I milked a cow!!!!

Today we went to the CRHP farm, where they have 30 acres of land for crops, fruit trees, cows and bullocks, wells and random other things that a farm needs. We rode in the back of a cart pulled by two bullocks (with huge humps, but they weren't painted pink) and had a tour of the farm. Then we checked out the massive worm farm and Shaila (the cuuuuutest little old lady in the whole world, who has been taking us for classes and other stuff) chatted to us about the different trees growing around the farm... let us taste tamarind and gooseberry, fed us some sort of chickpea mix (spicy!!) and then we spoke to the manager of the farm, who told us her story of how she was happily married for 6 months before her husband got sick and then tested positive for AIDS, and she and her new baby were also positive. Her husband died and noone wanted to go near her unless she caught it. Then Dr Arole from CRHP offered her a job at the farm, where she was shown love and respect. She became the manager and now her and 4 others, 3 HIV+ and one with leprosy, run the farm.

We went to the dairy, where there were a few cows and we were all given a chance to milk the cows. I felt so sorry for the poor cow... some of us were so rough and ineffective... it would have been awful. They milk the cows by hand twice a day and get 20L each day. Amazing!!

It has been a tough week for the family who started the CRHP. Dr Arole's brother died on Saturday and they had the funeral on the same day as there is no way to preserve the body. Shortly after the funeral, his sister (who didn't know her brother had passed away) also passed away. She was also buried that same night. We were invited to the first funeral, but I chose not to go, as I didn't want the family to feel as though they had to worry about us. Dr Arole's son has also been sick, and we just learnt that he is having brain surgery tonight. We have been praying for the family, if you feel so inclined, they would very much appreciate your prayers too. I lead the devotional service this morning, to show our love and support for the family in this time. We read from 2 Corinthians, about comfort and I read a little narrative too. It was nice to be able to pray for the family, with Dr Arole there to hear that we are supporting him throught the only way we know how: prayer. Their faith is an amazing inspiration, the way they see the joy in everything and are able to show so much love to others despite their circumstances.

On a different note, yesterday I chose the material for a saree and bought it... just waiting on the 'blouse' to be tailored... it was supposed to be done tonight, but he said he will deliver it tomorrow morning. I'll send some photos once i've got them, and I'll try to shield you from the translucently pale midriff that is 'normal' in a saree. (mind you, noone is pale here)

Would love to hear what you've been up to!! Send me some news!

Happy 21st Birthday to Thomas Ware! (it's already the 1st in Australia)