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 