Testiomonies-India

Hi,

My daughter went on your volunteer program this past summer and had a very rewarding experience in India.

I wanted to let you know how very pleased we were with the program and the leaders. Juliann said how well she was cared for and how loved she felt by the girls in the orphanage. It was an unforgettable experience for her that she will always cherish.

Thanks again,

Juliann Barnhill :)

To all the fabulous people i have met during my time at Udayan.

Soapie teacher/Didi, Rajan, Jess Didi, Chelsea Didi, Ximena Didi, Suzie Didi, Sally Didi, Laura Didi, Jaimala, Hitesh, Megha, Karnika, Mr Dan & Frank, Raul...

I can't believe it is time for me to leave and say 'not goodbye, but see you later'...I have had the time of my life here and will of course miss my Indian family so very much. And i will look forward with great excitement and love to the time when I can return.

All of you have helped make my journey spectacular, special, hilarious and warm. Your friendships are very close to my heart and will travel with me in my life beyond Udayan.

I hope all of you will stay in touch and keep me updated with your lives. I miss you all and look forward to reunions in the future.

I will leave you with some of my warmest and proudest memories from Udayan.

My family and friends at home sponsored the children to participate in a 2 week dance program, organised by the wonderful Megha. They had 13 days of rehearsals, consisting of a hot and sweaty bus trip into Jaipur everyday at 3 o'clock followed by an energy packed dance session from 4.30- 5.30 with two awesome teachers, Raul and Aneesha, both of whom are trained by and represent 'Shaimak'- a hugely famous dancer and singer who has coreographed (spelling??) dances in movies like Dhoom 2! Yes, very big deal. So the dancing also gave them something to look forward to everyday and was always followed by some activity, either sports in the stadium in Jaipur (where I took Parveen and Nausheen for swimming lessons! Great!), or some down time in Central park. And we would return to Udayan by 8 pm for dinner.

So it was a brilliant outside adventure for them during their holidays.

After the 2 weeks of classes, the children performed a dress rehearsal followed by 2 shows at 'Bilar Auditorium' (spelling??). The magnificent concert hall in Jaipur. It was an absolute thrill for them and i was blessed to share in their joy and excitement. I was so proud of them I couldn't stop the tears from rolling down my face as i watched them up on stage shining like stars and radiating with confidence, joy and self-respect.

They are truly amazing children and i will miss them so very much.

Enjoy the photos!

All my love,
thanks for the memories,
Libby Didi xo (Nisha Didi)