Holding on to the Last Interactions

The last day arrived already, April 6, 2012. The trip went way too fast. I really feel like myself when I am helping these children. I have never felt as happy somewhere as I do in India with these kids. I found who I was, who I wanted to be. I never thought I had a special connection with children but had learned I did.

It was a very hot day, probably the hottest of the trip. We went to Peace Home after breakfast. I wasn't feeling too well so I took it easy the first part of the day. I felt light-headed like I might pass out. I know I was dehydrated so I drank a bunch of water with Gatorade powder. It took awhile to get back to normal but I finally started to feel better. It was so hot! The wind kept blowing hot air on me.

I helped with the sponsorship program again. We also did a craft activity with the kids where they traced their hands to make a butterfly and then colored them in. Raju grabbed my hand and wanted me to help him. Gopi sat behind me as well. He was constantly saying my name and wanted approval of the job he was doing. I traced Raju's hands and he loved it.

Sponsorship Program

Learning About Their Favorite Activities

Butterfly Craft

Raju Coloring His Butterfly

Gopi's Butterfly But Upside Down

Raju and Me

Gopal's Butterfly

Eternal Joy left the school where Peace Home lives and we had lunch as a team. We were able to get a group photo.

American and British Team

We then left for Eternal Joy. Some of us got on top of the bus for fun. It is a short ride from the school to the home.

Climbing on the Bus

It was so much fun riding on top. We were dodging trees and low wires. When we arrived at Eternal Joy the Brits had to leave for the airport because they were flying to Delhi. We had to part ways, which was sad because we had so much fun together. Below is the goodbye the Brits gave us. They were singing "God Save the Queen."

We, the American team, were able to play with the Eternal Joy children for a few more hours. I played Uno with Gopi and Rani. Yes, Uno apparently is a universal game. Who would have thought? This was the last interaction with children. Of course I wanted to stay longer but we had to get back for dinner. We said our goodbyes.

Rani and Me

Playing Uno

When we returned to the hotel we were able to go shopping and arranged a rickshaw ride back to the hotel from the store. It was such a crazy ride. Cars buzzing left and right. Motorcycles with whole families on them passing by. Honking constantly. What a thrill.

Yea Rickshaw Ride!

Not Sure What I Was Getting Myself Into

The bus ride to the airport was also more thrilling than normal. I don't know if I was just tired and everything seemed more chaotic or what. It seemed like our driver was going 100mph weaving in and out of traffic. It was honestly the perfect way to end the trip because I feel like so much happened this time (car accidents, monkeys, etc.).