Wendy From India

Hello Everyone! It is Christmas here in India but does not feel like it one bit.
We just returned from our long journey to the Taj Mahal. It was supposed to be a 12 hours drive each way but turned into a 21 hours each way. It was beautiful though, nothing like what I was expecting. A nice Christmas Eve for Ashley, Ami, and me.
We are back in Vadodara now, at an internet cafe. We have had some troubles with connecting to the internet at the school but will try to again soon.
The school and hospital are beautiful! It is like a beautiful oasis in the middle of nowhere. Our first night we were able to play with the kids, and I learned how to play field hockey. Later that night we all got to see a live birth, it was incredible. This weekend they have 40 surguries planned and we are hoping to see them all, or as many as possible. The people at the hospital and school are very welcoming and all the kids love to have their picture taken. About a third of the school children are learning English, so we have to talk slowly to them but they understand us. We did a tabacco prevention lecture to the english speaking students and it was a blast. They were all very excited to participate, especially because we gave out candy.
I kinda stick out here when we are out, and I get stared at alot. But I just like to smile and wave back. My first driving experience here was crazy, there is supposed to be lines that seperate the road but NO ONE follows them. At first I thought I was going to be hit every second but now I realize that it is in their blood, they know the exact moment to move out of the way.
Ami's family has taken us in as one of their own. They picked us all up from the airport and have taken us everywhere we have wanted to go. There is a slight language barrier but it is still possible. Well I hope to get on again soon and get pictures up.
Thank you all for your support and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love you MOM and DAD!