Monday, July 6, 2009
Farewell and Good Bye
The last day. I was totally blessed by the students today. I have really been engaged with these people, and have shared my life with them as they shared theirs. There is somewhat of a tradition on campus that as trainers (“Gurus”) leave, their departure is celebrated by students and staff. During our send off celebration, the students shared and expressed heartfelt words and emotions of the impact I made on their lives. I was impressed by the love and openness this group of people has for others. I tried to emulate what I saw. I am leaving something with the students, but I think I am the biggest benefactor of their love and respect.
Saturday & Sunday June 26-27 Agra and the Taj Mahal
I can remember looking at pictures of the Taj Mahal in my 3rd grade history book as I listened to the story of why it was built. Visiting the Taj was always one of those “it would be nice but probably won’t happen” trips. And for the past number of years, I have learned that seeing “the sights” was always a happier experience when my wife and family could join. But being in India gave me that lifetime opportunity to go so I went. My friends Wendy, Donnette, and Tony joined me for an eventful weekend. We had many adventures and fun time. Hopefully I will be able to go again, but with my wife and kids.
We traveled into Delhi by air. We rented a driver and a guide to show us as much as possible in 20 hours. In Delhi we visited the India Gate, the President’s home and Parliament, and the Lotus Temple. The traffic we very similar to Bangalore, but the temperature was a little hot. It was pushing 55 Celsius. I am not sure just how hot that is, but I just know it was hot.
Our travel to Agra lasted about 5 hours. The driving tour provided many looks into the landscape and way of life in India. For many it is not an easy life, and that is based on anyone’s standard. We made it into Agra to see the Taj and sunset from across the river. We had a lot of fun trying to get just the right picture as well as the poses right. We were also able to view a Hindu Pyre ceremony from across the river. I have never seen that before; kind of doubt I will again. Other sites included Agra Fort and another “Baby Taj”. I can’t recall what Mongol emperor built it, but it was cool to see. I think it was the grandfather of the woman that the Taj was built for originally.
The next day we made the decision to see the Taj at sunrise with a new guide. It was truly a remarkable experience. I was amazed at the sheer enormity of the Taj, as the complete symmetry. The pictures I took just do not fully capture the 400 year old building in its complete beauty.
Thursday, June 25 Cricket & Class fun
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
1st Annual Nielsen Cow Walk





I was invited by my co-trainers Tony and Candy to be part of the first ever cow walk. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the first step is to be living in a city that lets cows freely roam the streets without any level of containment. For us, that place is Bangalore.
We planned roughly an hour of time to walk the local streets around our hotel and take snapshots mostly of cows, but we were also able to include dogs, chickens. goats, and pigs. I used the time to also make some snaps of local color. I highly recommend the experience to all reading, but know the key is to have good friends with you.
Fathers Day 2009 in Bangalore
Although my kids were not physically with me today, I was made to feel totally at home and with family. The Church I have been attending in Bangalore invited me to be part of their own Father's Day celebration. It was a great celebration. The wife of the Pastor (Susan) created a movie of snapshots of all the Dads and their kids. They had contacted Lori who had send them some pictures of my kids. After the movie the kids presented all the Dads a key chain with beads that spelled out Dad. It was a really fun and unique experience. To be honest -- I did miss my kids still. They are the best. My daughter Taylor is a beautiful young woman with a pure heart. Her brother Nate is now 10 and has a desire to bring joy to those around him. His younger brother Mitch has a passion for adventure and a love for others. They are amazing children whom I know have a heart for God and hand for others. Most of that is due to my wonderful wife Lori. She is an incredible woman!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Slum Dog Hockey Clap


Today was a day I was looking forward. This was the day I was able to meet with the young men and women that are being assisted through the Bhagya. I met with 17 young adults from age 17 to 20 (12 men and 5 women). It was an incredible time for this Nebraska kid. Again, a surreal moment that I was in a Bangalore India city park playing games and having conversation with a group of young adults from the slum areas of the city. As I said it was incredible. We played some games (Dog and the Bone and Cho- Ko). Both games are locally played so I had to learn something new. I was able to teach them something -- the hockey clap. We did a rousing round of 3 claps following the games.
More importantly, I was able to talk with each young man and share my principles for success. I hoped to share with them that they should live with at least 3 criteria. I tried using a phrase I use with my kids (no lying, cheating, stealing, and especially no hitting people with fishes) that usually gets a laugh from my kids, but these guys were intent on my words and did not realize the fish hitting part was funny. I hoped they did learn to reject passivity, accept responsibility, and lead courageously. I gave them a fourth one as well, which was to follow God. My prayer is that the words shown light into their hearts. I did get many promises from the men that they would email me and keep me up to date with their schooling and lives. I really hope that happens. In case your wondering about the girls, my friend Andrea was able to speak many many good words and life lessons. I didn't hear it all, but I am confident that Andrea provided hope and confidence to the young women.
The men's names are Satish, Raja, another raja, Kathik, RanJeeth, Sam, Balchandar, Hazarath, Prabakar, Yesuraj, Sham, Shiva. The women's names are Priya, Soni, Shalini, Pushparani, Aninamma. I doubled my friends in Bangalore in one day! Life is good.
Week of June 15 - June 19 -- work becomes "normal"
Busy week of classroom training. I don't believe we did too much other than eat, sleep, drive, and teach. I laugh, as I am realizing the totally abnormal is becoming normal. Almost like God asking us to pray that His kingdom be the same on earth as it is in heaven. Sorry I digress :-)
The week was full of interesting travel times between work and the hotel. We see many cows, dogs, and near accidents every day. One of my team mates, Donnette, always sits behind me in the car. She is so much fun to have in the car. Inevitably when it looks like we are about to get sideswiped or a passerby stares at the "foreigners" in the car Donnette will utter the word seriously. It isn't directed at anyone in the car, but at the action. I have found myself uttering seriously several times. I really like Donnette being in India.
This week we also said goodbye to another trainer - Cathy. I really enjoyed Cathy on our team. My favorite memory was asking Cathy (whose British) the political value of the Queen Elizabeth. I was quite impressed at the mini history lesson (including dates) on the actual role of the Queen inthe affairs of Parliament. Cathy was also much fun on the dance floor. The sutdents valued her as well as they provided her a cake party at their own expense. I didn't actually teach with Cathy, but it is obvious she made an impact.
Lastly, I experienced the game of cricket live. As background, we have been watching the World Twenty20 Cricket championship at our hotel. The game is quite popular outside the US. At work, several of the TCS associates play the game, and I learned they have a competitive league. Friday was the day for quarter finals, semi-finals, and finals. I watched about 2 hours of cricket and learned much of the game. Several of my students tried to get a round of hockey claps going, but we learned we need to provide more education to the other team on exactly what a hockey clap is.
The week was full of interesting travel times between work and the hotel. We see many cows, dogs, and near accidents every day. One of my team mates, Donnette, always sits behind me in the car. She is so much fun to have in the car. Inevitably when it looks like we are about to get sideswiped or a passerby stares at the "foreigners" in the car Donnette will utter the word seriously. It isn't directed at anyone in the car, but at the action. I have found myself uttering seriously several times. I really like Donnette being in India.
This week we also said goodbye to another trainer - Cathy. I really enjoyed Cathy on our team. My favorite memory was asking Cathy (whose British) the political value of the Queen Elizabeth. I was quite impressed at the mini history lesson (including dates) on the actual role of the Queen inthe affairs of Parliament. Cathy was also much fun on the dance floor. The sutdents valued her as well as they provided her a cake party at their own expense. I didn't actually teach with Cathy, but it is obvious she made an impact.
Lastly, I experienced the game of cricket live. As background, we have been watching the World Twenty20 Cricket championship at our hotel. The game is quite popular outside the US. At work, several of the TCS associates play the game, and I learned they have a competitive league. Friday was the day for quarter finals, semi-finals, and finals. I watched about 2 hours of cricket and learned much of the game. Several of my students tried to get a round of hockey claps going, but we learned we need to provide more education to the other team on exactly what a hockey clap is.
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