Greetings from Rishikesh!

We are here in the headwaters of the The Ganges River.  I'll catch you up on the last few days.  Access to computers and internet here in the village is quite limited.  We will try to post more pictures from Delhi where connection is much faster.

Last Thursday we departed from Pokhara, Nepal and traveled 6.5 hours back to Kathmandu, it was on that bus ride that we distributed the letters from home.  Thank you all for writing them, it was so important for them to read your voices and have a taste of home.  For some, it was a reminder that they needed to add a few thing to their gift shopping list; for others that perhaps they should begin gathering gifts; for all, it brought a sense of comfort and your words reminded them that the time on this trip is limited, to enjoy the experiences, and have peace of mind that home is still there and waiting for them.  

As we walked up the stairs to our rooms at the Gangchen Monastery Guesthouse, the students realized a sense of familiarity.  Many of them have made a connection with that place and the people there and it provided a home away from home.  After a restful sleep, the students took it upon themselves to gather gifts and present them to those who prepared our meals and rooms for our stays.  Philip organized the gift collection and was the one to speak on behalf of the students - he was eloquent in his delivery, and all the students followed suit in their gracious handshakes and hugs to the people. Before leaving Kathmandu, we paid visit to 2 schools.  The first, a Montessori based pre-school, students were not in session but we toured the grounds of a beautifully organized program.  There, Russell generously shared gifts he brought from home. Next, a visit to a school that provides education for children of workers in the textile factories.  These kids come from  very poor homes.  The kids there work very hard in their academics to maintain sponsorship for the cost of their education.  If it weren't for this program, many, if not all of them would themselves be working on the streets, in the factories, or home taking care of their younger siblings.  Most of these students are from the Dalit, or Untouchable castes.  Members of our group split between several classrooms and spoke with the kids about the similarities and differences we share with them.  Genevieve and Andrew lead conversation and articulated beautifully.  It was healthy for our students to observe the discipline and deep appreciation those students have, and consequently our students gained a realization greater appreciation for their many opportunities. Perhaps we can keep in correspondence with this school.  There has been talk between our students  to collect un-wanted or outdated technologies from our school and sending them this way.  Our kids want to help in any way they can.

On Friday, we boarded our return flight to Delhi.  Hot temperatures were re-defined as we exited the plane.  It is amazing to see the growth in students in only a week.  The kids knew the steps of making it through customs and immigration, needed hardly any guidance through the meticulous paperwork, and were all working for the group helping one another gather and carry bags, they had learned the routine, they now carry themselves as international travelers!  

Our stay in New Delhi was brief, our hotel was posh to say the least and the kids had a few luxurious hours of television, steam showers, and international menu choices before our early train departure for Hardiwar and Rishikesh.

So here we are now, in Rishikesh the valley of the Ganges.  When we arrived we headed first to the banks of the river.  Wading in to the frigid waters of mountain run-off juxtaposed to the oppressive heat gave us an energizing feeling of renewal we need so much.  Many people from around the world come here for yoga and meditation guidance.  This is a holy place for followers in Vedantic Studies, and many brightly orange robed people roam the paths here.  On our first night, we observed ceremonial pryers, chanting, and music along with thousands of people who had traveled here for this occasion.  Afterward we all sent a boat of marigolds, burning candles, and well wishes or prayers down the waters.  

We are staying in an ashram here.  The place filled with quiet and contemplative people.  The rooms are hot and we have bare necessities, a sheet and a cot. Food is served cafeteria style, we eat with others staying here in the ashrams, many of which choose not even to use the tables and chairs and eat in the more traditional manner - on the floor. Once we finish, it is our responsibility to clean and dry our dishes.  It is a far cry from the hotel in Delhi.  The kiddos are visibly outside their comfort zones. However, these kids are learning reverence and enjoying some self-reflection.  This place naturally lends itself to these practices.  

Our transportation to the small villages up the valley are by foot along the river banks or by motor rickshaw on the road.  Yesterday we rafted a short segment of the river in the morning, rested and had lunch, and then toured the streets of Ram Jula and Lakshiman Jula.  The shops here have many hidden gems, beautiful clothing and textiles, metal pieces, scarfs, and much more.  Today we'll raft again in the afternoon, and perhaps enjoy a meditative yoga session this evening by the river.  Tomorrow we hike to some high waterfalls and prepare to return to Delhi.  

Heat rash, bug bites, grumbly stomachs, exhaustion, homesickness, sleeplessness, life, death, resilience, new friendships, new experiences, new-found tastes, photographs, growth, education, new customs - your kids have seen so much.  

Thank you all again for allowing your kids to make this trip.  We will try to post once more from Delhi and include some of the fabulous sites since last time and perhaps a few words from your kids!  Much love.

Namaste.


Cheyenne Zurfluh