4th Day of Our Service Retreat

We were teaching English at the Bhatti Mines School today. It was really incredible. The children are so much fun, so eager to learn, so ready to laugh, I love it. It has been very powerful in such a short period of time.

We have been on a tight schedule so it has been tough to send updates.

I have realized that when you are not surprised by the random cow you may be settling in a bit.

Lots and lots to share but I need to jump off of the computer. More later.

The children are awesome and the work that is being done at the school is very noble.


Great gratitude to all,
jeff

Witness to Amazing Work

Day One of our service retreat was very moving.

We arrived during the After School program were students from the Bhatti Mines School, neighboring schools and girls who do not attend school go for tutoring.

Their desire to learn and their appreciation for the opportunity for an education was beaming simply beaming.
They were sitting in tight rows cross legged on the floor working diligently on their assignments. They would pop up to have their instructors check their work. Full of pride and excitement as they waited.

Santosh and his wife have affected change where customs go deep. I am so proud to be a witness to such amazing work.

Of note:
- I took 73 pictures today. A new record for me.

- Yesterday, I arrived at the ashram where we are to stay during our service retreat. The accommodations are rustic by our standards but very peaceful and nice.

- For those of you worried about me losing weight. The food is incredible and Mama Gee our host strongly encourages seconds and thirds.

- I awoke to the sound of a monkey landing on and scurrying across the metal roof.

"Hi" From The Other Side of the World

I arrived today in Delhi. Well it's actually tomorrow, and my body thinks that it is still yesterday.

The nine hour flights from Phoenix to London and London to Delhi went smoothly.

All the action occured on the car ride once I was on the ground. I began counting 'close calls' by U.S. standards but it is a continuous close call, think Nascar during rush hour traffic. It is like riding in the car of the combined video games Pole Position & Frogger. Pretty exciting stuff.

I am acclimating today and will be meeting up with the group tomorrow.

See ya later

Jeff began his journey Sunday evening flying from Phoenix to London and then onto India.

Here's a video of Jeff getting his head shaved for his trip - sorry it is long - I don't know how to edit videos to only include the good stuff - well who am I kidding - Zoe is laughing through most of it so that is definitely all good stuff ;)

Final prepping for trip

Hi all - this is Joanna - Saturday night Jeff had to do some final prepping for his India trip - he wanted Zoe to help him out - check out video to see what he needed help with :)

FAQ's

1. When are you leaving? "What? Are you trying to get rid of me?"
Leaving Austin - October 14th - Driving to Phoenix to hang out with the nieces
Leaving the country - October 18th

2. How long will you be gone? "Not feeling the love, here" ( see #1)
2a. How long will you be traveling?
Almost a month, I am returning to the States on November 23rd.
Plan to Return to Austin in the beginning of December.

2b. "You CAN NOT have an (A) without a (B)." - Ms. Ryan 6th grade Language Arts

3. What is bringing you to India? "an air..."[biting his tongue with an apologetic glance]
I am traveling to India on a service retreat with The Amala Foundation in support of the Bhatti Mines School outside of New Delhi, India. From October 22-31 there is a group of us who will be serving at the Bhatti Mines School.

4. What will you be doing?
We will be there to serve in whatever capacity we are needed.


5. Are you staying in India after the retreat? "Well since I'm here."
I have extended my trip and plan to travel in Northern India until November 18th.

6. Where are you planning to go? What are to planning to visit? "Walk from town to town, meet people, get in adventures."
I have a working outline and am open to suggestions. Follow along on my BLOG, Followers wanted.

6. Do you have to get any shots to travel to India?
No
NO?
No shots are required.
None required? Well are there ANY recommended?
Yes
You have to .......................
I took Hep A & B and a tetanus shot.

7. You can't drink the water. "In the form of a question please."
Do you know that you can't drink the water?
Yes, bottled water only.

8. What about your business? How can you pull something like this?
I am trusting that there will still be disorganization when I return.

9. Are you bringing a camera?
Yes, I am BRINGING a camera.
Are you going to take pictures?
I haven't been very effective at taking pictures while traveling but I am going to make a concerted effort to take pictures and post them on my Blog. Yea, I blog.

In Support of the Bhatti Mines School

I am traveling to India this October on a service retreat in support of the Bhatti Mines School. I would like to share a deep thank you to those that have given to support the school and to make my trip possible. I am traveling to India to support the children in the name of those that support the Bhatti Mines School.

The Bhatti Mines School was started by a couple outside of New Delhi, India in order to give an option to the children other than child labor. The Amala Foundation has been connected with and supporting their efforts since 2007. Having been involved with The Amala Foundation community this past year, one of my lessons learned has been that serving others, and specifically children, demonstrates our path of development.

I have started this blog to share updates on my service and travels in India.


To learn more about The Amala Foundation & The Bhatti Mines School:

http://amalafoundation.org

$125 educates a Child for a Year

To support the Bhatti Mines School and my service retreat:

http://www.firstgiving.com/jeffreymallon1

http://amalafoundation.org/India.html