New Experiences in India

Everything was new for me on June 30, 2012. First in line for us that day was to go to the bank that Back2Back works through. I had never been there before and was really interested because I will be doing business with them when I move there. On our way there we were able to see a part of the city that I had never seen before either. This was the wealthier side. I got to see where the government meets for the state of Andhra Pradesh. It was really interesting. The roads almost looked like American ones but a few miles away is the worst poverty in the world. That just goes to show the disparity between the rich and poor in India. There really isn't much of a middle class.

Indians are Talented

Traffic

We got to the bank and it looked like the inside of an American bank. The staff was very friendly. They offered us water and tea. I ordered a chai. We are always weary when someone offers us water not in a bottle because they probably just get it from the tap. Our bodies aren't used to drinking contaminated water so we would get sick. Anyways, the tea is always very good. We spent about an hour in there because of some issues with transactions. Everything is much slower in India. The time there wasn't wasted though because we were able to talk to the manager about Indian culture and work ethic. He had some very insightful statements. One thing that we all agreed on afterwards is that these children need to be taught to work hard. Their only way out of poverty is to learn English and work diligently at it.

The grocery store was next on the list for our picnic lunch. I have to say I was really impressed. I could see myself shopping there.

Grocery Store

After buying bread, peanut butter, jelly, some muffins, nutella, etc. we were on our way. We made our lunches while riding to our next destination, Charity City. This is the children's home that isn't supported by Back2Back. Occasionally a Back2Back staff member will go there to assess how the home is being run, if there are any improvements or backslides. This home used to have over 1,000 children. That is so hard to believe. Now it supports about 200 children. The campus is very beautiful.

The state of the campus was pretty similar to what we have seen. Children sleep on the floor, the kitchen is a pit for a fire, etc.

"Kitchen"

Showing Us His Bargain Buys

After Charity City we went to another grocery store to stock up for the rest of the week's meals for when we stay at Mercy Home. While at Mercy Home we always prepare our own meals. Another shopping experience that wasn't scary. Honestly the grocery stores in India have a lot of the same items that we do. They have many of the same brands as well.

Our Junk-Food Cart

After a pleasant shopping experience we went to dinner at the hotel. The next morning we had to get up early because the rest of the group was arriving and we were heading to Mercy Home. We all went to bed after dinner.