Mass Email - Update

hello all!

please forgive the bad typing. some of the keys on this keyboard dont work. :)

i am definitely starting to settle in more at the orphanage, getting to know the kids and staff and figure out exactly where i fit in here as far as responsibility. it has been a bit challenging because i feel a bit out of my comfort zone, having never worked with kids under the age of 15 or so, but I've been meditating on it quite a bit (ya, people do that here) and decided I need to just find a way to help that is genuine and true to who i am. I am not capable of doing EVERYTHING as a few of the volunteers do. some are just so committed and so in their element with the kids. it's very inspiring, as well as a bit frustrating to not feel the same passion for it (my hearstrings tend to be pulled a bit more by injured cows in the streets and illegal deforestation going on in the surrounding mountains) but I'm learning to accept that my calling and my real passions are elsewhere, but that it is still very important for me to stay committed to my obligation here as best i can.
that said, i am anxious to start teaching my computer class next week. i will be teaching mon - sat, teaching classes (grades) 2 - 6. i think it will help a lot to have a set schedule and a specific role with the children, and it will also help me to get to know them all better and on a new level. the children are amazing, and spending time with them really does make me understand why I am here...especially at Satsong (our nightly prayer gathering) where they all race to pile in our laps and hold our hands while we sing hindi songs. the songs (which are prayers) are really beautiful, and the words that I've caught are very profound compared to many western religious prayers (in my opinion). Things like "you and i are one" and another song which names all of the major religious figures in all world religions and then says "I am [Buddha/Jesus/etc], and I am you." At the end of each satsong they sing this really beautiful chant wishing for world peace. i'm going to have one of the kids write it out for me and translate so i can send it. it would be a good one to share with students/friends/children back home.
Anyhow, other than that, i have been moved into a new room because i have gotten very badly bitten by mosquitos, and the new room has closed windows and doors. It has kind of become the running joke aorund the compound, as i'm the only person who has gotten bit, and i am literally covered from head to toe in massive bites. i've tried every kind of deet product, including one that I sprayed on all my clothes and my sheets, but nothing has worked. i took pictures of all my bites, but wont send them (like i said...ALL over)! Although i do have some pictures I'm sending for you to get a sense of the place. the internet here is very slow, so i can only send a few. I'll try to upload more onto my ofoto account and send them out. these 2 are of a couple of the kids swinging, and one of me and some kids at ganga (the ganges, where they bathe and wash clothes).
Also, just to put it out there, Ramana's garden can use as much help as possible. If any of you would like to send donations of clothes (we need warm clothes for winter), toys, books or medicine (lice shampoo is greatly needed), or if you would like to help set up a sponsorship/donation matching program through your company (um EMI, come on people!) or school that would also be fantastic. for donations, you can send via DHL only to the following address:

Dr. Prabhavati
Ramana's Garden
Tapovan Uttaranchal
249192 India
phone #: 01352435558
via: Dottolo dehradun

Anyway, thanks to all of you for your email responses. I will be in touch soon, as i dont start teaching until next week, but will probably only be able to write once a week starting then. Usually sundays..

i hope you are all well. please keep in touch!
much love
cass