Power Surge

I was going to update last night, but because of Diwali (Festival of Lights) and an inadequate electric system, I was afraid the power would surge in the midst of the update. But it's mid-day now and since most of the lights are out, things are a bit more stable.

We're doing really well and have been given some time to rest before another round of moving and shaking. Agra was an experience that I don't think can be put into words, but that's true of the whole Indian experience. Without hearing and smelling India, you really don't understand what's going on here. But back to Agra...we visited the Taj Mahal and Fort Agra. We had plenty of time left over since the train back to Delhi didn't leave till 8 p.m. and we had been there since 9 a.m. We tried to take our time as much as possible, enjoying some excellent chai tea, but finally around 5 we gave up and headed back to the train station. Upon arrival we discovered the train had been delayed 2 hours (and it's a 3 hour train ride...as long as there are no problems). We were unwilling to wait it out knowing that at this point it would be well after midnight before we got back to the hostel. So we hired a taxi and made our way back the 200 kilometers to the city. It only took 5 hours to get back, which is some of us had stronger bladders and smoother roads, would not have been too bad. Three of us were smooshed into the 3rd row of the car, which also made for an interesting journey. Words cannot express the bedlam that they call normal driving. There were (and continue to be) more than a few moments where contact with another car, bike, person, cow, etc. seemed inevitable, but we had (and have) capable drivers. In the end, we all slept REALLY well that night.

We had an uneventful trip to the Sunrise City and have been able to rest and tour for the last couple of days. We had a boat ride and tours of some temples which were very enlightening. We went to the Care Center this morning and enjoyed time with the kids. Tomorrow we'll see the other group of kids at the Tuition Center and then Monday start our "normal schedule" with both groups.

We are enjoying our time together and getting to know each other more. Please p that we continue to have good health. A few of us have had minor issues, but for the most part functioning and adapting well. We are missing Robert as well. We thank you for all of your support and so do those we are with here.