15 february - now in Kakinada

Yesterday we said a sad good-bye to all of our friends and new families in Visakhapatnam - a very big thank you to all our host families and we will miss you! On 7h Feb. we held our second LN-4 Hand Camp at Hamal Mahal. Once again, the response was overwhelming -we worked with the local rotary clubs to screen applicants, fit them with new prosthetics and then worked with them to practice movement. Seeing a young teacher (a double amputee) write his name with 2 new prosthetics was overwhelming. Bringing the LN-4s and participating in the hand camps has been a highlight of the trip. Doing good feels good - especially in a country where many people lose their limbs to electrical accidents.
Rotary Club Cosmo hosted us on a bus trip and picnic/dance party in the woods in the tribal area of the Araku Valley. Rotarian Suryarao hosted us at his palatial resort home for a mid-tour break (complete with a small dinner for 60). Tom and Craig made quite a splash (literally) in the pool! Tom hurtling down the slide watched by a small crowd....
Before leaving, we visited Srikakulum and the beautiful sun temple, and the lovely city of Anakapalle. Everyone where we have visited the people (especially the kids) have been wonderful - warm, welcoming and always up for photos! We have seen numerous Rotary club projects --all the clubs contributing to their communities in a myriad of ways. All of us non-Rotarians are very impressed with the work of Rotary here in India. In a country where the government cannot provide basic services like education to all its citizens, private groups like Rotary are an integral part of the social safety net. For example, 25% of blindness in the world is found in India (due to sunlight, vitamin deficiencies and lack of routine care) and Rotary is certainly helping to reduce that number. Similarly, the government schools often lack benches, desks, uniforms and even plates - Rotary clubs have adopted schools all over and provide for many of these basic needs. Again, this important work counters illiteracy and gives many poor children a chance at education.
All of us find it hard to believe that we are over half-way done with our GSE trip. Tom (Mr. Rotary) continues to be our fearless leader and works to provide Kingfisher whenever possible. Carmen is our chinado (little one) and wows everyone with his mandolin playing and Telegu speaking. We seem to attract lots of attention wherever we go as this part of india does not see many foreign tourists. Food continues to amaze as does all of the color, sound and smell of India. Namaste to all of our friends and family at home - we will try and bring the sun back with us!
P.S. We are trying to upload more photos but having some difficulties - this is India, super high-tech yet water buffaloes wandering on the national highways....