Friday 14 February 2014

Pune: Mhate



Our second day was just as wonderful as the first.  Breakfast at 7:00 am and on the road just before 8am.  Our destination – Mhate and 893 children awaiting their bedkits.  The excitement is palpable as we enter the village situated in a beautiful valley south of Pune.  A parade that again includes a ride in an oxen cart, singing, dancing takes us to the presentation tent.  Looking across a sea of exited little faces is worth the 3 hour drive.  Our engagement begins here with the first waves and smiles.  This is a very big day in their young lives.  

Once the speeches and gifts are exchanged we get down to work.  The first step is setting up the bedkit display behind which the children are photographed and those photos are eventually sent to the donor as proof of the delivery made in their name.   After the photograph in their new school uniforms the children receive their knapsack and shoes and with their parent(s) receive the remainder of the bedkit items.  It warms you to the core when they look up to you and whisper “Thank you”.  In your heart you want to whisper back “No thank you for letting me share this moment of your life”.

Our Rotary partners were a great help and we ended the day sharing a meal together.  The day that began many miles away ended with a gorgeous sunset and full moon.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

Team Pune 2014 
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