India tomorrow!

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Life on the boat is pretty normal these days. We had a post-port day, 4 days of class and today was pre-port day. We arrive in Chennai tomorrow, although I’m not sure what time we’ll be able to disembark because there have been some problems with visas and immigration. Also, my learning circle’s AFP still hasn’t been finalized. In fact, we don’t know a single thing we’ll be doing in the next 3 days. I’m really frustrated because I want to actually get something out of these programs and I’m not sure a day of preparation will encourage the most educational of activities. I’ll keep my fingers crossed, but I won’t hold my breath.

Two nights ago we had a hunger banquet. Most of the boat community participated and we were all randomly given sheets of paper with our names, story and status. I’m not exactly sure of the statistics, but it was something like 5% were high class, 30% were middle class and the rest were low class. The requirement to be in the high class was that your family makes over $10,000 a year. The break down of percentages is reflective of the world’s poverty statistics. The high class people were up on a stage of sorts with fancy linens and waiters. They had a 4 course meal with bread and desserts and even personal musical entertainment. Middle class sat in chairs and ate a full serving of beans and rice on a plate with forks. The low class sat on the floor. They had a tiny bowl of rice and had to eat it with their fingers. I was in the middle class, so I had beans and rice for dinner…and I still went to bed hungry. That was the point of the banquet…to make us realize how much poverty and starvation there is in the world. And that the amount of money Americans spend every year on pet food could feed the entire world. Think about that.

Last night was an Asian and Australian cultural night. They did all sorts of dances and skits and songs and vegemite eating contests…it was a good time. Last week was Australian Day and this week is the Chinese New Year, so that’s why they did their cultural night now. Next leg will be the African and Middle Eastern cultural night. I’m not sure when the North American one will be, but the only thing I can foresee are line dances and hot dog eating contests. And maybe some American football demonstrations?

I’m feeling much better now that the antibiotics have kicked in. Thanks for everyone that was sending me healthy thoughts! I will try my hardest to find an internet café very soon to post the rest of the pictures from Thailand and a few from the other activities on board the ship! India tomorrow!

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Comments

[mom]

India
I sent several emails with info on Chennia that I hope will be helpful. Tell us a bit about what you are learning in classes. Is it good information? Helpful for international relations? You sound good! Praise the Lord!! xo, Mom