000USD

Not bad for a day's work!  Pity the prep took over two months.  That said, it was an awesome day filled with lots of great shopping, great deals, fun activities for the kids, great food, prizes, silent auction, and just lots of 'community togetherness'!

Anh Linh Love School

Family Day silent auction donations when to the Anh Linh Love School in District 7.  SSIS has a long standing relationship with the school.  They have been a recipient of both SSIS finacial and volunteer capital.

Today, Quoc and I got to present Sister Thuy and the school with the proceeds of our silent auction held on September 11th. 

1,235USD were donated today!

The children line up according to grade.  Many are much smaller then you would expect for their age.  When we first arrived, many just wanted to speak English and say, "HI!"... 

The school is 20 years old.

The children sang us a "Thank You" song...

English class..

This sign shows the teachers name on the left and teh grade level on the right.  Mot = 1, Hai = 2, etc... the number of children (hs) is next to it.  Imagine 44 first graders...

and they are very well behaved.

The middle schoolers are working on craft items today.  They sell these to make money for the school as well as sell at our Charity Bazaar.  They are very cute little bead ornaments, jewelry, etc.  Sister Thuy is so proud of their work, as are teh students.

Many students attend during the morning hours and have a school provided lunch.  Then either back home to work, or they have training at the school.  Sister Thuy teaches the boarding students (16 girls) everything from simple household organization, cooking, cleaning, and caring for themselves.

Middle schoolers sewing the school uniforms.  They are learning this trade while earning money. 

Some of the graduating students have gone on to University we were told today!  without Anh Linh Love School, none of these kids would have had a chance.....

Raising their hands

Remind me why I thought I wouldn't like Vietnam... Okay.. the jury is still out about some things...

That said, I am so grateful to be here!