What a Day!!!

 After a long day, as I try and gather my thoughts for this Blog, I am grateful for all the pictures and videos taken over the past 12 hours, as I can barely recall everything we did without those reminders! However, as nice as it is, choosing which photos to use is almost as overwhelming as the fabric stores in India! 😧

So, here we go... Before heading to the Marshall School, we made a quick stop, and I use the term "quick" very loosely, to a local shop for a few miscellaneous treasures. You can tell by the look on Alan's face, this is the highlight of his day, or is it Sophie's! 😉😆

It was time for the afternoon meal by the time we arrived, so Jo and Sophie popped in on the Lunch Bunch kids to check that out. Currently, there are approximately 70 kids who attend our school who need assistance with nourishment as their families struggle with finances. It's incredible to think $15 a month can provide a child with a hot meal five days a week! What a difference a full belly can make when it comes to...well, pretty much anything!! I'm so grateful for the generosity of many who help make this program a success! 

After lunch, we split up.... Jo and Sophie spent time with the older students teaching them how to braid Friendship Bracelets. They were pretty confident that the comradery outweighed the activity itself! 

 

Meanwhile, Alan and I spent time reading to the younger students. We were both amazed at how they responded to the books and how well they were able to comprehend what we were saying.

Now for afternoon games... It's remarkable how much fun can be had with a ball and some stones!

The day closed out with a flare of music and laughter...

A perfect ending to a perfect day...smiles are worth one hundred words! 😀💗

Namaste'

~Jenny

Have “Chicken Dance”, Will Travel!

 Our day began with a stop at the nursing college where the Valluri's oldest daughter is currently teaching. She's enjoying using her degree in homeopathic medicine for both treating patients as well as educating young women starting off in the medical field. Shine Brite, Shine Far, Karishma! 💖

Next stop was back to the Marshall School where the students were all very excited to use their creative skills to make cards for the supporters back in the states. It blows me away to see how talented so many of the kids are when it comes to artistic abilities! 

The days plans deviated a bit when we received a special invitation to go over to one of our female student's home to offer a blessing, as she had just reached puberty. It is customary for young girls to sit on a straw mat, when they hit this milestone, as well-wishers come and sprinkle rice on their heads. Alan certainly was a trooper when it came to participating within this ritual, as was the girl who received the blessing.

Our afternoon allowed for more time at the school as we continued handing out gifts to children who weren't present the day prior. We were so grateful for the staff who was helping us as several of them remembered receiving special gifts when they attended Marshall School. 

And now, for some mid-day exercise… 🤣

Then some of the travelers received a gift as well...we got to take a power nap!!! It was wonderful!!!

School was done for the day, so it was time to load up the bus and take take the kiddos home. I'm going to let the following picture and videos explain that experience...

Upon our return to the JJ Hostel, we finally got to spend some time with the "orphans"! They were all excited to introduce themselves to us! They each got to pick out a Beanie Baby and enjoy a "Sophie Sweet Treat"! 

 

Then it was time for games and dancing! One thing is for sure...although the children may change through the years, with new ones entering in as older ones move along, the level of energy and desire to be part of this "family" is consistent! They all are so happy to be in this loving, caring environment! 

And there you have it, the universal song of fun!🐓💃🏻🕺🏽

Namaste’

~Jenny