first fotos

Like I said, everything jingles, even ankles.


The kid on the bike is funnier looking than me, actually. Safe to say, neither of us know what’s going on.


Sunffeluffogus balloon kid.


And, explain to me why we can’t touch these children?


Boo! Ahahahahahahah!!!


Life goal, check. Blowing bubbles with Indian Dalit children. These kiddos go to school at Good Shepherd School, Antejar, India. I hope you can zoom in on the attack-bubble, about to pop on my face.


I hear ya, kiddo. India is a strange, strange place.


Dalit kids at Good Shepherd school. I spy, with my little eye, a cheater!


I can’t get over how cute a kid can be if you just put a bonnet on her. But actually it didn’t take much for me to come to the conclusion that these kids were absolutely beautiful.


The girl in the orange was just married. Or, maybe it was the girl in the maroon, I can’t really remember. They both had henna all over their hands. I think this picture sort of looks like we ran into a hot dog stand together.


India mullet, sporting khaki vest and trash stash. Yes, please.


Another cutie-patootie, but not sure what he’s chewing on…


My future mother-in-law…apparently.


…because she let me wear her wedding dress, which would be passed on to her son’s new bride. Didn’t know that part until later…


The children at the schools LOVED the parachute. Who doesn’t love the parachute, come to think of it?


Orange-shirt kid was dominating this game.


Woo-hoo! Cow crossing!


This lady is weaving a massive tapestry. She somehow threads one strand through each of those white strands, and the stick helps… The artisans we have been meeting are incredible talented, and this lady is just one of the many we have met.


When we tour the villages, people come out to show us their wears. This lady, a Dalit, is making quilts at home. Hopefully, we can help her village by creating projects for the ladies to work on, such as embroidery and quilting.


This man is dressed in traditional Rabari clothing. The Rabari are nomadic shepherds. Older Rabari wear all white, but the younger shepherds wear very brightly colored turbans and outfits.


Our team with one of the local Brothers and his family.


Basically what I’m eating these days (give or take a milkshake every now and again…)--rice, pita-ish bread, some greasy soup, usually with cilantro and an egg, and a hash-like food, for color. All of this is shoveled into my mouth with my right hand, of course.


Trucking makes up quite a bit of the industry in this area of Gujarat.


I gave the woman on the left my ring after she complimented me on it. Maybe one day I’ll get to come back and visit her, and tell her about my Savior. For now, I was just able to bless her with a new piece of jewelry.


My sari fitting. I purchased a sari that is almost this same color. Haven’t had the opportunity to wear it yet. Apparently, only married women wear saris, unless it is a very special occasion. Maybe I’ll wear mine for breakfast tomorrow….


This baby was not happy to be taken from his mama by a white woman that didn’t speak his language.


Snake Tag is a hit. In this particular game, I was on the weak end. I pretty much had to whip-lash the kids around to get anybody tagged.

One of my favorite kids. He was so, so, so tiny! I called him "Tall Socks" you'll see why...


...these were his little legs and shoes and tall socks. Ohmygoodness. He would totally fit in my carry-on…


me and the gals on a stroll


on her way to the well


Maybe she’s not happy with her work, but I think it is amazing. This is a dowry purse, used to put the bride’s dowry in for her husband.


Ladies Of The Wall. When I asked them if they spoke English they said, "No English." I got a laugh out of this because, well, their response meant they knew at least a little English...oh...phew...guess you would have had to been there...


The traditional Indian welcome includes bejeweling the guests with carnations and roses. However, this is how Indian H’s also honor their idols. So, for Xn's, the tradition has evolved so that the honoree accepts the necklace, but then immediately removes it and gives it to someone who has been a servant to the honoree that day. I received this necklace at the beginning of the conference, and also as we finally arrived in India
.

Women at the well