With only 16 days left in India I find myself with very mixed feelings about my return to the US. I am currently sick in bed and quite honestly homesick.  There is nothing I would rather have than access to endless Hulu TV shows, chicken soup, and a fully stocked medical cabinet. I've had to make some replacements (Bollywood movies, kicheree, and a prayer that my pepto bismol doesn't run out) and I am sure I will be just fine tomorrow. 

With that being said, overall I've had a really good week. I finally finished my ring in my jewelry class and we are starting pendants/earrings! I finally feel comfortable teaching my 7th graders at Little Stars and I am proud of how hard they have been working.  The new project to help get the kids sponsors for next school year is finally underway. One of the administrators at the school, Dolly-ji, has been extremely helpful in translating the children's stories into English for me so that we can give potential sponsors a more personal look at their lives. Next week we are planning to interview the kids in Hindi about their lives and aspirations for the future. The little that I've learned about has already been very eye opening. Most of the families make between $24- $32 per month. That means that these children are essentially living on much less than $1 a day considering most of these families have 2-4 kids. It's easy to forget that the kids at Little Stars are growing up in such adverse conditions because I only see them in class with clean uniforms and smiling faces. 

This week I have also been focusing on my Hindi, with lessons every day with my host father, Pinku-ji. I am really enjoying it, mostly because it is so useful while I am here.  It is hard to believe that I only have a little over one more week left in Varanasi. There are so many things I still want to do, and I can't really imagine this adventure ending so soon. If there are any last minute gift/ postcard requests please email me!   I hope all is well with everyone back in the States!

Much love,

Jenna