TII

TII= This is India, a phrase commonly used by Americans here when something is strange or does not go as planned. It is usually accompanied by a fist to the sky.

We made it to RSO (Rising Start Outreach) this afternoon. After we tried to sleep, we got up and had our last real breakfast and shower. Then we boarded a bus and drove for three hours. It was actually really fun to watch out the window. Its an odd mix of old and new here. A car will be riding next to a cart pulled by animals. Cows are roaming the streets. Women wear their cultural attire and men wear normal clothes or a loincloth. Bikes and motorcycles are all over the place with people honking every five seconds.

This place is almost as hot as Jerusalem. Who knew you could work up a sweat playing badmitton? Luckily we get to wear the cooler (in both senses of the word) Kurtas. After orientation, we got to meet the kids! They are just as cute as I imagined. They all come running up and ask "What is your name? What is your name?" One of the girl's name is also Tricia so we instantly bonded haha.

For dinner we ate of off banana leaves with forks optional. Before bed we do homework or read with our "family." I was assigned with the boys around 8 years old. Tonight we did multiplication and read poems. When it was time for bed, the boys pulled some straw matts off the shelves and put them on the concrete floor and instantly knocked out. Probably 12 little boys slept right on the floor in an area 6ft by 8ft. The boys are smart and loving. Their favorite is to take your camera and snap pictures.

Today was a lot to take in, but its great here. There is so much to learn and understand about the culture. The kids are so adorable. Our group seems like it will be fun. Tomorrow I get to take my first bucket shower and improve my squatter toilet skills.