the power of a smile...

Today was very long...but super amazing! I started out with a masala omelet...you can get everything here in the masala flavour!

I caught a bike to the Agra Fort. I always feel so bad when I get on the peddle bike rickshaw...cause the poor men have to carry my heavy Canadian butt all over. But every morning I wake up the same guy is outside the hostel wanting to take me so today I did! He had to get off his bike and walk at one point cause the hill was too steep! The fort claims to be the most amazing in India and it truly lives up to its reputation! It was stunning. The story behind it is bitter sweet. The man who built the Taj for the love of his life (to which I thought was so romantic until I found out that he in fact had 14 wives!) died in the Agra Fort prison that his son placed him in to gain power...with the view of the Taj...awe.

After the Fort I came back to the hotel and had to check out...I am not homeless in India...haha! This hostel has been amazing though...they have stored my luggage all day and now I am just chilln out waiting to take my midnight 5 hour drive from Agra to Delhi! I should arrive in Delhi at 5am to catch my flight to Leh.

The Indian Dream Foundation sent a car to the hostel to pick me up and head out into the slums of Agra. Here I visited one of the schools that they have developed. It was the most amazing experience ever. I went into the school and met the teachers who are doing the most amazing job - they show up everyday for these kids with a 3000 rupi monthly salary (approximately $75 Canadian)! The kids were doing their lessons in song...so I got down on the floor and joined in...it was super cool cause all the kids took turns at the front of the class leading the song. The smiles in this class room are enough to brighten up the future:) I wanted to hug them all!

From here I went further into the community to talk with the locals. I asked them what they needed to improve the conditions and if they are accepting to change...and the answer in short is awareness and education. They are accepting and wanting the change!

I also talked with a local bracelet maker. She makes one bracelet for 5 rupies (12 cents Canadian)...it takes her about 2 hours...and the people who buy it from her sell it for 1500 rupies ($35 Canadian)...this is not fair at all. But these are the people I am looking for to create a market in Canada and give them a fair value for their work. Gayle, I think our dream of the children's art work can come true very soon :)

When I was walking through the village (aka the slum area of Agra) there was a swarm of loud, cheerful and playful children walking with us...like 30 of them. They all wanted to hold my had and just to say hi...so I did...this is the interaction I am wanting to give people of the world:)

From there we picked up the Government offical that oversees this district of schools and went for lunch...I had a Dosa...you my have guessed it was masala style! We had a chance to talk about the relationship that the governement has with working NGO's in this area and they are accepting of the relationship. I also learned that they are promoting free education for all. but the problem they have is getting the kids there...they are working to educate the parents with the benefits of child education vs. child labour.

I visited some other schools in rural areas of Agra. The Indian Dream Foundation is doing amazing work in connection with the Indian School Board. I am happy to have met two wonderful people and now friends!

It has been another amazing day! My head is spinning and need to really start the focus on what it is the LIB can contribute to. At the moment I am super hungry and going to check out a restaurant near by...apparently there is music and games...hopefully I can find a friend to play with...haha!

xoxo...heather