Not goodbye. See you later. I hope.

(I apologize but due to technical difficulties, I was unable to post this until I was home. By the way, home is very noisy...)

So. When we signed up for this, I really worried that two weeks might be way too long. Turns out I should have worried it wouldn't be long enough. All I know is that India has become a part of me. I'm definitely leaving a huge piece of my heart here. And India will forever accompany me wherever I am in the world. Amazing.

Today was a crazy one. We got up and went first thing to one of the larger colonies. We weren't involved with any hands-on care this time. They had medical students and doctors there for consults. Our jobs were to go to the village pre-school and play with the kids, walk around the village, knocking, encouraging patients to come to the clinic, and then give the patients who needed help getting there, assistance. We all descended on the pre-school first, and I think we really overwhelmed the kids. They just stared at us with those beautiful dark eyes. I don't think they'd ever seen so many white people at once before. Most of them warmed up to us as we pulled out the crayons, paper and nail polish. Annie was magic with the kids. She danced with them, caught them as they came down the slide ending with a magnificent twirl! They all wanted a turn Their smiles brighten the world! I felt "extra", so I decided to walk up the road to see if there was something else I could do. I was praying for guidance. Out of the corner of my eye, a man started waving and calling to me. I stopped and went to him as he shuffled down the hill with his cane. He looked to me to be well into his 80s -- at least. But you never know. Life has been difficult for these people, and has weathered them in very specific ways. Many of his toes were missing, as well as part of his foot. Shortening tendons in his hands were pulled his fingers back. His eyes were white with cataracts -- but he saw me. He pointed his cane to the clinic. So we walked 30 or 40 yards down the road together. He was squeezing my hand hard, grunting and shuffling. I got him up the steps to the clinic (yes, steps -- I was longing for a ramp for these people), and took him to the first station where they took down his name and gave him a paper. He squeezed my hand tighter, and it was obvious he didn't want me to leave. So I stayed close. He handed me the paper, and I walked him to the next station, where we found a chair for him to sit down in. He still held tight to my hand. So I stood by his side until it was time for him to move on to the next step -- consultation. I smiled and waved good-bye. He put his hands in praying position (cane still in hand) and nodded his head in thanks. Such a tender mercy.

Everything was running smoothly in the clinic, so a few of us volunteers decided to go a ways down the road to a rest home for leprosy patients. It's next to the art school where we purchased some paintings, many of which were painted by these patients. Very cool. We entered the women's side first, where there were three women sitting on their beds. One woman at the far end of the room, was waving a fan made of woven leaves. Her wide eyes brightened as she waved us over, and, one by one, fanned us. She wanted to serve us. So kind. So sweet. A beautiful gift.

What next? Impromptu dance party! Erin, the volunteer coordinator, had brought a laptop and a set of speakers with her. Vicky, the Life Dance director (who is also working for a masters degree in dance therapy) started dancing with them. They began imitating her, as their smiles grew. Nothing like dance to bring a smile to your face :-) All of us volunteers joined in. We were all reaching for the ceiling and twisting our torsos, as did the patients from a seated position on their beds. It was so much fun! Their smiles were contagious. We took the party into the lobby in hopes we could coax some of the men out from their side of the facility. We got two takers, and it was beautiful! One man had great musicality. Loved it! Just such a unique and fun experience. We left them all still smiling, and perhaps a little exhausted.

When we made our way back to the clinic, it was time to pack everything into the van, and get ready to head back. It is quite a process. Everyone just jumps in and helps. Nobody ever just stands around waiting to be asked to do something. Annie has commented several times that though we are working hard, it just doesn't feel like work. Everything about it just amazes me. First of all, I can't believe we're here doing what we're doing. That there is a need for this in this day and age astounds me. That there is an organization so aware, organized, and involved gives me great hope. They provide medication, wound care, shoes for feet that can't walk, sunglasses for eyes that can't close. But perhaps most importantly, they provide personal and physical touch, that gives comfort and worth to these beautiful people who have suffered so much -- and hope that perhaps their families won't ever have to suffer in the same ways.

Well, finally it came time for our last playtime. I couldn't get my dancing friends to risk dancing in public. Maybe next time :-) There wasn't a lot of activity for me. They mostly wanted to talk with me on the green bench and I think connect one last time before I left. They are used to saying goodbye to the volunteers. It seemed easier for them than for me. I have grown to love these kids so very much. Thank you my beautiful friends!

After our final prayer time, we made our way to the dining hall where we lingered a little longer than usual. They sit in circles with their families to eat. But one by one, they popped up to say goodbye. One last hug. One last picture. One last kiss on the cheek. I blew kisses as we finally tore ourselves away, and smiled through my tears all the way back to our home away from home where our dinner was waiting for us. After dinner, we all took turns sharing what we had learned during our time there, and what we were taking home with us. Gratitude and hope were the common thread.

As we say goodbye to India (or hopefully -- see you later), I am filled with a profound gratitude. I'm grateful for Annie who, over a year ago, said she wanted to do something hard -- something that mattered. She wanted to be stretched. How grateful I am she wanted me along for the ride. From that day almost 20 years ago when I was privileged to hold her in my arms for the first time, there has been a peaceful strength about her. She came into the world to teach. And that she has. How I have loved watching her quietly reach out and find kindred spirits -- it was if they recognized and remembered each other. Thank you my beautiful girl.

I'm grateful for each of the volunteers I had the distinct privilege to serve with. They each taught me in their own unique way. They all contributed specific gifts tailor-made for those they came in contact with. They left a permanent imprint on the hearts of many -- from the children, to the patients in the colonies. Thank you for your beautiful examples of living outwardly.

I will forever remember the sparkle in the beautiful dark eyes of the children. Their openness inspired and touched me, and will continue to do so. These are children who have shouldered burdens on those tiny frames that few on the face of the earth have ever, or will ever have to bear. They carry with them a humility, clarity, and perspective that is truly remarkable. They have much to do. I know they will change their own piece of the world in ways that only they can. It doesn't seem fair that I was placed in a part of the world that is, in comparison, so safe and crazy stupid easy. But there is no doubt they are rising to the challenges they face. They are being given tools that will provide them with the independence and freedom to lay hold on those God-given gifts to accomplish the things they were sent here to do. They possess profound depth. They are strong. They are resilient. They inspire me. They bring me joy. They give me hope.

To have the gift and honor of reaching out and touching those considered to be untouchable -- a sacred gift. They touched my very soul with the gratitude in their often clouded and open eyes, their praying hands of heartfelt thanks, the remarkable gift of a grateful smile, their indomitable spirit and ability to press forward and persevere in the face of unspeakable loss -- they are the very definition of dignity and grace. I have never felt this kind of gratitude.

Not goodbye. See you later. I hope.

Dancing isn't playing.

Say what?! Okay, so after the hospital trip, we made it back to Rising Star, and I was so excited for playtime! We were going to finish the dance I'd been teaching them. Well, I think there was a little power struggle, because some girls from another hostel were wanting to join us. Suddenly things erupt in Tamil, and cute Devi excuses herself to wash her face. I asked the girls what just happened. They were telling me to ask the hostel warden for permission to dance in their room. I'm thinking we weren't supposed to be doing what we'd been doing all week? Well, I did ask the warden, and she said play time was for getting fresh air. I said, ok, let's go dance on the grass. But the warden said no. Play time is for play time. Dance class is for dance. But I've gotta say, I feel like I'm playing every time I dance! I'm thinking tomorrow, we might be getting fresh air on the playground while moving in freakishly tandem rhythmic motion ;-)

They look. They write. Two minutes. Done.

Wow, what a day, today was medical again. But we didn't go to a colony. That will be tomorrow. Instead, we took five boys, and five leprosy patients to the hospital to receive treatment that the clinic here can't provide. I was lucky enough to get to take care of Joseph. He is sixteen, and in 10th Standard. He is in Life Dance, and we had already connected as we talked about dance. He wants to learn to tap. We've talked about Singin' in the Rain and Step Up. He lights up whenever he talks about dance. Love him!

We talked about life. As I said before, last week's Prayer Time was on self-esteem. This week it is on humility. He said he was confused. Last week you told me to be proud. This week you are telling me to be humble. It doesn't make sense. So I told him that a good self-esteem wasn't about pride, but about knowing who you are, what your gifts are, being grateful for them, and choosing to develop and share those. I asked, what if someone came up to you and told you were a very good dancer, and you said, no I'm not. Do you think that's humility? He said that he did this all the time. I told him that it was alright to just say thank you. And to be grateful that God blessed him with such a beautiful gift, and teachers to help him develop and share that gift. We talked about being honest in our assessment of ourselves, but also giving credit to those who helped get us there. I told him that a prideful person would say, I know I'm a good dancer, and I'm a lot better than you! But a humble person would simply say thank you. He thanked me and said he had this question and was so confused, but that now he had the answer. Such a string and peaceful person. He is the president of Life Dance. He was voted in, but he was hesitant to take the position, because he had been president last year. Vicky, the Life Dance director told him he didn't have to do it if he didn't want to. But he decided that if that's what they wanted, he would do it. I pointed out that he was a humble leader. He said, no I am not humble. I said, only a humble person would say they weren't humble. He just smiled and shook his head. Just so dear.

He also told me of a man who traveled hundreds of miles by wheelchair. I was astonished, and said, wow! he must have really strong arms! He said no, not arms, but will. He has strong will! I love his perspective. This is his last year here, and he is heartsick. He says he wants to be a better student and finish strong. I told him if he had a strong will like the man in the wheelchair, he could do whatever he wanted. He smiled and nodded. We probably talked for two hours straight. I could easily have gone two more. I love how his mind works!

The entire time we talked, we were in a big waiting room, waiting to see the dermatologist. He has a skin condition that needed attention. Some bumps and skin discoloration. He told me about his father who has leprosy. Come to find out, he was very worried about his skin condition, wondering if it was leprosy because of his father. There are definitely genetic markers with leprosy. They called us in, took a look at him, said it was a fungus, the condition would go away quickly, and the light spots would correct themselves within six months to a year. They gave him a prescription, and sent us on our way. He looked at me, smiled and said, they look, they write, two minutes, done! So simple, but so scary. It really brought home to me the stark reality these kids are dealing with every day. Sobering. I will never forget today and the great privilege of talking with my remarkable friend, Joseph.

Marbles on the rooftop at dinner...

I'm completely exhausted! I even woke up tired! I think it's the heat yesterday and today. I've grown accustomed to the temperature and humidity. In fact, I rather enjoy it. I'm thinking I probably just need more water. All day Long I kept giving myself a pep talk. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming :-) (any Finding Nemo fans out there?)... And I did.

The day started with UKG. They are so much fun! We started in the dining hall singing songs. Popcorn Popping, Once There Was a Snowman, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old MacDonald Had a Farm (elephants, tigers, snakes, crocodiles, lions, turtles, fish -- apparently, Old MacDonald moved to India! Who knew?!), Baby Shark, The Princess Pat, Our Father, and to finish, Banana! Krishna snuggled up to me the whole time while Moosa nestled into Annie. I just want to take them home with me! I'm really going to miss these kids and this place. It has become a part of me in ways I didn't expect. It has become a part of me. Two weeks aren't nearly enough! So sad to be leaving Friday morning. Can't believe it's almost over.

We followed UKG to the computer room and helped them with shapes and colors programs. They did  really well. I helped Krishna. He's a wiggly little guy, but he knew what he was doing. They were soaking it all up like sponges! Especially the praise they received when they succeeded. You've seriously never seen such huge smiles!

Then on to 1st Standard where spent time with three different kids, one at a time in twenty minute intervals. They could choose to read (we had chosen four different books from the library to share), color, and/or make shapes with Popsicle sticks. One little guy switched names with a friend on me. He couldn't do it for long, though, and had to come clean. Lots of fun.

On to the library where we did more of the same with 2nd Standard. Again, just delightful! (Still telling myself to keep swimming ;-)) It was a warm day in the school, and there are fans, but no AC. But again, didn't really feel it except for the exhaustion.

4th Standard was next. They either wanted to play chess. Now, Daddy tried to teach me how to play chess, but it just went over my head. I'm learning how to play chess in India from 10 year olds! Crazy. We broke for lunch -- a much needed re-fueling.

We had about 40 minutes, and then back to the library for 8th Standard. My friend Devi was in that class, and she taught me how to play chess in a very simple and succinct way. I understand it now. My strategy isn't the best, but that will come with time. She was so patient. A very good teacher. As she walked out, she reminded me of our 3:00 appointment for our dance class.

Finally, 6th Standard made their way to the library. More chess with Monica. She beat me soundly. More beautiful smiles, and school was over. Long, gratifying day.

But no rest for the wicked. Dance lessons! We stretched and moved and caught some new girls up on the dance steps. They asked me if i could do the splits. they said, "All?" i said, "Yes." they said, "Show!" So i did, and they all broke into hysterical laughter. I asked them what was so funny, and they were chattering in Tamil. Nagesh translated and said, "We cant believe a Grandma can do splits!" I got a kick out of that! They then  said, "You dance full!" They watched wide-eyed. Not sure if they were impressed or horrified. Perhaps a little of both? We danced until 6:00, and it was Prayer Time. I was in Boys 2. We're talking about humility this week. Interesting subject for kids who really are very humble. And I'm not talking about living circumstances per se, but real honest to goodness humility. They watch out for each other. They are, for the most part, kind and gentle with each other. When I asked them what a humble person would do, words like respectful, kind, friendly, grateful, and happy. I had an opportunity to talk with Vijay. He is one of the older boys. He had an FHE lesson book of all things, and had it open to Humility. It talked about not being self-deprecating. We talked about what that was, and that it was alright to honestly assess yourself and just say thank you if someone complimented you. Honesty is important. It was interesting. I think he understood.

We walkedeveryone to the dining hall where we exchanged our goodbyes until tomorrow. We made our way to the Elephant House, carried the evening meal to the covered rooftop. No sooner did we make it under the cover of the roof, than the sky seemed to drop a bag of marbles on top of the roof. Seriously! Out of nowhere -- a huge rainstorm that brought wind and rain for about ten minutes. India. What a remarkable place!

No words, cont.

I don't know what just happened. Everything froze up, so I just posted "No Words" and am continuing here. Messing with my flow here! I'll try to make sense...

Helping someone struggling to balance to a chair. A simple touch on the shoulder is no small thing.

One woman pointed to her incredibly swollen knee and made a breaking gesture with her hands. She then lifted her sari to show me her other leg, and to my surprise, there was a prosthesis there. She made a motorcycle motion. Best I could make out is she had been hit by a motorcycle, lost one leg, and broke the other. I commented to Klorisa (medical coordinator) about the prosthetic. She said that Rising Star has been able to help in so many ways. All of the patients have special walking shoes, all provided by Rising Star. One woman came in on a four wheeled platform that sat just a few inches off the ground. She didn't have feet that I could see. She pushed herself on and off as needed and rolled around in between. Huge smile on her face.

I couldn't help but wonder which children at Rising Star were connected to these people. One woman smiled and put her hand out to the side to indicate a small child. I'm pretty sure she was telling us she was connected to a child at Rising Star. I wonder who...

At one point, I looked over at Annie sitting at the blood pressure station. We locked eyes and shared a tearful smile behind our masks. So much heartache. So much help. No words, but volumes spoken in a glance, a smile, and a gesture of praying hands. So very grateful. 

No words

As I went to bed last night anticipating going to the colonies, I prayed fervently that my hands could be his hands. I know that Christ suffered for these people. He knows their pain. He knows what they need. I prayed for the strength and compassion to provide that. I had no idea what to expect. Other than changing Annie's "tubie" dressing when she had leukemia,  I have had zero experience with wound care other than a bandaid and a kiss. That wouldn't be enough, and I felt woefully inadequate. But the other thing I am acquainted with is the enabling power of the atonement. I knew if I asked for his help, it would be provided, and my capacity to serve would be increased.  All I knew is that I wanted to treat these people with dignity and compassion. I wanted them to feel loved, seen, and touchable from the inside out.

The colony we visited was called Bethel Nagar. At most, there would be 35. I didn't count, but I'll bet we only saw between 15 and 20. We arrived and set up in the little town hall. It was exceptionally hot and humid today. We unloaded the medical van which included tables, chairs, stools, bandages, washing tubs, scissors, blood pressure cuff, supplies to test blood sugars, eye drops, medication, medical records, gloves, masks, antiseptic and metal urns to hold clean water. I don't think I left anything out. Bear with me as I share this whole process. There's a lot of information. Annie greeted the patients, took their blood pressure, and tested blood sugar if needed, then sent them for a consult with the doctor. He then sent them to me for bandage removal and washing. We were all double gloved and masked, and would change the top layer after each process. They would first place their foot in a u-shaped device to prop up their foot. Then I would cut the top layer of the bandage near the knot, immediately cleaning the scissors with alcohol before unraveling the bandage. I helped them to the next chair and removed the top layer of gloves. I prepared for the washing by first putting some sterile cloths for cleaning in my lap along with a blue surgical room bootie to put on their foot/feet once everything was cleaned. Next, I filled the washing tub with enough water from the metal urn to cover the affected areas, and added a capful or two of antiseptic depending on how much water was needed. They would soak for two to three minutes. I noticed a lot of caked on mud, most likely from the rain storms, so some needed more time than others. I would trickle the water and massage their shins and calves while they soaked. Then I would lift their for from the water, and scrub as much as I could by hand, and then clean more deeply into the wounds with one cloth, dry their foot with the other cloth, put on the bootie, and send them to the next station -- oiling. To prepare for the next patient, I walked with the tub of used water about thirty yards to a field, and emptied the tub. Before I returned to my station, there was a tub of clean water with a cup in it for rinsing, and another tub of antiseptic water for sterilizing. And my process would begin again. Midway through our visit, Annie came to do bandage removal. She was a trooper!

Perry was in charge of oiling. She would apply oil to her gloves, and massage any area with whole skin. Some of them would need their toenails clipped. Those who had toes only had a few at most. Their tendons have pulled back, and so the remaining toes are shortened and often kind of piled one on top of the other. Clipping the toenails was a difficult task, but Perry was awesome. She is 17 years old and is here with her friend Rebekah, who is 15, and Bekah's brother Blair who is 18. I am so impressed with these kids. Remarkable. After Perry was finished, she sent them to wound care where the dead skin was cut away, cleaned even more, and then re-bandaged. Heather, a volunteer who is a physical therapist for older patients in Hawaii has put together a series of exercises to help them with circulation and flexibility. Today was her first shot at trying it. She did great! I really think it will be a wonderful addition to increasing wellness if they will do it. As you can imagine, self care isn't high on their list of priorities. They weren't to be touched by anyone -- no one else cared, why should I? But Rising Star is trying to help change that. Hopefully they will take it in. The final station was eyedrops and medication. Quite a process.

So there you have all the nuts and bolts. Now for some of the connecting. There was one woman who was in quite a bit of pain. There was a language barrier, but I found you don't need words. Eye contact and a smile speaks volumes as does a touch or a helping hand to a chair. Many patients had no toes, which makes it tough to balance

Sunday Learning

This morning, I woke up early to get wrapped up in my sari, but got some of my breakfast on it, so I just wore  chuddadar and pants. They finished a building just two hears ago. it is a beautiful building in Chennai. before that, they met in a basement down the road. They alternate those Rising Star kids who want to come -- girls one week, boys the next. They really do keep the boys and girls separated here in India. It was a great meeting. There was a young woman who spoke on Personal Progress and what it means to her. She said it has taught her that she is a daughter of God, and she has a glorious purpose. She said that the program has helped her strengthen her testimony, learn more about the Savior, and prepare her for her future endeavors, both spiritual and temporal. She felt that Personal Progress has helped her develop all of the attributes in Alma 7:23-24: being humble, patient, submissive, easy to be entreated, being grateful, having faith, hope and charity. She quoted Alma 37:6 "...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass..." Personal Progress teaches line upon line, precept upon precept that add up to increasing a young woman's confidence in herself and in her Savior. Here at Rising Star this year, the "theme" is "Little and Mighty". What we are ding here may not be huge by many standards, but there are mighty changes happening in these children's lives. She did a wonderful job. Then Krishna, one of the young men from Rising Star, spoke on the Duty to God program, and how it has taught him how to be a man. A man of God. He said he had never spoken in church before, and that he was nervous and hoped to do a good job. He did. The Spirit was so sweet. These youth are going to make some changes. And finally,  Nery Ralon (construction coordinator) spoke on tithing. He's 24 years old, and served a mission in Paraguay. He has been serving in the Young Men's Presidency for the three months he's been here. He is leaving Thursday, and was released today. He said something that I loved. He said he hoped that we would be able to feel the Spirit. That what he had to say really didn't matter much. But that what was important was that we had an experience with the Spirit. That we were able to feel God's love and guiding influence in our lives. Loved that! It really was a great meeting. The members here are humble, they live simply and faithfully. So grateful for the experience.

We came back after stopping at the store for provisions for the coming week. It was a relaxing evening filled with conversation and catching up on emails and such.

Tomorrow, Annie, Jennie, Perry and I will go wit Klorisa (medical coordinator) to the leprosy colonies. I anticipate it will be a whole different kind of powerful. Something we talked about with Kim the other day is being careful to to use the term "leper", But leprosy affected patients. They are not their disease. These are real people dealing with a very difficult disease. Not just physically, but emotionally. Throughout history, they have been known as the "untouchables". Perry commented that it would be like saying, "We're going to the hospital to visit the "cancers". An important distinction, and definitely food for thought...

Day Off

Today was a day off. Not a whole lot to report, but was a great day! We went to the beach where Annie surfed. I wasn't amongst the surfers, so I didn't actually witness it, but there are those who were and said it was spectacular! I hope someone took pictures. We are all talking about pooling our pictures together. That way, we will have several different perspectives on this journey.

We wandered around shops and were constantly followed and asked to buy things. We ate lunch at a restaurant where Annie bit into some sort of spicy magic. Now, she is right at home with spicy food, but tears streamed down her face, she broke into a sweat and everyone rushed to give her some relief. She is recovering nicely, but will probably not be so cavalier about popping things in her mouth anymore! It was really fun walking and talking with each other. Annie and I spent a lot of time with Kim from New Jersey. Such a ball of joy and love. You would be hard pressed to find a more kind person on the planet. So aware of others. Genuinely concerned and interested in those around her. She's someone who lives her life outwardly. I am so grateful for the opportunity we have to serve with such wonderful people.

We walked to the Butterball temple. It was impressive. There's this huge round rock in the shape of a ball, and no matter what anyone has tried, it will not budge. Right beside it is a place worn into the rock where people have slid down so much that is it a smooth slippery slide. We went down quite a few times. Felt like a little kid! Loved it!

On our way home, I had the opportunity to talk with Jennie. This is her fourth trip here to India. She's like the mom to all of us here. She just makes me feel safer somehow. She explains things so simply and well. From the use of the toilets to how to get to the temples without using a rickshaw, to checking for head lice. She's just a calming presence. We talked about how each volunteer brings something so special and unique to this experience. We talked about faith. She shared with me some things in her life. she is a remarkably strong person. I really admire her tenacity. I shared with her a little bit  about our journey through Annie's cancer and what it taught me about faith. Faith is not about power and control, but relinquishing power and control. It's about trusting God. That trust is where that leap of faith comes in -- leaping into the unknown. Sometimes the only way to move a mountain is to climb it, get to the other side, and behind you. Then the challenge is to take the lessons learned there with you on your next climb. I had to turn the process over to God and start the climb. I hoped it would turn out the way it did, and I'm grateful every day that it did. But no matter the outcome, it was about the climb. We all have our own personal mountain ranges. God will provide the tools, but we need to pick them up and begin. It's easy to be angry when things don't go our way. Angry with someone else, with the world, with ourselves, and even with God. Faith is hard. But it is oh so powerful.

After waiting for a few people to make last minute purchases, and waiting for a train to pass, we  made it home around 7 and went to movie night. Annie and I went with the older kids who were watching "The Quest" in a room at the school. The little ones were watching "Tom and Jerry" in the dining hall. It was fun to just be in the same space with them and relax. Last night was Tamil movie night. Tonight was English movie night. Good stuff.

Well, we will be leaving at 9 for church in the morning, and will be going to Chennai. We will be getting up bright and early to get dressed up in our saris again! Gonna hit the sack...

Language

Another beautiful day here in India. Today was the Math, Science and English clubs exhibition day. Before they could begin their presentations, a very special guest, Padma -- spaced how to spell her last name, but I will post it tomorrow. She is the daughter of a former  president of India. she is very wealthy, yet has dedicated her life to building those in the lowest cast. Education and learning English are key for her.  They waited for her arrival, when she cut the ribbon going into one of the science rooms. She took her time listening to each student's presentation. She is so loved, and it is obvious the love she has for these children. They had all worked so hard, and communicated their projects in English. That was quite an accomplishment? We asked them questions, and they answered them well. Our job was to help them practice their English. I learned about cube roots, early man, the political and geographical outlay of India, important writers, homogenous vs. heterogenous, magnetic pull, brain function, lung function -- it just went on and on! I was very impressed. My favorite thing I heard today was that the brain is for thinking, imagine and storing memory. That will always be stored away in my brain. And I will always strive to imagine. these kids are about possibility. wonderful! They were all beaming with pride. And with good reason.

Afterwards, there was an assembly in the dining hall. There were performances given by the children: tongue twisters that would surely have left mine in knots. there was a short excerpt from "Othello", and a rendition of Thriller that was spot on! There was a speech given by Lily Simpson who is here serving as an administrator alongside her husband. She spoke about how important learning English is. It is either the first or second language in many countries. It will aid them in travel as they expand their horizons. It will help them as they apply for college. Outside of Tamil Nadu, Tamil is not spoken. English will provide a bridge to the rest of the world for them. Then Padma spoke. She was wonderful and praised the children for their hard work. She talked about how the Life Dance program was about much more than dance. it is about teaching cooperation, teamwork and, this I thought was very interesting -- punctuality. Dance teaches you about time and timing. I had honestly never thought about being on beat as I dance as being punctual. I LOVE that! She lauded the teachers and their dedication. She sincerely thanked the volunteers without whom this program wouldn't be nearly as effective. She spoke of gratitude, and how when something is in front of us every day we don't always appreciate what we have. But Rising Star has come so far, and the students have come even farther. They ALL passed their final exams. Hard work, dedication, and love -- so much love. I was talking with Lindsey (another volunteer) about how there is nothing like this feeling. She loves to run, and said the closest thing to which she could compare this experience is the endorphin high she gets from running. It is simply exhilarating. And words just don't do it justice. Such a beautiful experience. Acknowledging accomplishment.

Directly following the show, we piled in the bus to visit two of the micro businesses started through monies raised by Rising Star and its volunteers. First to "Pearls with Purpose" where women are being empowered to start and run their own jewelry making business. I could learn a thing or two from them I'm sure! The business end if my jewelry making is definitely not my strong suit :-) But there were some beautiful things. They were very proud. Then on to a very profound experience. We went to the art school where leprosy affected people -- some from a local rest home -- without fingers or toes painting some of the most beautiful and detailed paintings. We bought two. Again -- pictures to come. On the way home, feeling happy and inspired, we stopped for omelets and perotha (sp?) which is a deep fried tortilla/croissant/crepe. In India, the left hand is considered dirty. They eat with their right hand only. No utensils. You tear and eat with your right hand. Challenging and kind fun! Delicious.

And finally, back just in time for play time. Annie and I were motioned to come in to Hostel 2 again. Devi, Kavya and Nagesh pulled us into their room and asked us to teach them a dance. So much fun! I began to teach them a simple dance I had choreographed to "Better Dig Two" by The Band Perry. They caught on really well. As I was turning to leave, Kavya jumped and threw her arms around my neck giving me the most heartfelt hug! And Devi took me by the shoulders, looked me dead in the eye, then smiled and gave me a tight squeeze. Again, words cannot express. They sent me on my way and promised to practice. We will finish it up next time I'm sure. So amazing! Dance. A universal language.

Independence

Happy Independence Day India! What a fun day it has been. The celebration at the school got a late start because of the rain. But we all gor dressed in saris and went to celebrate. The kids absolutely love it when the volunteers wear saris. I must say, I felt like a princess all dressed up. Indians really have a flair for the exotic! We have been taking pictures, and we will start posting them when we have some time to figure it out.

The kids in Life Dance did a beautiful job. I will never hear the song "Home" again in the same way. It was just so, so moving. Annie took a video of it, so hopefully we will be able to post that as well. Dr. Susan spoke on independence and freedom. I had never connected the two so powerfully before. But true independence demands freedom, and true freedom requires independence. I thought of 2 Nephi 10:23 "Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves..." Dr. Susan reiterated the freedom is given by God, but that it is not free. Many lives were given for freedom. I hope these kids wont ever have to lay down their lives for freedom, but that they will give their lives in search of personal freedom and accomplishment. They have much to do here in India, and learning that hard work and discipline will bring them opportunities for true independence is a liberating concept. With the history of the cast system, earning and striving are difficult concepts to grasp. And though the cast system is illegal from what I understand, it is very ingrained In the Indian culture and society. Education will be a key factor in their success. What a remarkable program this is. It is truly breathtaking to watch it in action. I wish everyone could experience this.

After the festivities, we came back and put on our more casual Indian dress, and walked into the nearby village. It rained on us pretty steadily.  We thought we had a break in the storm that has been constant the past 48 hours, and we did, but it only lasted about ten minutes. Oh well. The people were so friendly! They all wanted their pictures taken with us, and were so excited for us to show it to them. Amazing look into the lives of some of these kids. Most of the kids live on campus, but there are some kids from the village who have applied and are able to come to the school. Also, a clarification -- not all the kids have parents afflicted with leprosy, but grandparents who lost limbs before they could seek treatment. So they moved into a leprosy colony with their children, who then had these kids -- born in the leprosy colony. So the effects are still very close to them, as is the stigma.

After our walk in the village, pictures with the villagers, and two of our volunteers being charged by a cow on a rope -- a very long rope, we dragged our soggy selves back to change for play time. Yay! It was too rainy, so play time was in the hostels where the kids live. Annie and I took some fingernail polish in to Hostel  5. I was expecting to paint their nails, but they actually painted ours. The girl who painted mine, painted each nail a different color. Now those of you who know me well know that I wear no polish on my nails -- rarely if ever, clear. And French manicure on the toes. Well not today! All the toes are the same -- a brownish red. But my fingers are purple, pink, coral, silver and brownish red. I will take a picture. And yes, I love it! After that, a girl named Devi asked if she could do my hair. She braided my bangs and then pulled the rest into a ponytail. I wish I could have taken pictures, but they are not allowed in the hostels. Devi then asked Annie to do her hair like Annie's. She ended up with a big bun on top of her head, and an even bigger smile to go with it. She loved it, an all of the other girls just wanted to touch it! Devi fancies herself a magician, and asked if I wanted her to show me magic. Who doesn't love magic?. She did some card tricks and WOWED me. I asked her how she did it. she said its a trick. It was almost prayer time, and I would have to go, but we played UNO with Phase 10 cards with her friend Nagesh until it was time to go. So much fun!

I was in Hostel 2 tonight. It was a little chaotic, but fun. They were all still a little wound up from the day's festivities. We talked about talents, and how talents aren't always performance art. Kindness is a talent. Listening is a talent. Patience is a talent. On had a nice discussion. And at the end, a couple of the girls performed Thriller for me, counting 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 at the tops of their lungs :-) Tomorrow is an exhibition day for the  Science, English, and Math clubs. They will be performing Thriller, but to music this time. Can't wait!

Connecting

Herewe are ata the end of another wonderfully exhausting day! Today Annie and I worked construction. But today was about getting ready for Indian Independence Day. There are dignitaries coming to watch the program the kids have worked so hard on, and they want everything to look presentable. So, we weeded the track that goes around the soccer field. We worked side by side with each other, laughing and getting to know each other. The school was in plain view, and we could see the kids as they changed classes, or went to their various rehearsals. It kept what we were doing and why we were doing it in perspective. Nery, the construction coordinator, asked us questions like best date, worst date, biggest pet peeve -- lots of fun and different answers. we ranged in age from 15-50. After three hours of wielding short shovel hoe-like instruments, we were exhausted, but happy. Mosiah 2:17: "And I tell you these things that tou may learn wisdom; that you learn that when you are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God." Connecting to each other through a common purpose.

Since the kids were rehearsing, we didn't get play time with them. But a few of us were able to go help the kids write letters to their sponsors. They got to use colored construction paper and markers! They were so happy! Each child can have up to four sponsors. One of the volunteers here is actually here for the third time. She is from New Jersey and is just a positive ball of energy! She has sponsored a child, and was able to meet with the family on Saturday -- parents' day. They brought their family album, and she was in it! She was so moved. The sponsors not only mean so much to the kids, but also to their families. The money from each sponsor, $30 a month, goes into a big pot for allmof the students, and is used for clothes, food, medical, teachers, and whatever else they may need. It's really amazing to see it all in action. Connecting through gratitude.

And finally, prayer time. We begin with a song, and I asked them to sing me a song in Tamil -- their native language. When they finished, I asked them what it was about, and they told me it was about God's love for us. So beautiful. Then they asked me if I would pray. I am just so grateful for this whole experience. We talked about God's love for us and that we have each been given special and unique talents to use in very specific ways while we are here. Then I asked them to sing another song in Tamil for the closing song. I asked them to tell me what that was about. They said it was about a story in the Bible of ten who had been healed from leprosy, and how only one man, a Samaritan, came back to say thank you. Such a poignant moment. Every one of these kids is in this school because one or both of their parents has been stricken with leprosy. So much to understand. Connecting the dots...

Constructions Instruction

Today was our turn to do construction! With it being India's Idependence Day tomorrow, our job was to make the track field look presentable to the very important people attending the schools tomorrow by pulling the weeds. To our relief it was raining, thus making our days work ten times cooler than usual! I want to share a few thoughts of what went through my head concerning the quality of life.     I came across a quote the other day saying,"When the root is deep, there is no reason to fear the wind." Now, even though (and because) we were uprooting the weeds, I got to see the mechanism and depth of each root. This made me think a lot about not just the quality of my life but also the quality of the service in my life. This trip to this point was just an idea I had spouted out over a year ago to my family. I told my parents I wanted to do something hard.
careful what you ask for.
Never did I think it would one, become a reality, and two, be a place for new friendships. Pulling weeds seems an easy enough task, which, yes, it definitely is. However, this small task brought me closer to my coworkers and also to my faith than anything I have very had the opportunity of doing. Being a not-so-social butterfly, friendship wasn't something I had considered would come in this package, but I'm so happy that it is! Who knew I would want to race to the very chore I once dreaded as a child!
After we finished with our work, we all gathered up and talked about what we reflected on most during our service. One womans comment in particular struck me the most.  Her reflection was about how having the kids around you and them waving at you like crazy was her reminder of why she was doing this. Acts of service are great,"but if ye have not charity, ye are nothing."(Moroni 7:44). A great friend of mine once shared with me that the greatest act of charity is to let those around you know they are loved. Being here in India has only fueled that desire. To live outwardly is the fast track to obtaining a true sense of joy. Only then are you building and intertwining your roots with God. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, it's so much fun!  I'll be back soon with more updates!

Live to learn -- learn to live...

Today was all about Learning. We worked with UKG (upper kindergarten),1st Standard, 2nd Standard, and 4th Standard. Standards are the same as grades in the states. Annie, Perry, Jennie, Rosie (education coordinator) and I went first to the library and chose three books apiece for each standard, put them in a basket along with well used crayons, popsicle sticks and half sheets of paper. Rosie had also created two sets of memory games, one of which I tucked in to my basket. Btw, paper is a commodity here, and they all have at least one side printed with something else. Still, the smiles are radiant. They are grateful.

Then it was on up to the computer lab with UKG for math. The little guy I helped was sprawled out in his chair. Very wiggly. He kept logging out if I looked away at all. The assignment he was working on was about counting to three. His attention span was very limited, but when he was dialed in, he was right on target. So I knew he had it in him. I really wanted him to succeed. So if there were three cars, I said vroom vroom! If there were kittens, I would meow. That seemed to get his attention, and he plowed through the rest of the assignment, followed by a final challenge series, and then on to the next level. So rewarding!

We returned to the library where we read, colored, played memory games -- some very inventive twists that I will put in my back pocket for future reference for the grand kids! One boy in 4th Standard even started teaching me to play chess -- as my Aunt Jeanne would say, "Another first! Write it down." So I did :-)

And, finally, my favorite part of the day. Life Dance! Thursday is India's Independence Day. Freed from the British Empire. Life Dance is a program the kids have to audition for. They are performing for the Insependence Day celebration. We went into the open air dining hall to watch them rehearse. It was a dance to the song "Home" by Phil Phillips. From the very first step, I was in tears. Oops -- more tears! I was so moved. These kids were just in the moment -- filling each one to the very top. I love that they don't have any pre-conceived "barometer" by which to measure themselves. No mirrors in to compare themselves against others. They were just freely moving with confidence and joy. You've truly never seen smiles like these. I never knew black eyes could sparkle. But they do! Such a beautiful gift. And to top it off? A beautiful storm complete with thunder, lightning, and buckets of rain to watch as the dancers left their hearts out there on the floor. I do love the rain. I love the sound. I love the smell. I love the feel. I love how it makes my hair curly. And mixed with beautiful dancers -- could life get better? Stay tuned ;-)

These children are soaking up the opportunity to learn. They are hungry for it. They can and do work for it. They are showing me that as you live to learn, you learn to live...

And so it begins...

What a day! From the Courtyard Marriott and its amazing complimentary breakfast (nothing continental about this one! We are talking omelettes, freshly squeezed juices from mango to watermelon and pineapple to grape. not to mention all the spicy Indian delectable delights!) three hours south, dodging pedestrians, motorcycles, rickshaws, and watching cows graze on the median down the middle of the road to finally pull in to the Rising Star campus.

We hit the ground running after a brief orientation as we went to the school for playtime. Beautiful smiles. Everyone calls us Auntie! Auntie! What is your name? Come! Are you marriage? Is that a real diamond? Where did you get your jewelry? When I told one girl that I make jewelry, her eyes opened wide and said "You are a craftsman!" I had my traditional four bracelets on one wrist, and a girl changed two to the other so there was symmetry. I'm keeping them that way. One little five year old guy braved the tricky bars by himself several times -- high fives every time as he completed each pass, only to drop exhausted, knocking his mouth on his knee. He was so tough and looked at me with those beautiful brave eyes as he fought back the tears. I just had to give him a squeeze, and he was back at it again!

After playtime, there is prayer time when things start to settle down. The children are divided into "families" of 20 or so, and they all share a hostel with a house mother. We volunteers lead prayer time. The kids sing a song in their native tongue Tamil, and then someone is asked to pray. The chose me. We all knelt in a circle as I thanked my Heavenly Father for these beautiful new friends I was making. It was a really cool experience. These kids are from all different religions from Christian, to Muslim and Hindi. We are assigned a topic for the week and rotate through the hostels. This week's topic is self esteem. We talked about how we are all different, but that not one of us is better than anyone else. We don't have to be the best at something to try something new. We can celebrate the good successes of each other. Then we looked to  the person on our right and said something we admired or appreciated about them. There were smiles and sparkling black eyes everywhere. I finished up by teaching them a song called "I'm a VIP". They picked it up quickly, and we sang it several times at the tops of our lungs! After we had a closing prayer given by one of the older girls, one girl who looked to be around nine years old, came to me with pen and paper in hand and started writing the words to the song. So bright and excited. She didn't want to forget. I left happy and filled with the joy of these sweet girls.

Annie had her own prayer time in another hostel. I'll let her post her experience later. She collapsed happily exhausted. I'm smiling as I recall visions of my Annie girl playing tag with ten kids or more, grinning ear to ear, ponytail swinging in the wind as she worked up a sweat playing like a little kid. And so it began...

(Pictures to come...)