Here/Safe

"There comes a moment, a tip in time
when leaving home is the lesser crime.
When your eyes are bright with tears
But your heart can clearly see
another world, another galaxy"

-Paul Simon, Suprise

Hey Everyone! After 32 hours of traveling, I made it to Pannai yesterday morning. The trip was pretty uneventful and I am really glad to be here at last. The night before I left (during my Goodbye Forever party), I got some very good advice, including: Don't get into any co9vered trucks, don't get eaten by a bull shark, and don't die.

So far, I have managed to avoid all of these things. On the 3 hour Jeep ride to the orphanage, I saw lots of interesting buildings, temples, and people. I also saw many animals, including cats, dogs, a flock of ducks, cows, and monkeys. Who knew monkeys didn't just live in zoos?

Being here is like another world, but that's was I was hoping for. Yesterday I ate dinner off of a bannana leaf and took a "shower" out of a bucket. We (other volunteer Kerri and I) met with some of the teachers and talked about how we can help in the classrooms. I am really excited to start working in the school on Monday. I also learned part of a traditional Indian dance this afternoon.

I don't want to hog the computer, so I should go. Remember, if you want to send me an e-mail, please send it to cynthia.rogers@shschicago.org. I will not be checking my AOL account much. Thank you!

love, Cynthia