Today is June 22nd. Halfway through our trip. I need to thank all of you parents for sending such stellar youth. We are having so much fun, and experiencing so much it is really a joy to be with this group. Yesterday the temp was 36.3C with 75% humidity and I think I might have been the only one to complain. Speaking of complaining, this keyboard is a little funky so if I have a few spelling issues, it might be that I can't spell, but I plan to blame it on the keyboard.
Today during group time we talked about Jesus words, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The Indian culture is full of examples of this text. Hospitality is unbelievable. At times, we are treated so well that it is uncomfortable for us to accept the gestures. One member of our group commented that "even the old ladies get up to give us a chair". We are treated with great respect and everyone goes out of their way to make us feel welcome. We are greeted many times a day with "How are you." and good morning. This goes way beyond them obviously practicing english to really caring about our well being.
Yesterday we distributed the T-shirts and today we handed out notebooks to every child. We are having so much fun getting to know names (sort of) and developing friendships that will last a lifetime, even if we never see these children again. It is fascinating to watch as each member of our group has developed friendships with their own little "pack" of friends. It is such a joy to experience.
I have been posting a few pictures to my facebook page so if your not my friend on facebook, you might want to become one. Don't worry, I like facebook friends and real friends I just share more pictures with facebook friends.
As we have reached the halfway point, we are realizing that the trip will come to an end too soon. Our list of things to experience is getting longer each day as we discover what there is to discover. We hope to update the blog every day but it more often ends up every other day. We enjoy reading your comments and look forward to sharing more of our experiences with you.
Namaste,
David Hunstad
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Hi David and all you dear FIF! Thanks for keeping us updated on your days. I can't imagine what it would be like to gracefully receive the hospitality that is being showered on you. You all love to give, but our stoic, largely Scandinavin culture isn't very good at receiving! I am soaking up all your stories and hoping to experience it personally some day. I am so happy that you are there and so proud of all of you! Love and hugs to everyone! Love, Vicki
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