Assisi Illam Boogey Night

Last night was Dance Night at Assisi Illam. We were transported to the orphanage either by our tiny white van or by auto-rickshaw. Aneesh forgot the speakers for the ipod and had to go back for them, despite the many reminders given NOT to forget the speakers! He will just have to endure the teasing. After we arrived at Assisi, we removed our shoes before entering the common room. Once we entered, we were surrounded by laughing children who all wanted to crawl in our laps, be held and get their photos taken. It was wild. The orphanage is run by Catholic sisters. They had bought garlands of jasmine to string in our hairs. Sister Rose, the head of the orphanage, apparently did not think much of my bangs. She got out a comb and severely combed my bangs back and bobby-pinned them severely in place. Once every stray hair was firmly under her control did she pin the garland of jasmine in my hair, like a crown. (Ally, my esteemed hair dresser, if you are reading this, I apologize for any bad hair photos. It was not my fault. You would be glad to know that the teachers at Grace School approve of my hair coloring.)

Once our initial photos were taken, the dancing started after Katie, Laurie, and Aneesh hooked the ipod to the speakers. The children loved dancing with us. It was so hot, our clothing was soon soaked with sweat, but it was worth it to see how much fun the children were having. I loved watching how the children would copy our every move. I'm sure there are a few little girls in India who are practicing the "Sue" moves. How often can a tourist come to India and dance at an orphanage?

After our dancing, the children performed Indian dances that they had rehearsed with their Indian dance teacher. They did very well and were so proud of themselves. Dancing done, we all sat on the floor to eat the dinner the Sisters had cooked for us. Plates were passed, but no silverware as people in India eat with their fingers. The dinner they served us was one of the best dinners we've had yet. "Barbecued" chicken, mashed potatoes Indian style, a shredded carrot dish, rice, a yogurt/onion dish, flat bread and some other dishes I have forgotten. They treated us after the dinner with pre-packaged ice cream cones they had bought from a vendor.

The time arrived for us to leave. I think we all agreed it was an evening we would never forget.