Believe it or not, a year already past after the first talent show and the children were more than ready to give it another go! Now that they had already experienced the extravaganza once, they knew what was going on and truly shined.

First we said our prayer—not at all religious, simply a mantra to give one hundred percent and be thankful for what is given. Then we moved on to singing in Hindi: “Ham honge Kamiyab” (The hindi version of the british song “We Will Unite Together”, and in English “It’s a Small World”.

The play came next and if I do say myself, was even understandable...we might make actors out of these children yet! It made it easier that the children were animals...characters from the Jungle Book of course! The children had a good time for months going slightly animal crazy.

The little children then shined (are you surprised!) in their dance and the big kids showed their growing expertise in their dance. Both dances were to very famous Bollywood songs that the children knew very well!

Then the best part...presents!!! The children proudly carried off their well packed bag of clothes, books, pens, toothbrushes, soap, toys, candy and other trinkets!

We were very lucky to have a friend of Janine’s come in and hand out some snacks to the children after the show.

Have we ever been lucky to have amazing volunteers over the last couple months. Gerlinde and Janine have taken over with the young children—the ‘kindergarten’ and younger group—and have managed to give them the attention that Pallavi and I alone were never able to give before.

They are starting to learn the skills that we often take for granted...sitting for a short period of time, drawing a straight line, memorizing a couple names, and the ever so difficult—understanding a symbol!

They are two very beautiful people and have both showered incredible amounts of love on the children. We will be sad to see Gerlinde go in December, but are lucky to have Janine straight through until March of next year.

With all decision making being turned back over to Pallavi, as I returned to Canada once again for the fundraiser and Christmas, I thought it fitting that we once again take the time to appreciate her wealth, not only as an amazing One! vice-president but also as an intelligent and loving woman.

Pallavi has turned out to be a godsend over the past two and a half years. Right from day one she has enthusiastically gotten herself in the work of One! and beyond. Like me, the children are a big part of her life and she feels passionately about their problems and even more about their successes!