Read the following post first -- we had a power outage -- not at ALL unusual here and I almost lost the last post. WHEW!!!
Anyway, the older boys got nail puzzles created by our own Howard Whitley. They were a MAJOR hit! They understand enough English that Mike was able to use these puzzles as an object lesson. Some of the boys figured out how to solve the puzzle easily -- others had trouble even after being shown!
Each day after lunch, there is a rest time -- and boy we need it! Still jet lagged..... After rest time today they took us into the village of Kulpahar. Wow, what an experience. Linda Stanton went with us, but she does not drive into the village; one of the Indian men drive. I can see why. The roads are even more narrow and more clogged than any we'd seen yet. We got out and walked around. The shops are very small and open air. They seemed to specialize in just one type of merchandise. I saw one shop that appeared to sell only flashlights! The vegetable and spice market was the most interesting. I saw some veggies I had never seen before and somer Linda couldn't even describe! We passed open sewers and areas of stagnant water -- just perfect for breeding malaria-infused misquitoes!!!! (Thank you Dr. for the malaria meds....) We kinda of felt like the Pied Pipers of Hamlin. Before we were through with our walk, we'd collected about 20 boys/young men following us from place to place.
During our walk, I tried to be oblivious to the looks people were giving us. Rob paid more attention and described looks ranging from curious to outright hostile.
Another daily ritual here is also tea time at 4PM. Today we had tea at the home of two teachers (married). She had fixed Chai tea (again, delicious) and five kinds of Indian goodies. They were basically fried stuff. Fried potato mixture, fried spinach/green chili/egg batter mixture (I thought my tongue was going to explode at first bite), fried donuts, and two other fried things. Pretty good stuff.
Then, the boys play football (soccer) each evening. They found out Mike used to play and insisted tonight he play with them. He didn't have shorts with him, but did wear his tennis shoes, so played a bit. We will see if he can walk in the morning! You'll have to ask him about his spectacular attack on the ball and subsedquent wipeout. Rob captured it on video. We'll see if Mike pays him off to keep that clip under wraps.
We leave here in the morning about 8 am. It will be three hours back to Khajuharo to meet David Lall. Then what is normally another three hour ride to Damoh will be a six hour drive. Recent rains have wiped out the roads. David drove there today, and it took him six hours. That means Rob will have plenty of time to tape any other hair raising rides.
There is so much more I could say, but I'm going to head back out to the living room to be able to spend one last evening with new friends.
This has been long. Thanks for hanging in there. We still covet your prayers!!!
Love, Jacque
No comments:
Post a Comment