The only way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Mahatma Gandhi
|
|
GOA Again
Going to Goa in November has now become an annual affair. This year 21 kids, 1 parent and 8 volunteers got to spend three nights and three days enjoying the beauty of Goa. We filed our days by relaxing at the beach, trying to teach the older children how to swim, playing cricket, exploring a fort, bathing, EATING lots, studying, coloring, and watching movies. We had a fabulous time. The only bad moment came from a rant by Mukesh that sparked a group lecture—or better named a group lesson—on swearing. The children really listened and really seemed to understand. They were talking about it for weeks after, so in the end, a bad moment turned into a wonderful lesson!
WE LOVE GOA!
|
|
|
Successes in Baroda
|
|
These five boys have gone through a long roller coaster ride over the last six months, but I have no doubt that for four of them it has been a positive one and that they have only come out screaming for joy in the end. Unfortunately, Bismilla (the boy farthest on the right) never fully adjusted and returned to Mumbai.
The other four boys have proved to be resilient and have strong determination.
They know what it is like to be dedicated now and live in a more stable and disciplined environment. They still have trouble with some of the staff and teachers at the school and ashram, but overall they have all become very happy there. In fact when it was time to return after Diwali, they were all ready and excited to return.
Sanju proved to be an allstar student by passing with top marks all of his exams.
|
|
Jayenti who was faced with a huge challenge by directly entering Grade 3 English, performed almost as well. He aced 3 of his exams—Hindi, Gujarati and Math—but is playing catch up in his three English taught classes. He is confident that he will do well by the end of the year.
Roshan and Pappu, didn’t have the same high results in class, but are still learning all of the other valuable lessons that are available to them to learn. They are becoming well-behaved gentlemen.
|
|
|
Volunteers who Make it Happen
|
|
The last couple months have been incredibly busy ones, and there is no way that we could have managed without our amazing volunteers.
Space is short so quickly:
Meghan Wankel (Saskatchewan, Can) with a magnificently loving nature (lady second from left)
Faizal Jiwani (Sherwood Park, Can) with a wonderful smile and playful nature the children love so much (Gent on the left)
Rafal Sagan (Gent on the right) and Kamila Lukka (lady 3rd fom left) returning from Poland to spread more love
Helen Hazell (England) with her mothering and gentle nature (2nd lady from right)
Heidi (England) helping part time (far right)
Continuing dedication of Lisbeth Overheu (Lady on the left).
|
|
|
|
|
