Saying Farewell -

I understand what Shannon was feeling when she said, "Mom, I wish we'd never come here (India) because now we have to say good bye." While both of us are excited about returning to family, friends and our home in "America" (as the Indians refer to the U.S.) it is with sadness we leave behind so many dear people. We treasure the memories we will carry with us of this amazing place and our time here.
At a recent teachers' seminar organized by creche manager Hilda she managed to get me into a sari one last time!

Finally - A Permanent Home for Grace Kids Centre!

Grace Kids Centre, which has until now been housed in a variety of rental properties, will open following the annual school vacation at a new location in Kodaikanal on land purchased this spring. It was a pleasure to attend and participate in the ground breaking ceremony this month. Construction has already commenced and it is anticipated that the new building will be ready for occupation in June. Thanks to all the generous donors who have made this a reality!

Winding Down and Wrapping Up

May brought the closing of the creches for annual "leave" (vacation). Each creche held a closing ceremony at which the five year olds "graduated", I was able to say goodbye, and the children performed dances and songs and made my day (and year!) by doing health skits on the three topics we had been working on (hand washing, tooth brushing and cough and sneezing etiquette). I was also able to do a final presentation for the staff and parents on HIV.
Little Lilies will remain open during the one month leave to provide lunch for the children in that community.

Next stop was Kabini River Lodge where we traveled in a safari jeep."I want one of these (jeeps)!" said Shannon. Going out at dawn and dusk we spotted many deer, langurs and elephants and just missed a tiger which crossed the path of the vehicle ahead of us. His fresh print in the mud was most impressive. We wrapped up the trip with an elephant ride and a stop in Mysore to tour a silk factory before boarding the train back to Kodai.

Close Encounters of the Leech Kind!

From Bylakuppe we traveled on to the Rain Forest Retreat near Madikeri in Coorg country. At this small establishment which is located on an organic spice plantation we stayed in a tent, took walks and joined the other guests for delicious meals. Due to recent rain tiger leeches were abundant and a popular topic of conversation.

Touring the State of Karnataka

Shannon and I traveled to Karnataka in March where we visited Bylakuppe, a Tibetan refugee settlement where Shannon had spent a week on a school field trip last fall. Shops were closed while many residents were attending demonstrations. We were able to visit the elaborate Buddhist temple there.