Take My Baby: As I was leaving Shishu Bhaven, an skinny, wrinkled, old lady with a tiny baby hanging over her shoulders approached me. The baby's arms hung weakly and the women's eyes were full of pain. She began to pleadingly speak (probably in Bengali) to me trying to give the baby to me as she spoke. I froze. A Sister was near and I asked her what the woman was saying. Sister told me she wanted me to take the baby. She was the grandmother and could not care for it and work. If she didn't work, she could not eat. The parents had run away. It was all I could do not to hug that woman and the baby but I was afraid she'd force the baby in my arms and run. I asked the Sister if she could help but she was only visiting from another center. I asked her to tell the woman I was very sorry but I would not take the child. She should go in and talk to the Sister in the office and she would know what to do. Her look told me that she'd had rather give it to me than to put it in the orphanage. Could anything be more heartbreaking than to be so desperate that you would give away your grandchild? Being a grandmother myself, I could not imagine the pain but then could I watch my grandchild starve instead ? Pray was all I could do and what I ask you to do for her, the baby and the millions of other here who are so desperately poor.

Today we'll be packing up our bags and moving them to another guest house that'll store them for the three days we'll be gone on a trip to the Sunderbans--a tiger reserve!! Rog told our kids that since I hadn't gotten rid of him in Kenya when I insisted we go looking for lions--now I'm trying by insisting we go looking for tigers! Underneath his mild resistance, I know he is glad I want to go and take him too!!! Anyways--don't worry if you don't hear from us for several days as we probably won't be near computers..but an extra prayer or two might be in order--just kidding.

Eureka!! My student, Dilip, said his first unprompted word (jump) yesterday and today, he said three more (go, monkey and elephant)!!! As I'd mentioned, he is about ten and probably was "tongue tied" until surgery about two years ago. Can't wait to see how fast he progresses now!!

Vendors: What can you do with a 4'x4'x4' area about 4' off the ground??? They sure know here--you can sell a little bit of any odd assortment--even if it's covered with soot! They may have two or three small packs of laundry soap, a comb or two, small container of single wrapped gum, a few bottles of soda, individual size bags of chips or some other who know's what snack, a few packages of red circles that the Hindu women wear, batteries, bar of soap (I think), pretty (though dirty) scarves, toilet paper (which is about 1/10 the size of USA single rolls), many food items now wrapped that we have never seen the likes of, etc, etc, etc and almost all have small packets of what I hear is similar to tobacco but more addictive. Mind you, the store next door may have exactly the same items...and the one next to it also. If you go down another street...the items change to cans of oil, hand tools, nails, etc--again the same as the store next to it and just a few of each. Another street...rows of stores selling clothes, shoes, cloth. Every ten feet on every street, a vendor is selling fresh fruit and vegetables artistically arranged. Another selling coffee or tea that they serve in a two or three ounce clay pot or plastic container--both of which they will throw on the ground as soon as they are done (providing sine fun when we step on those clay pots and hear them crack). There's the guy wrapping tobacco in a leaf to sell. And also a very efficient little kitchen set up selling various ready made foods like eggs on toast, chapattis, chickpeas cooked up in a spicy looking mix, potatoes boiled in a stew like mixture, fried vege burgers (again, I'm guessing here as we haven't tried any of them). And Kellogs has nothing on what several vendors are selling...puffed rice (looks just like Rice Krispees) made right in front of your eyes!! All this happening on the sidewalks that as I've mentioned, broken up bricks and dirt and crowded with people and the street people's campsites. Makes a walk around the block quite a trip!

The Newly Weds: It was a touching scene we happened on. A newly wed couple, still in their wedding attire (much like the USA) and holding hands, knelt at Mother Teresa's tomb, prayed and then both kissed the tomb and left. A vision of them as young children under her care came to mind--perhaps but for whatever reason, they felt it important to share their special day with her.

Trusting: I stopped to pick up some water and when I handed the clerk a 500 rupee bill (about $11), he said he couldn't take it cause it had a tear that was taped. I told him I didn't have any other money and he said--just take the water and pay me tomorrow. Now the water only cost 23 rupees and though I'd been there before--it reinforced the feeling of trust and kindness we get from so many locals here. And that same type of thing happened right here in this internet cafe when the clerk didn't have change--he said the same thing--pay me tomorrow. It's a nice feeling.

Well--the kids await me ... Take care and hopefully I'll be telling you about the animals we saw at Sunderbans next!
Jane

Whew--I am getting behind in my writing but days fly by and memories crowd each one so here I go again:

McDonald's:

Yup--there is one here and it's the nicest and cheapest one we've ever been in!! Complete with a doorman!!! We ordered 2 chicken sandwiches (first meat in India), 1 vege burger (no beef sold here), 1 large fry (which came with chatpati spice mix), 1 coffee, l large diet coke (about the size of USA med but oh so good) and 2 ice cream cones--all for just a little more than $8!!! But here, spending $8 is a lot for one meal. I felt like it was a little bit of heaven!!

Street Kids:

They are everywhere and every Sunday, the Brother of the Missionaries of Charity open their gates to the street children from the slums by the Howrah bridge--close to the City of Joy. We joined them on Valentine's Day which was ironic as I had given Rog that book for Valentine's Day!! As we entered, we were mobbed by about 150 screaming kids. First task was to wash them so 10 by 10 they came, striped and we scrubbed them down with soap and cold water. There were lots of shrieks of both joy and surprise as we dumped the water over them. Then they put their filthy clothes back on (oh how I wished I had clean clothes to give them), oiled & brushed their hair. Playtime followed--would you believe in a dirt covered courtyard. Hockey Pockey was a big hit. The kids then sat down and given tin dishes and glasses which encouraged loud banging until we filled each bowl with rice, dahl and some other mixture and glasses with water. Note no utensils were used--which is the norm here. Most Indians even in the resturants eat with their fingers. I wished for more order but had to remind myself that these kids are use to no order--they have learned to scramble to survive. As they finished, they left each with a banana in hand and a huge smile. We were exhausted and wet to the bone, our clothes were filthy but we knew 150+ kids had gotten a lot of love this Valentine's Day!!

A Volunteer story:

It's been such a privilege to work with so many volunteers from so many countries. They are very dedicated and fun too. Thank goodness English is the universal language so we hear new stories everyday. Like peeking into another life each day. . Anyway--yesterday we met Jimmy from Australia. He is on a 3 month tour and just stopped in about a week ago to visit the museum at the Mother House and happened to talk to one of the sisters--and he is still here and doesn't know when he'll leave as he loves it so much. He said he had never considered volunteering here or anywhere before but here he is--like the 100+ each day!!

Speaking of volunteering--I better get to Shishu Bhaven now or I'll be late...

Take care, write and God Bless.

Hi All- Have been hearing lots about snowstorms back home which makes us appreciate the warm weather here even more. Sorry. Thought I'd fill you in what we do each morning at Daya Dan, which is the home for the physically/mentally young boys.

Daya Dan:
Rock Concert! That's what I think of when I enter Daya Dan each morning. Some boys will be beating on whatever they find, others will be shrieking and others jumping (similar to mashing) all the while several will be just lying in their bed. I'd love to take them to a real rock concert and see how they'd react. After we greet and hug the kids, we head to the wash room where we help wash bedding and clothes --all by hand. It's the only way our feet stay clean and our clothes get an extra washing. Then up to the roof to hang the wash. We look over such old, blackened and crumbing buildings many with gorgeous sari's hanging out the windows. One room has a balcony with a pot of bright red flowers blooming . A man comes out there to shave and eat breakfast. He looks so content with all. We then help some get dressed and the bell rings for a short morning prayer that includes asking God for help in making them a good boy. The meditation room is next for the kids who will be having lessons. Calm music and dim lights help settle them down. About 10 minutes later, each child finds his bag and teacher and goes to a study carousel.
My student is Dilip and Rog's is Jokim. Dilip is about ten, speaks very little Bengali, autistic and new to Daya Dan. His speech is very delayed as he had a tongue operation --not sure what kind-- two years ago. He came from another orphanage and there is little background info. So I started with the picture identification and the ABC's. There's a fair amount of teaching tools to use. He has made tremendous progress as he has a terrific memory. Already he can write and identify letters A - O--even when I mix them up. He has learned the names of over 20 pictures and is counting to 5. All seems to be rote memory so I am praying that he will make the transfer to understanding soon. I tried the Helen Keller approach pouring water in his hand and saying "water" and "panni" (Bengali) for water but no luck. We work about an hour and then he starts to get frustrated and tosses everything he can reach. That's my clue we are done!! As I work with him, I can hear one of the Sisters working with a more difficult boy. She is so loving, cheerful and positive!! Roger's student has a very short attention span so he also covers lots of material each day and progress is hard to measure has he has little communication skills.
Lunch comes next which means feeding several of the severely handicapped kids. It takes my appetite away!! Before we leave, we play with the kids a bit. After their afternoon naps, Roger will return to play with them more and I go to the two-three year old orphanage to play. We both arrive home exhausted in body but happy in spirit and ready for a shower--which is a pail and pitcher.

Smog:
If you took charcoal, ground it up fine, added dust and then heavily sprinkled it over everything, you'd know what covers Kolkata. Then mix that with the exhaust of masses of buses and you might understand why so many people around here spit so much. One person told us it was like smoking 25 cigarettes each day. We both usually need a tylenol and sometimes congestion medicine by the end of each day. We always knew we loved good country air and the rinsing provided by our many rains. It hasn't rained here since for several months so it's so dry --but they tell me the monsoon season which starts next month will bring lots of rain that will flood the streets but do little but move the garbage around leaving the buildings blackened.
So that's it for today.
Enjoy the USA!
Jane

---------------------------------------
Hi Kids,
So Mom could'nt get me run over yet...now she wants to go to the tiger preserve. We made arrangements today to leave Sunday morning and travel SE into the Ganges Delta Region. We will be out of contact until Tues. night. Some friends from Canada went last week and really enjoyed being in the country for awhile. They saw lots of birds and animals but not tigers. That would be OK with me!
I have been traveling to Daya Dan (Missionary home for handicapped children) twice daily and by the time we explore a bit, eat and take care of laundry, it is time for bed.
It has been great to get messages from all of you while we are here. It makes me feel like we aren't really half-way round the world!
Traveling by bicycle rickshaw last night I had to remind myself that the sights and sounds were really just a fleeting moment in my life. I mean it becomes so natural to be passing stands with freshly butchered meat hanging and laying out for sale (including heart, head, etc.), horns sounding and many vehicles crowding down a narrow street that it seems almost normal already.
It sounds like your days are probably more normal than ours. That is probably a good thing. Is anyone still snowed in? How about any recent changes in your homes? It sounds like everyone is busy. Grandpa and Grandma send hugs and kisses to all!!
Love,
Dad

Hi all,
Our days seem to get busier as we meet more people and arrange more outings. We hope all is well with you!!



Leper Colony:
Another experience that reached deep. About 1 hours from the Mother House, is a Leper Colony run by the Brothers of the Missionaries of Charity. Our guide welcomed us and gave us some background info about lepers. Research has found medicines that arrest it but not cure it. Good hygiene and proper nutrition help it from spreading though it is contagious. He explained that most of the lepers came to them too late to help lots because they were so ashamed. Most were thrown out of their homes and left to die. He stressed that they want people to come visit as they have felt so unwanted far too long. And so we went... The first room you enter is full of looms & spinners--about 50 of them. My heart was beating as fast as the beat of those looms as I saw the lepers with missing fingers, toes, limbs, ears, etc spinning and weaving the bedding we've been using for the kids we care for, the aprons we wear when we feed the kids and the Missionaries of Charity saris--every sister wears a sari weaved by a proud leper!!! Then we walked through their meticulously kept vege and flower gardens, past the goat, chickens & pigs, and by 3 fisheries. They are not only completely self sufficient, they also serve rice to 500 locals each week!! I said a quick prayer as we entered the hospital where 50 plus lepers sat up cross legged with their hands together. As we walked by, many humbly bowed and when I reached out to them, they embraced my hands with such tenderness and love in their eyes. Their need for the touch of my acceptance was so real I could almost see it. My teary eyes only saw their needy eyes. On the ride home, I let it all sink in. Truly it was the most outstanding intertwining of Gandhi --a strong believer in spinning & self-sufficiency--and Mother Teresa.

Volunteers:
-Met Yogshi and he told us he was from Hiroshima--we were silent for a time and then Roger said, "I'm so sorry for what happened there." He just shook his head and we went back to the job we were all doing together. My Dad fought in WWII. Doesn't make any sense to me.
-Met Jeaneane Fletcher's (Librarian at our local High School) nephew!! Small world.
-Met many Australians who are here for months as they get 3 months off after working in one place for 7 - 10 years. Another reason to live down under!
-Frederika (from Argentina) showed me her hairy legs today--she thought it was so funny not to be shaving!!
-Melissa from Oregon came up for lunch as she was dying for a peanut butter sandwich. (We took 4 jars with us!)

Gotta run--thanks for all your kind thoughts and prayers!!!

Hi all,
Bekah just sent me several questions she wondered about so thought I'd post my answers to her in case you were wondering also:

1. Are you working with the disabled children anymore or have you been moved to a different unit? Dad works all day with disabled boys 5- to 17 yr old. I work with him in the a.m. and with normal 2-3 yr olds in the p.m..
2. If so, are you separated and do you feel safe being separated from one another? We feel very safe though we are cautious and carry only small amount of cash and when I'm alone, I walk fast and don't talk to anyone.
3. Where are you sleeping? We are in a dorm room for four but we rented the whole room for two weeks. It's like a business/conference center one the bottom floor with rooms for those attending on the top floors. It's fairly clean, has air, and we have our own bathroom with hot water to fill pails that we use to wash us and our clothes in.
4. Where do you check the internet and how fast is the internet connection? Lots of internet cafe's close by and the connection is a bit slower than USA but not as slow as dial up!! The trickiest part is that the keys stick.
5. Where do you eat? We have been eating lunch in our room as we brought peanut butter and can buy bread easily. For supper, we walk the street looking for different places. Dad usually picks as I usually end up ordering bread and Coke and tasting whatever Dad orders. He has loved trying lots of Indian dishes and of course, loves them all. Diet Coke is a rarity in India--as our heavy people so they really don't need diet soda - so I buy two or three when I find them as we have a frig we can use where we are staying.
6. Do you have any free time and if so, what do you do during this free time? Not much free time but we try to walk to a different area each night in search of a place to eat. Thursday is the only day off and so we'll be writing about what we do those days.

Hi--it's a warm feeling to know that you guys are out there and we are connected!! We love hearing from you too. I need to let you know that often the keyboards we use stick a lot and I don't have a dictionary or spell check so please forgive my errors!!! As a teacher, that hurts to say.
Birthday Party-
Yesterday as I entered the young children's orphanage, I had to pass by several TV cameras. The children were all in the entry way and their faces were covered with frosting. Someone handed me a bag of balloons and said, "Blow." The faster I blew, the more children surrounded me covering me with frosting also. Turns out they were having a birthday party--probably happens once a month and who knows why cameras were there. In a little while, the children were ushered (not easily) back to their room where they immediately pulled down their pants and sat on the potty bench-a long bench with 25 holes. As a teacher, I always had a gathering spot--guess this was theirs!! After we washed all faces & hands, we put on shoes and took them to the playground. As I sat on the long swing that holds about 8 kids, Mahdamyati (SP???) jumped on my lap and took both my arms and wrapped them around her. When I tried to put one arm around another, she grabbed it back. She had a special dress on so I asked if it was her birthday celebration and found out it was so I sang Happy Birthday to her. That opened a flood gate as she insisted I sing it to her maybe 30 times during the next couple hours--which I was delighted to do. Soon it was time to go in and eat. As I fed one child who just grinned at me--and never noticed that the child next to him was picking out her carrots and putting them in his dish. Then back on that potty. I love counting, saying ABC's, singing itsy bitsy spider, Mary Had a Little Lamb, You are My Sunshine and other songs as they sit there smiling at me!!

Hi- I don't have much time tonight but have been wanting for a while to write about:

The Indian Man I Met on the Plane:

He was middle age and well dressed. He was flying to pick up his mother and bring her to live with him. He asked how we liked India and we said, we loved the people and the amazing old buildings. He said, "India is proof there is a God." I asked about the poverty. He looked down and said, "Many in India have much wealth but do not give. Americans are so fortunate and also have the heart to give." He went on to say that he thought it was because in America, we get the message that we should give and help others in many places--church, family and even our government. In India, they do not have that unifying factor.

Reflecting on his words, it made me realize that the message we get--to help others--was the new testament, Christ's message. Here I see so many temples and shrines and people praying individually in front of them. Even if there is a gathering, they are each quietly praying alone. It's like the new testament vs. the old testament. I was proud to be an American--as you should be too.

(Sorry this was a bit preachy but it was one of those WOW experiences.)

Namaskar (Hello in Bengali),
Each day is filled with new site and happenings that it's hard to even jot it all down...but here's a little piece of it:

Shishu Bhaven (Mother Teresa's Orphanage for small children):
I had been working with the physically/mentally handicapped children but yesterday, moved to the "healthy" children part. It's filled to the brim with 100 children under the age of about 7. As I walk in they all rush to me with open arms yelling, "Auntie" (which is what they call all volunteer women)--I wish I could pick them all up!! One little guy was just finishing his snack and offered the rest to me. I helped in the 2 yr old room of 21 kids who after they ate, all sat on one long potty as I counted them over and over until they were done. After putting various shoes on each, it was off to the playground. Now I know where some of the equipment the USA deemed unsafe is!! See saws, wooden swings, maypoles and cement slides with no rails--all surrounded by a cleverly painted wall of happy children and Sisters. The kids play vigorously as the hired ladies sit on benches combing lice out of hair and cleaning out ears. Gotta love it.


Did you know:

• Hindu turban is round. Sikh is round with a point, and the Muslin wear a small cap with no bill??
• Many Indians eat their food with their fingers--rice with sauce, mushed potatoes & beans, etc....and seldom do you see them use napkins...how do they manage that??
• One man can ride a bicycle down a busy, hectic, rough and narrow road with six dead chickens hanging from his handle bars and another ten tied to his fender...again how???
• Great recycling here as most food containers are simply newspapers folded up. Don't know if they were read first??
• You can make a bowl out of leaves by drying them on a round form...then just throw them on the ground with the rest of the trash when done!! Think Green!!

Enjoy!
Jane

Sunday Service:
After getting all the kids settled on a carpet in a small chapel, one of the small boys began to play on the bango drums while others shook their tambourines and all sang to the top of their voices--not exactly sounding like angels but surely with purest of hearts. What an inspiring service!! I was with Mukul helping him stand and sit as well as keeping his drool wiped and with a blind girl who happened to find me and hung on my pants. Rog had a squirrelly one on his lap. Needless to say, we didn't doze off. Mukul had greeted me when I arrived this a.m. handing me a string he had found. He was so proud to give me something. Rog has connected with several boys who enjoyed tossing a rag ball with him. A big part of our day is feeding those who can't feed themselves. Suffice it to say, it's a messy affair and we both agreed not to discuss it while we eat...or really anytime. We continue to watch and learn from the nuns and local workers... Smile and touch each one.
Volunteers at Mother Teresa's:
I understand the Tower of Babel now. Each morning the volunteers gather for breakfast (chai, bread & banana), announcements and prayers. It's a social time so there is lots of talking going on and you hear so many languages being spoken. We've met volunteers from: Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, England, Italy, China, Japan, Spain, Mexico, Germany, Canada and good old USA. Most are young college kids and a few of us old folk. All are friendly and thank goodness, many speak English. We so admire the ambition and kind heart of the youth!!
Tuk-Tuk:
A tuk-tuk is a three wheeled taxi that is suppose to carry two or three but usually crams in four, five or six. It can go about 35 mph at full speed and that's the only speed they travel. At night, they are lit up like Christmas trees. The driver is an expert at dodging, swerving, honking and stopping on a dime. Often they try to pass each other and any other moving obstacle in the way. I feel like I'm in a Disneyland ride...but without any of the safety precautions.
Sidewalks of Kolkata:
Turn up all the noise around you, put something pretty rotten near you and then add these sights and you might have an idea of what the streets are like: broken, uneven bricks, protruding cement blocks, tree roots, broken glass, trash, homeless campsites, laundry, water gushing out of square basins where people are lathering up & washing every part of their bodies and others are scrubbing their laundry about every block, street vendors every couple feet selling odd and old collections of whatever, trash, dogs, outdoor kitchens cooking up a variety of smelly food, large pots of coffee, milk & tea steaming, shrines with dead and live flowers, walking vendors with baskets of fruit on their heads, charcoal grills made of clay with a variety of beans, potatoes and red carrots cooking in large, flat pans, vendors carrying large plastic bags of fish (heads & all), children playing with sticks/stones/brick pieces who run up to you & beg, goats, chickens, mice, and did I mention, trash. It's an obstacle course to say the least. Many times, it's so difficult to walk on, you just walk on the street and dodge the traffic. I chucked when I saw one sign that read: Accident Prone Area. That could be posted every foot of the way!! We sigh with relief when we get to our destination!!
Communist Rally:
While riding a bus today, we started to notice a large walking crowd carrying red flags with the hammer and sickle on them. The group kept getting larger and then trucks & buses of people with flags joined them. Our bus was creeping along and then several men started yelling and pounding on the side of the bus. We came to a halt and since we could not see wait. The crowd filled five blocks. We hoped the BBC would not get a picture of us as we weeded our way through the crowd to get back to our hotel.
Well, enough for tonight--except I think I gave some of you the wrong site to view our pictures and blog so I'll try again:
www.rogerandjane.shutterfly.com
www.rogerandjane.blogspot.com
Bekah--feel free to correct me if I got it wrong again!!!

Thanks for the emails some of you have sent.
We love hearing news from home!!
Jane and Roger

First Day in Mission

Hello All,

Words don't come easy when I think of today. Rog & I spent the morning in Dali Dan--home of the handicapped/mentally challenged orphans. Rog went back this p.m. and I went to the home of the young orphans. The need. The arms reaching for you. The love that is being so generously given by the nuns, the local workers and the volunteers. Mother Teresa spoke of seeing Christ in disgusting disguises and I thought of those words so many times. It took concentration to look beyond the drool, the malformations, the wet pants, the strange noises--but with the nuns as my example--it worked.
We took about 25 to a park and the boy I was with walked so slowly--it gave me much time to talk to him--to take in the scenes and stares around us. I have to admit that crossing the six lane crazy traffic was a bit scary and I prayed the whole time as we sloooowwwly made our way. Feeding time was a messy affair but there too, successful! The little ones in the afternoon just wanted me to hug them. Though most were probably two-three-four years old, few could walk well and even fewer could communicate. But everyone I spent time with--smiled!! I kept thinking of my healthy, boisterous, funny, mischievous, laughing grandchildren. In spite of all--I can't wait to go back tomorrow as I hope I learned things so I can be more effective. Africa was a stepping stone to today.
Keep all these little ones in your prayers--and us too!
Jane


If you have ever played Frogger on the computer you might know what it is like to cross the street here. The first night we were in kolkata we needed to cross the road after having dinner across from our hotel. Trucks, buses, bicycles, rickshaws, trolleys and taxis all presented a problem as we wove our way across six lanes and all I could think of was Frogger. Especiallly the part where he gets flattened! Last night we noticed that there is a real pedestrian crossing light just a short way down the street! So no more Frogger....
~Rog


Kids,
Wish you could have been with us today. We walked to the backpackers ghetto area here in the city and decided that it would be better to ride in a cycle rickshaw instead of risk getting run over by the traffic zooming down street inches away from all of the pedestrians. The rickshaw driver successfully deliverd us to our destination and at the same time provided us with a feast for our senses. Smells (not always bad-popcorn, nuts, bread, fruit), sights (shops and vendors selling everything imaginable), and sounds (honking, honking and more of the same!) I'll try to get a little video next time!
I'm pleased with the assignment that I have been given by the nun at Mother Teresa's. I will be working at a house for mentally and physically handicapped children. The day starts with 6 am Mass and will go until about 6 pm so we will be early to bed tonight!
Love to all, Dad

Today we walked where Mother Teresa walked. It is surreal to be here. We viewed her simple bedroom. We knelt at her tomb.

Flower petals formed the words: I did nothing. He did it all.

Her sisters and the love she spread are all around. At 3 today we will go to the orientation. We are eager to begin.

Arrived in Kolkata

Hi back home,
We are two among 17 million now in Kolkata! And so far I have not seen another white person so that makes us a real small minority!! We arrived at our hotel without a hitch and it's quite nice--Indian standards. We have a sit down toilet and hot water so we are happy!

SO if you are reading this you probably want to hear more about what's been happening:
Gov't School in Dehli
Yesterday we found a 1-5 grade gov't school and asked if we could visit. They happily let us come in and see the kids as they sang their morning routine--we could only decipher the ABC's. THey sang loudly with smiling faces. Then the older girls shook out some blankets and laid them down on the cement floor. THe kids sat crosslegged and pulled out books to read from their own backpacks. One girl had her little sister probably because she had to watch her. There were about 85 in each class. It broke my heart. I offered the teacher some of the books I'd brought from my classroom and she gladly took the easier ones. I felt like I was spreading the remains of my teaching career--some in Africa and now India. The teacher showed us her lesson plans that were very detailed and complete with her own illustrations. Teachers everywhere care lots for their students.
Shrines/Temples:
Everywhere! The buildings all around may be falling down or made of poor material but next to most was a well kept and often very beautiful small shrine with flowers & fresh paint . And if there's any hill or mountain, there is a temple on top. Each small village we drive through--there's atleast one temple. In Pushkar, a temple on every block. We wonder who is keeping them up and how are they paying for it?? Did you know there are over 3 million Hindu gods and I think we've seen statues of about 1/4 of them--each unique. Also, Raj (Rog) may be a king's name but Jain (pronounced Jane) is a religion. SO there.
Women/Men:
Of the multi million drivers (cars, trucks, ricksaw, bicycle, motorcycle) we've seen, only two of them were women. Men also run all the little shops, hotels, businesses, and seem to be the only ones sitting in groups chatting. Women we see gathering sticks, working in fields, working construction, sweeping streets, caring for children, cooking in front of their homes, shepherding and always in their beautiful saris that somehow appear to be clean and glistening in the sun!!
Construction:
Delhi will be hosting the Commonwealth Games in Sept/Oct this year so it's preparing in a massive way. Hundreds of huge buildings, metro system, sports arenas, gardens, roadways, sewers , pipelines, electric lines, etc. etc. are being built--we wonder how all of it will ever get done??? It will certainly make Delhi a more modern city. Signs every where read: Under Construction for a Better Tomorrow.
Trees:
Rog noticed so many trees that seemed to be trimmed of all small branches so he asked around and found out they trimmed them for fire wood but soon the monsoon would come and those trees would send out new branches. In this way, they are preserving their trees unlike in Kenya where they chopped the trees down to make charcoal.
Water:
Water here is holy. Lakes are surrounded by ghats--holy places with steps down to the water where people would bath in the holy water as part of their religion. It was sad to see several of these lakes almost empty knowing how precious the site was to them. Last year was a very dry year so they are praying for a long monsoon season this year.
Girlfriends:
I was talking to a local 17 year old boy and asked him if he had a girlfriend. He said no girlfriends were Mom and Dad's problem! (Arranged marriages still prevalent.)

And finally...Roger has found a place where his wardrobe is admired! He has gotten many compliments on his shirts and his hat (check him out in the pictures).

We are anxious to meet the Missionaries of Charity Sisters tomorrow!!!
God Bless all,
Jane and Roger

Our Last Day in Delhi

Got up early to go to the school that is just a few doors down the street from our hotel. The teacher welcomed us and invited to come in and visit the classrooms. 85 students in one class with no chairs! All sit or kneel on the floor while at school. More on this later from Jane.

Met Josh and Mary at our hotel this morning (from Oregon). They are on a trip that reminds us of the adventure of our Europe trip 35 years ago. They quit their jobs and are going to be traveling all over for 5+ months. We invited them to join us for the day as we toured Delhi.

Went to the largest mosque in the world (Jamal Masud- see photo above), the national museum where we saw really old figures, carvings,statues, etc. Very interesting!!! Many items were B.C. including a beautiful dancing girl from 2800 B.C.

Also toured the Red Fort that showplace of the Mughal Empire. The Shah lived here in splendor with unimaginable luxuries-fountains, pools, gardens, baths with warm water, others with hot water, others with scented water... just because he wanted to please all the women in his harem. What a guy!

Then on to Lodhi Garden (a beautiful and shady respite from all the hustle and bustle of the city.) And Humayan's tomb (see photo left)...a huge structure built about 400 years ago to house his remains. Amazing that the old wooden doors seem surprisingly intact considering their age. What some people won't do to make sure that future generations visit their grave.

Tomorrow we leave Delhi for Kolkata.

Pushkar

Hello all,
We are in Pushkar another day as we love it here...slower pace...great shops and a chance to upload pictures and email.

And now for what we've been up to--

Camel Ride!! We mounted camels and took off for the local desert. Talk about feeling like you were in the Lawrence of Arabia film! The ride was a slow up and down movement when they walked and when they took off trotting--it shook every bone until I relaxed and just bouced along. We were on the top of a dune at sun down--showing our guides how to play tic tac toe in the sand. Rog also showed them how to juggle with some stones we found. Guess he wants to teach the world to juggle!

Have you ever felt you made a bad decision?? One of the palaces we toured took 12 years and about 20,000 workers to build--and after four years was deserted due to lack of water!!!

Food: We've been experiencing with the help of our driver, Noor. Rog has found all to his liking--aren't you surprised?? I so far have liked the chapatties(flat bread), a potato/onion bread and a banana/coconut pancake. A couple days ago, I declared a no Indian food day--to give my stomach a needed break. A couple Cipro helped also. It amazes me that food can be so different! Last night, Noor arranged with our hotel cook to give me cooking lessons. I rolled chapatties, fix a vege stir fry with plenty of spices. We devoured both on the roof under the stars--with a coke!!!

Roger is feeling very special as Raj means king so everyone makes a fuss over his name!!

Also, Noor calls us Mommy and Poppy now. Several locals thought Roger was an Indian and that we were his parents!! He gets a big kick out of calling us that and hugs us tightly when introducing us as his parents!! Ben, Bek & Jake--meet your new brother!!

Bogglehead: At all times, one must look around for speedy motorcycles & small white cars, must look up for unique architecture and down to avoid manure piles!! It makes you feel like a bobble head.

Laws of physics: How does a motorcycle driver keep balance when his wife who is holding a baby rides side saddle on the back while a sleeping child sits on his handle bars??? And why doesn't that sleeping child fall off??? Mind you, they are going 40 -50 mph!

And often I wonder... how can I help this begging child, this woman with no teeth with her hands outstretched, the man with no legs. I am hoping to find this answer at Mother Teresa's. I know if I give to one--I will be mobbed within seconds. I have handed out many books but only as we drive away from the area and still, the children run after us.

And I think... that perhaps the reason the woman wear such ornate jewelry, decorate their faces with vivid colors and wear sari's that defy the colors I've seen anywhere...trucks are painted with fancy designs...and temples are filled with beautiful flowers...give these people a sense of beauty within as they walk the streets filled with trash, manure, sewage and poor. They can look beyond it all and smile.

Time for lunch.
Take care and be thankful.
Jane

Gems From India

Gems from India

• Words of a local: In India we have a big problem--that is there is no problem.


• Indian room service: open door and shout "Hello"--someone will come running


• Views from the car window: Indian man dressed in "Ghandi" pants and a T-shirt with a big yellow smiling face


• Indian woman wearing a beautiful pink sari working with a chisel breaking cement at a construction site


• Thoughts on living in such crowded conditions from a local: I would be lonely without so many others close.


• Did you know the Japanese are building the toll roads here and collecting the $$?


• There is a Global Management University in India??


• Girls who complete about 9 years of school get $$ from government because they will be more desirable wives?

Finally, treat of the day: Talk about service, you don't even have to get your own towels wet!! They come wet already!!
Enjoy USA,
Jane and Roger

*** Our first set of photos have been uploaded onto our photo website:

http://rogerandjane.shutterfly.com/ (look in the India #1 Album)

Greetings from Pushkar, India--home of many camels!!

We pulled up to our hotel and parked next to two camels who seemed to like the company. Can't wait till tomorrow when we hop on one of them. As we waited for our room, we sat in a garden and watched several peacocks roost for the night in nearby trees. We are in India. Today we toured the palace where the present Hindi Maharaja of Rajathstan state lives and the palaces & grave sites of several past kings. Marble carvings, golden paintings, mirrored walls, chandeliers, pillars, domes, Persian carpets and ornately painted gates everywhere. One built a palace for his wife that had 365 doors so she could always watch from her hidden window whatever was going on and from a spot with a breeze. Another built his wife a glass palace with thousands & thousands of tiny mirrors. Another built an observatory in the 1600's that included a sundial that showed time accurate within two seconds. It was about as big as our house. He also built a constellation finder, astrolabe, zodiac locator, etc., etc. just proved this Maharaja had a thing about knowing what time it was!! They sure didn't skimp on themselves. Of course, we sure don't feel like we are skimping on ourselves as we take in site after site of a most intriguing culture and tour their amazingly old and well preserved buildings. We've been enjoying talking to our guides at each site who are very willing to tell about their life and other Indians. Did you realize that about 80% of marriages are still arranged and the divorce rate is less than 3%?? I asked if they were happy with their spouses and he smiled and said, oh yes. He hoped he could be married as long as we've been. More later as we must rest up for more tomorrow.

Enjoy!

Jane and Roger

We've arrived in India!

Day 1 that lasted until Day 3

India--we came looking for adventure...and quickly found it. We missed our New York connection due to fog in D.C.. Air India officials were at a loss what to do with us and ten others. One Indian man (a D.C./Delhi business man), San Jeev stepped forward and clearly took control for the whole group telling us that if we stuck together, we'd have better chance with Air India. He negotiated an acceptable scenerio to get us to Delhi ASAP. He did it in a quiet and polite yet demanding manner. We were given new tickets to Mumbai and then Delhi along with meal and hotel vouchers. From then on, we were close to San Jeev's heels as we moved a a pack from ticket counters, through security checks, in taxis for the next 24 hours. We became the "Dirty Dozen." At one security point, Rog & 2 other got separated. San Jeev spoke to authorities and offered to search for them. Another young man in our group doubled back and proudly returned with all three...relief. Our unplanned night in Mumbai gave us a glimpse of that busy of that busy business center and almost 4 hours sleep in a bed.

We are about to land in Delhi. We feel lost in a time bubble. It's Wed, 11:30 AM here --so that's Tues 1:30 AM USA time. Since we left Detroit at 6 AM on Monday--we just know we've been in planes and airports for a looong time.

Day 4 and 5
Taj Mahal - open sewers
Marble - dirt
flashy tour buses - ox carts
gold carvings - tinsel
domes - dung
gorgeous sari's - bare butts
Mercedes - ricksaws
friendly smiles - honking horns
Hindu - Muslum
rich - poor

The contrast is what smacks me in the face. We have spent the last few days with our driver, Noor who placed a ring of flowers around our necks when he met us at the airport and we were off! We've already been to Gandi's grave & museum, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandra (fort), Fateh Pur Sikri (palace) and a few more palaces and forts. At each, Noor has arranged a guide who is loaded with info and takes our picture!! We've traveled about 500 kilometers on muddy alleys and new toll road, through huge cities & tiny villages, past fields of crops & bricks and past ricksaws, motorcyles (with 4 people on them), trucks totally decorated with USE HORN PLEASE painted on their tailgate, three wheeled taxis with 20+ people, bicycles galore, ox/camel/donkey/horse carts, tour & local buses and small cars. All these shared the road with cows, pigs, sheep, goats and people walking. It only worked because of the cooperation and respect everyone seemed to have for each other...and their horns which they used as a courtesy to warn others as they approached. It seemed like an amazing maze where people had a sixth sense of what others were going to do. All the while, we soak in the sights like a cow walking out of marble doorway, palace built in a lake, sari's blowing in the air as they travel on motorcycles or in backs of trucks, technical university next to dung pile farm, monkeys playing in ancient palace, women in vivid sari's washing clothes in the river and hanging them in dead trees to dry. children in smart uniforms going to school by crowded ricksaws, and so much more.

When we had to cross a road while walking, we would have never moved if Noor or our guide had not led the way stopping traffic. They told us--if you worry, you can't walk. Just walk.



We're in Jaipur-the city they painted pink for the Queen's visit--so we'll see more palaces and forts tomorrow. The history here is amazingly ancient and ornate!

Hope all is well with you!
Roger and Jane


For more videos and photos of New Delhi, go to our photo/video page :
http://www.rogerandjane.shutterfly.com/

Last Week in Africa

Dear Family & Friends,
We're unpacked and sorting through our memories. We thank all of you for enthusiasticly following our trip and responding with such support that we felt loved all the way across the ocean! Here are our notes on the last week of our trip for those of you who are die hards and wish to "read to the end."

Tanzania: After almost eight hours of bone rattling, dusty rough roads which skirted the north, west & south sides of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Dr. Elaine Tan and us arrived in Moshi. The director of the Rafiki Moshi village, Deb, was there to greet us. We made a quick stop to get some groceries in a tiny market and pulled up to a "drive through" banana market. In 15 minutes,we were settling into a vacant ROS home. The Mamas and kids waited with huge smiles to eat some delicious plantain stew & visit with us. We watched the sunset over Mt. K, showered, slept well and were up the next day to watch the sunrise over Mt. K. It was Majestic. Rog headed out with Tim, ROS (long term missionaries), to do maintenance and repair jobs. Jane was quickly put to work in the library & cutting out felt board Bible story characters...sure wish Rog's mom was there...she'd love doing that! As soon as the kids arrived at school, Jane was back to teaching. This village is a bud about to blossom. It's buildings were just finished within the last year and now they are rounding up the Mamas & orphans to fill them. It is time consuming as first they must gain the trust of the locals, then verify the death of both parents, and do a complete physical on the child before they bring him/her home to the village. They now have 7 adorable cherubs and 3 more "hopefuls." All the staff are eager to open their arms and hearts to many more! Seventeen girls, ages 17-22, attend a day school there working toward their 8th grade certificate. They also spend an hour a day making cards & weaving both using banana tree leaves...an income earning skill. They were a delightful and curious bunch who hammered us with questions. The snail question came up again so we did an internet search & found out the French eat about 5 lbs.of boiled snails a year. The girls were shocked especially when we told them many northern Africans eat them, too! Twelve of the girls live together in a house close by and we could hear them singing hymns beautifully each night. Mabel, ROS, just recently took over the child care position which included medical care. She was thrilled to have Dr. E there as she has no medical background and very few meds. Dr. E went straight to work doing completephysicals on all the kids, mamas & day students. She emptied a suitcase full of meds she'd brought & made 2 trips to town to get more & check out the local hospital--which was the one Dr. Bob Jensen founded. Jane subbed for Mabel's four year old class so she could spend time learning from Dr.E. Jane also helped organize & label the meds...everything from asprin to HIV test. She saved the list because you never know when or where it'll be valuable info!! Rog & Tim worked on the water pump, lights, fans, moving furniture & measuring for future needs. One of the national teachers, Mr. Kwaker agreed to escort Jane to the neighboring government school. He had taught there years ago and proudly told me it was the first school around and was started by missionaries inthe 1890's.It had educated some of the first free government officials! The children were at recess when we arrived & some of the teachers were checking out the goods a local boy had for sale and other teachers were working their shamba--garden plot provided for their use. (They would take what they harvested home for dinner.) The head master warmly welcomed me and paraded me around his school saying, "Take pictures!" Then he took me into his office which was piled high with papers. We discussed assessments and retention...so similar to the states. Then he told me to stay there while he assembled the students. After just a few minutes, he came for me and introduced me to his 250+ k-8 students. Mr.Kwaker translated as I told them a bit about me & USA schools. Again I was encouraged to "Take pictures" of the students & then the staff. After the kids went back to class, we visited a first grade and another class where a nun was teaching religion. As the head master, Mr. K & I exited the school and walked down the lane the head master talked to me about bridging Africa to America. What a thrilling dream we both shared. The five days in Tanzania filled up quickly. We dined in town on Chinese food & the ROS fried hamburgers & fries & served choc. chip cookies for us so we felt at home. Dr. E spent the extra $ to fly back to Nairobi...but we rode the bus to fill our memory banks with views of Africa: Maasi villages & herds, small town markets, huge dust devils, termite mountains, acacia tress, stick & scrap metal homes, unfinished"retirement" home, busses (one advertising: Arrive Alive!), pick-ups loaded with people and hundreds of walkers who smiled and waved to us.

Kimanthi: It pains us to write about Kimanthi but he has been a big part of this trip. He is almost five and is one of Mama Rose's sons (Kenya RafikiVillage). He had his first seizure in Aug & was taken to the best hospital in Nairobi. Many tests showed nothing & drs said probably it was a reaction to some bacterial infection. About 4 months later, another seizure and more tests. 3rd one was about 1 month later around the firstof March. They became more frequent and lasted longer. Four times in one week, he was examined by a top neurosurgeon... twice with Dr. E with him. Finally they admitted him. He wasn't swallowing & was barely concious. His diagnosis was slow growing encephalitis. His prognosis is poor. Decisions will be very tough. Bring him back to the village or to a care facilty? How long? What will his future needs be and can the village meet them? We have several pictures of Kimanthi smiling and playing. We also carried his limp body to bed and tried to get liquids down him several times. My mind says why...my heart relies on faith.

Home to Kenya: We came "home" to the Wageni (Swahili for guest house). Funny how quickly you can claim a spot. Yeen again treated us to dinner after we'd showered the red dust off. We then went to mingle with the kids: Jane read aloud stories and Rog orienting kids using maps. At 7, we joined the ROS, Hegels & Dr. E for desserts. We were overwhelmed with the heartfelt thank you we heard from each person. We were humbled to say the least. We felt the thanks totally belonged to those who were thanking us. These Godly committed people who we were leaving behind to continue pouring their energies and love into raising the 80+ orgphans and 30+ day students and all the nationals who were employed there. It was an evening we will not forget. Sunday we caught the bus with Mama Naomi & sons to the Anglican Church of East Africa right down town Mwiki. The boys went to Sunday School in a metal shed that used to be the church. We went to the "new" church-entering as two entusiastic members were both shouting their own personal praises into microphones...simultaneously. Then the real singing began. Many songs were the same as DUMC...but with African soul and dance. Our feet were tapping the dirt floors as the next 30+ minutes we sang with our whole bodies. Mama Naomi's boys sang, then another children's choir performed. We were pleased to recognize Mrs. Minea, teacher for the 4 yr old Rafiki kids, as she took the podium. Her husband is the paster & since it was Mothering Union Sunday, she preached about the impact mothers have on their families. We left after 2 hours though church was still going. We packed up our suitcases & then went to spend the last few hours with the kids. As they gathered at their dining tables, we said good bye to each...and yes Jane was crying. We were leaving behind much, taking lots and so looking forward to our grandbabies. Emotions were swirling in our minds as a group gathered again to pray for us and ask for a safe journey.We have been so blessed.

Mission Diet: On the lighter side...literally. Many of you have heard Jane talk about advertising a new diet she describes as "The Mission Diet: just go to a third world country to help, you'll lose weight!" Now she can say, "It works!!" The scales verify that she lost 9 lbs. in 7 weeks! (Rog refuses to be a part of this experiment.) That's not bad for having had many choc. chip cookies & popcorn. She was also delighted to have Coke Light readily available!! She encourages all of you to save the money you'd spend on "diet food &/or programs" and try the "Mission Diet" instead!!

Photos Uploaded

The last batch of our photos have been uploaded onto our shutterfly page:

http://rogerandjane.shutterfly.com/623