Back in the USA

Well, that went fast!   It seems like I was just getting used to the pace and way of life, and then it's back on a plane. I have hundreds of photos to sort through, and will start posting in earnest tomorrow.      In the meantime, here's one of the first photos I took after dumping my luggage and walking over to the school where class was in session.  Chaos erupted when we arrived, and all the kids ran out to get a look at us.   These guys are outside of their 3rd Standard class.  (third grade)

While I have a ton of photos of the kids I met along the way, I only have one photo of a man on the side of the road with a cobra.  Here it is.  Taken in the port area on the coast of the Arabian Sea.  The cobra is totally ready for his closeup.

Almost there

Deja vu.  I feel like I'm back in artist management mode, and planning a tour.  The passport, visa, flights and partial accomodations are in order.  Basically, all of the factors for which I am responsible.  For the main part - the time spent at the orphanage - I am part of a group, and know only the basics.  It's been an interesting exercise in going with the flow.  Here are a few things I found out:

  I assumed the orphanage would have electricity. It does. "Sometimes".  What this 
  means is that one should proceed as if  there is none, and sometimes it just
  magically comes on for a short bit.

  I thought many of the kids would know English.  They do.  "Sometimes".  I am now
  in express mode learning useful phrases in Malayalam, the local language.   One
  easy one... "Thank you" is "Na-nee".

  Yes is No, and No is Yes.  I went through the same thing when moving to
  Nashville.  Down south, a bag is called a "sack" (ie for groceries), and a sack is
  called a "bag" (ie of grain).  In this part of India, shaking one's head up and down
                                       means NO, and from left to right means YES.  Understand?  (shake your head in
                                       the appropriate direction)

Left Hand Rule is active.  If you've travelled to certain parts of the world, you know what this means.  The left hand is considered unclean because it's used for toilet needs, so the right hand should be used for everything else.  I'm ambidextrous, but mostly a righty.  My travel mate, Robin, is 100% lefty.  We'll need to work out a subtle sign when she grabs the fork with her left hand.  Wait a minute... that brings me to my next revelation:

They don't use silverware at meals.  Just hands.  I guess the Left Hand Rule makes sense.

      While not self sufficient, the orphanage has fruits,
      vegetables, and fresh milk in the form of cow(s) on
      the land.  Note to self:  Find a way to "help"
      by being taught how to milk a cow.  For totally
      selfless reasons, of course.

      I'll sign off by doing something I should have done
      first thing.  Big thank you's to the friends who have
      sent a donation to help defray the expense of the
      supplies.  It's much appreciated, and I'll be able to
      see first hand how the supplies help many people. 

       Thank you.  Na-nee.

       If you've read this far, you can understand that
       further posts will have to wait until I return.  In the
                                                                                    meantime, stay on the edge of your seat by 
                                                                                    checking out "The Walking Dead" on AMC. I've never been a zombie and gore gal, but am digging this in spite of it's subject matter.

where am i going, and why?!?



I'll be here in a few weeks.

8400 miles and 13 hours after leaving home, I'll be in southwestern India, on the coast of the Arabian Sea, in the state of Kerala.  The tourist board calls Kerala "God's Own Country" for it's lush forests, back rivers, and abundant wildlife.  The fact that it's also known for it's chocolate and spices doesn't hurt, either.  
                                                                     
Why?!?  Well, it all came together suddenly.  (More on that later.)  The short story is that I was invited to participate in a humanitarian mission:  taking supplies to an orphanage, and spending 9 days living on site with the 160 kids who are full time residents. While there, we'll visit a leper's community with more supplies, spend some quality time with the kids, and indulge in a few touristy things as time allows.  The touristy part will involve riding elephants, drinking lots of homemade chai, and buying a tailored linen shirt if all goes according to plan.



Some of the younger residents of the Children's Home

Friends and family have asked if there is any way to help.  YES!  I'm funding all of my expenses, including acquisition of health and school supplies, which are the top priorities.  Contributing even a small amount will go a long way, and I'll provide a receipt from the orphanage - an approved non-profit - for your tax deduction.  If you have a PayPal account, here's how to help:

• Click here to visit PayPal.com
• Sign on and click on the "Send Money" tab
• Enter my email address: dlcbay@hotmail.com 
• Enter dollar amount, click on the "Personal" tab, and and click on the"Gift"option  
• Press "Continue", hit SEND

Please email me directly if you'd like to contribute but don't have a PayPal account.