Namaste Dear family and friends! I just opened my computer, which I had stuck in my bag, to find that it is infested with ants. And I don’t mean an ant here or there - 50 ants poured out from under the keys, swarming over letters and onto the screen. How did this happen overnight? I think this must be a very bad sign for my bag…I’m scared to look. OK I looked - it’s not that bad, ants prefer the internals workings of a laptop to nesting in clothing. Or maybe they are just exited by something new. Even as I type, they still haven’t left the keys: reduced in number, they frantically dart in and out of letters, searching for their fellow ant comrades. Or maybe they are trying to spell something…shift…z…3…x…sunshine symbol…tab. Yeah, ... read more

Namaskar! I have safely arrived in Delhi! Its hot and noisy and some parts smell like eggs, but I’m thrilled to finally be in India! Wootwoot! The transit was long and difficult but hey, no surprise. My India flight was out of Chicago, and I sat next to a lovely Jain Indian lady from Atlanta (coincidence!) who invited me to her brother’s house in Jaipur. She told me a lot of about Jainism and dieting - they don’t kill anything, and apparently as you grow older you cut more things out, including roots and veges that grow underground. This is because there is more bacteria in them, so you are killing a lot of life for each plant. The drive to my hotel reminded me of China, with reckless speeds and swerving. At one point a ... read more

Hello my fellow volunteers and supporters! I have some important updates in regard to Gohechi: Gohechi orphanage has now grown to 135 children. Peter has created a website and blog to keep people informed of the orphanage, and get some publicity. The links are below: website: http://www.gohechi.org/ blog: www.gohechicentre.blogspot.com On his blog, Peter talks about the march fundraiser they did with their older boys, and their desire to buy property. They are currently 2 months behind on their rent, which cause them some difficultly if they are unable to pay it soon. If you would like to donate money, please visit the donate page on the Gohechi website. Of course if anyone would like any help, I am always available. My email is awolpe@emory.edu. Please don't hesitate if you would like any information or assistance. If ... read more

hey everyone! im back at emory and too busy to write a real entry, btu im trying to put up some pictures. i have the first 200 up (none of gohechi yet tho) here is the link: http://s681.photobucket.com/albums/vv179/aWolpe/?newest=1 ill let you know when they are all up, yours ariel... read more

Hujambo! It's been a crazy last few days, which all of my entries say, but it's often true! I had to pack up all my things in Arusha, say goodbye to friends and placements through tears, and take a 9 hours bus ride to dar salaam. this followed by a two hour sickening ferry ride ( i made the last one by 5 minutes thanks to my speedy taxi) where one of my bags got robbed...thankfully i had locked up the valuables in the main compartments. Thanks for those locks dad! Leaving the orphanage was very difficult - there are still so many projects i want to be a part of, including starting up the chicken coup and working on the gardens. And I want to get to know the kids more, and get more chances ... read more