I was first introduced to the World Family Foundation (WFF) three years ago by a very good friend. On the WFF website, he showed me what I found to be a particularly poignant two minute video, and immediately decided to become a sponsor.
This past January, along with board members Bruce and Leslie Bouche and sponsors Jerry and Pat Graybill, I had the privilege to visit the Prashanti School children’s residential home in a village area outside Puri, India. Although it was my first trip to India, it instantly felt like I was returning home from a long journey. The children, who were all gathered by the main gate, welcomed us with such respect the moment we entered the premises. As we all sat in the school patio, Elizabeth Burnett, founder of Prashanti International School (PIS) and WFF board member, introduced us to all of the children one by one, each with a shy, yet beautiful smile. I was especially excited to finally meet the little girl who I have been sponsoring for the last three years. During our visit we had the opportunity to take pictures and get to know each other. All the children seemed to be so happy and full of life, despite the so very few materialistic pleasures. Our first visit day's visit ended with devotional chanting and evening prayers.
This past January, along with board members Bruce and Leslie Bouche and sponsors Jerry and Pat Graybill, I had the privilege to visit the Prashanti School children’s residential home in a village area outside Puri, India. Although it was my first trip to India, it instantly felt like I was returning home from a long journey. The children, who were all gathered by the main gate, welcomed us with such respect the moment we entered the premises. As we all sat in the school patio, Elizabeth Burnett, founder of Prashanti International School (PIS) and WFF board member, introduced us to all of the children one by one, each with a shy, yet beautiful smile. I was especially excited to finally meet the little girl who I have been sponsoring for the last three years. During our visit we had the opportunity to take pictures and get to know each other. All the children seemed to be so happy and full of life, despite the so very few materialistic pleasures. Our first visit day's visit ended with devotional chanting and evening prayers.
As we headed back to our hotel that evening, I quickly realized it would always be an adventure riding on an auto rickshaw. The village had a different look and feel in the evenings; it reminded me of my childhood vacations visiting my aunt in Guanajuato, Mexico. The smell of burning wood filled the air, as people would sit outside their homes, while children ran and played barefooted. Others would crowd around the street food vendors, in the midst of cows and dogs lying on the dirt roads.
We spent a lovely week with the children and had the opportunity to attend their Annual Day school festival. Leslie face-painted some of the little ones for their recital, while I walked around taking pictures of them getting ready for their Annual Day performances. The children gave presentations on different countries and performed dances and Indian mythological dramas. The presentations not only focused on historical events but also on religion, diversity and human values.
We returned to the school the next day to distribute the clothes we had collected back home for the children. The kids were so appreciative and happy for their new outfits. Elizabeth had one of the older boys translate to the younger children that it is important to understand that the gifts were not from people in America, but really from God, who had given their Aunties and Uncles kind hearts to share their generosity with them. One by one the kids lined up to receive their outfits, and walked to a room where they bowed as a sign of respect and gratitude at the school altar. PS takes pride in maintaining the children’s culture and religious beliefs.
In the afternoon, we took some of the kids to the beach, where we rode camels and ponies. It was fun to ride the auto rickshaw to the beach, laughing and taking pictures with two of the little girls, Dipa and Madhusmita. The boys wasted no time at all and jumped into the water. Little Dipa was a bit apprehensive to join the water fun at first, but little by little holding my hand we went in together. Madhusmita on the other hand, did not want to go in, so she stayed close to shore making sand castles. Bruce and I were in the water playing with the kids, but keeping a watchful eye on Biki, an active and fearless little guy who I feared would go in too far in the water. The children had so much fun, and that in itself is priceless!
Jerry and I took four of the older boys, Sunil, Pitamber, Rakesh and Ranjan, to the Sun Temple in Konark. Before arriving at Konark the boys took us on a boat ride down the river, making our day with the boys an amazing one. It made Uncle Jerry and Auntie Martha feel very special.
On one occasion, we arrived early at Prashanti International School to spend time with the students in their classrooms. Before class, the kids, in their bright yellow uniforms and red sweaters all lined up in rows with their hands together and closed eyes to recite the Morning Prayer. The teachers escorted the students to a communal room to continue with devotional morning chanting. Little Jaga caught my attention. He was chanting with such devotion and enthusiasm. It moved me to see how at such early age, Jaga had a sense of devotion. It was pure joy to spend time with them in class, seeing how all of them are full of potential.
On our last day at PIS, several of the older girls painted Pat’s feet with henna, while Leslie and I got mahendi art on our hands and designs on our nails. The girls also braided my hair and added beads to it. The girls are so bright and talented. We had a lovely time, laughing, taking pictures and bonding. It was hard to say goodbye but I know that I will be back to visit very soon.
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