8/27/08

Went to Victory Memorial









Then to the art gallery

8/28/09

I painted cards for each of the teachers in appreciation for all they do. I doubt that they will keep them, they are so mean, but in my heart I did the right thing. We went to the homes of the girls and had sweets. Rubina gave me a little angel. I love these girls. I want to help them have a live worth living. God, please help me.





I met Shabir at 6:30 and went north of the city on his motorcycle to a place called "Hot Spot", long story short, is isn't a gentleman at all. I got home at 9pm disappointed that he was such a jerk. Live and learn. (why do I keep attracting bad boys?)

8/29/09

Woke up at 7am by tennis balls thumping on the courts. It wasn't a restful sleep. I had breakfast at the Y - 3 pieces of bread, a FRIED egg with salt and pepper, a green banana that was too green and chai. I gave the guys in the kitchen a card with some tea.
I'm going out with Mara and Arjun one last time before they leave. We had a beer at lunch which gave me a headache so I'm in for the rest of the day.
My time is coming to an end here and I feel nothing, no excitement (cept for Bunny), no sorrow, nothing.
I started my period - after 6 months, 2 days before I leave India - great....not!

8/30/09

I stayed in bed until 10am. Ate 1/2 jar of peanut butter. I'm going to get coffee at Cafe Coffee Day. I need to pack....
The sun is out today so I'm in a tank top and p.j bottoms sitting on the balcony getting sun. I'm soaking wet.
I have vision of coming back, working at the school, afternoons with the girls for language class and night time school to get a degree in teaching. In 2 years I'd be able to run the school with respect with a degree. I need God to supply the finances in order to allow me to make this vision happen.

These people need help.

8/31/09

I have 6 hours to kill. Ill read until I get hot then go for coffee at Coffee Day.

1. I have a vision of starting a sandblasting business here. I need to research costs and if I can purchase machines in India.
2. I also need to research schools here to get my degree
3. I should look up cost for hotel residence or small apartment.
4. I need to write David and Vishal
5. Look into NPO's

I did pretty good writing in the journal most days. What have I learned about myself?
1. I was impatient, India certainly fixed that.
2. I was always in a rush, India fixed this too.
3. I had little joy, now I'm laughing at everything.
4. I had no direction, now I can sell blankets and bookmarks. I couldn't envision a future that was solid now I believe I have a future. I can see quite a few possibilities that can sustain me and help the women, men and children of India.
5. I want to make peace with my family.

I stopped by the clothes place and had chai and a long talk with the guys.













Went to BSC for the last time. I had banana pancakes and chai. Mr. Sam, my waiter - gave me a hug and I almost cried. I will miss his warm welcoming smile.

A cab ride later (one hour of this kind of driving - see left side, these are people's homes)...oh yeah, did you notice the honking of the horns? ;-)



I'm on the plane to New Delhi...I already long to go back to Kolkata. Vishal gave me a really nice card. I will frame it, it's beautiful.

(sigh) - that's it. The trip home sucked. I've been sick for 4 days. All my clothes are washed. All my pictures and videos are posted on facebook. I finished putting my thoughts as they were written on this blog. Nap time.

Peace

Rob the bull - more milk partners

A tribute to Paul Newman

Picasso people - dash style

Jess and her horsie

attempts to draw a great horse

this is a 2nd draft - hopefully 3rd time will be a charm

Cow Tipping Days of Summer

I spent the summer at WhiteWave tracking milk. I never quite realized all the steps it takes to get a gallon of milk to the grocery store. I learned about farm accounting and organic farms. It was a wonderful, terrific experience. I will always remember the people I worked with and here is a little tribute to them:

Barb - our fearless Leader


Heather- dancing her way out of milk tracking to a new department


Laura- dreaming of stawberry fields forever !!


Christy- smiling everyday


Jenelle - knee deep in Load Tickets


....and last but not least - the one and only Alan

Spring time again

Aria

QwanYin - Goddess of Mercy and Compassion