Last day in Chahalka

2/2/09
We had breakfast on the farm and then Linda went on her way to the hospital facility (rat infested) we were at yesterday to do more NID work then do her massage therapy for the children stricken with Polio. She is so brave to stay with the rodents yikes. She is planning on doing 6 patients a day (hour each). We are all going to miss her especially me. we have worked side by side most everyday passing mortar. Linda what a fascinating name that was to the villagers. They would say her name over and over again. I think they liked the way it sounded. Anyways Linda is a true Rotarian. She has taken 2 months off of her life to give to people less fortunate in India. Doesn't get any better than that. We are all proud of you Linda!! We worked in the village today although I had to stay back in the morning as I was having stomach issues. I was able to pull it together by the afternoon though. At the end of the work day we played jump rope with the village and then we handed out gifts for the children and provided the soap to the girls for their new shower facility that Naswa Resort donated. They were so happy to get soap and lotion. It was a nice touch with the new bathroom facility. It was like we were handing out gold pieces they were thrilled. The caps from the Fisher Cats went over well with the boys they were all beaming and the girls looked beautiful in the scarf material that Keepsake Quilting donated and the scarves that Kristy gave me. The material that Cheryl Bonner gave was given to the woman of the village to be used as they saw fit. Crissie also did the unthinkable. She trade her baseball cap and watch for the brick layers scarf that he had worn each day for the past ten days. He was quite sure he got the better deal but Crissie was sure she got the better one. I just hope she doesn't end up with lice!! She wore that scarf proud though. The villagers were appauled. They called the brick layer a black man. They did not seem to be impressed (mostly the guys were bothered by it some of it may have been jealosy) The women of the village presented all of the women of our team with a beautiful scarf and the men were presented with a turban. Here are villagers that have nothing giving us gifts. It was very humbling. At around 6-7 we headed back to the farm for dinner. I am still not feeling quite to par. Eating very sparingly but that does not seem to help so I need to start the Cipro. Bags need to be packed & on the bus by 7 for we are headed to Delhi for the day then in the evening we take the train and head to Ramthambor. It is 11:45 so I need to get to bed.