Semmandakuppam

Or as my NY roomie calls it, "I-want-a-coupon." It is the name of the
closest village to the orphanage (right across the street!) We walked
through it today and talked to the people in the village, took
pictures and gave them little gifts - sweaters, hats, candy, hair
ties, etc. While most of the people were very poor, there were a few
that were more prosperous. I thought all of it was very beautiful and
touching.. As in the orphanage and school, the people were so
hospitable and generous and eager to share their way of life with you
- inviting you to their homes, offering food and introducing you to
everyone in their families. Once we returned to the orphanage campus,
the rest of the day was very restful. We were served a traditional
Indian meal at lunch. Our plates were banana leaves and our utensils
were our fingers (right hand only; According to Indian culture, the
left hand is used for "other things"; you can imagine me, a true
lefty, trying to eat this way! I went through a lot of napkins!) I
definitely took advantage of the downtime today and took two naps
(which I really needed to help me get over a cold I have)! We also
spent some time just playing with the children - there are some
American board games here and. they love to teach us their own games
and some of the Tamil language. More tomorrow! Xoxo

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