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

Today was a special day of celebration. The students gathered to celebrate over 20 of their classmate’s birthdays. The time allowed the trainers to take photos and spend some time with the students. As you can see by the group photos we have a large class. I am still able to remember everyone’s name. The students truly appreciate the effort of the teachers to learn their names, but it is valued more when the teachers remember. It is a blessing to them, and a small thing I can do. Another new event today was a game of cricket. I have been able to learn a lot about the game since the Twenty20 World Cup Cricket tournament recently ended (Pakistan won, while the defending champion India placed 3rd). The students taught us the rules and took the time to teach us to properly bat and bowl. It was a lot of fun. The day ended with more pictures and a group hockey clap! That is my blessing 

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!

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.

Shopping with friends

Here is a picture of me and my new friends. From the left is Leena, Wendy, Meredith and Andrea. We are eating at a restuant called Ebony which is on the 13th floor of a large shopping complex. It was quite hot this day.

Room with a view

This is a view from my hotel room looking west. I just completed my first day of teaching. We have about 60 students that are very bright. My problem is I am having a hard time understanding their English. But it will get better with time and prayer. I will post a short video from my trials in traffic. If you think traffic is bad in your city, you have seen nothing like Bangalore. There are many roads and almost no rules. It is an experience

Saturday May 30

I am here and enjoying India. Well, somewhat. I actually spent the day sleeping. It is good to feel refreshed. My undertanding of what people are saying to me is getting better, and I hope will improve. I just returned from dinner which consisted of brothy zuchinni soup, bread, and spicy pasta. My waiter wished me Bon Appetite which I found amusing, although I could not get him to understand why I was laughing.

Thursday May 28th

Time to go. Life is good

Tuesday night May 26th 2009

Preparing for my trip to Bangalore is a lot of work. Plus i am realizing the sacrifice of my time away. Lori and the kids are exicted for me to go on the trip, but I am already missing them.