7/1/08

the car ride to khopoli takes about two hours. one of the things i like most about india are the car rides. like i said before, the driving is absolutly insane, so while in the car you have adrenaline from the very thought of losing your life at any moment along with the entertainment of what you see out the window. i've never been on drives where i see so much. there are people occupying practically every inch, and they all have something to do or somewhere to go.

about halfway into our drive, we start to reach a more rural part of india. it is exactly the opposite of mumbai. it's absolutly gorgeous. khopoli is a small village in a valley, so there are mountains surrounding us with waterfalls trickling down them (it's monsoon season, so the rain brings lots of waterfalls). living in the village at the orphanage has been nothing short of amazing. it's kind of like in america how things are different in the country than in the city. the people are friendlier, and life is a little more slow paced and simple. it has been a nice change.

since we are living at the orphanage, we are getting to know the children there so well. they are the sweetest kids i have ever met, and need constant affection. we watched The Lion King on saturday night and we all really enjoyed it. when we are sitting and watching movies with them, they will come gather around us and at times i'll have 3-4 kids sitting in my lap. the ones that aren't there will, every once in a while, put their hand on my arm for a couple of minutes while facing the opposite direction towards the TV. i guess it is re-assurance that we are there. we're going to have a hard time leaving them!

yesterday, we hiked up one of the mountains to visit a couple of VERY small villages to see some of the tribes and people groups living up there. they are living in huts in the most beautiful place i have ever seen. i took a lot of pictures, but i'll have to upload them when i am back in mumbai or even back at home since they are on my computer. anyways, the people there were so friendly, but it was still hard on us because we couldn't speak their launguage... but they were very hospitable to us.

anyways..my 21st birthday is coming up and i will be spending it at the orphanage! i'm so excited. i never thought i would celebrate my 21st birthday on a mission trip with children...but right now i can't think of a better way. hollar!

5 comments:

karen flowers said...

thank you for your birthday wishes the other day!
i am so glad you are enjoying it in india...you've transformed into a little missionary haha. anyways, i miss you so much! and hope you are enjoying every last bit of being there! see you in 3 weeks!

Abby said...

Sounds like you are having fun! Makes me want to go on a mission trip!

Anonymous said...

Katie! Your trip sounds amazing! I can't wait to hear more about it when you return! Take lots of pictures of those kids! I love you!

Anonymous said...

Hey lady, the kids sound amazing. I am so glad that you are having such an incredible time. Can't wait to see you and hear all of the wonderful stories you will have. Love and miss you!!!!!
PS Happy early birthday!!!

Danielle said...

I love your stories! And I'm glad you're feeling better too. Happy Birthday on the 12th! My friend is getting married on your birthday! Grand times.