Day Off

Today was a day to "take rest" and have fun. CCS took us to a temple and then on a picnic. The temple was beautiful set up on the mountainside near a rushing river. People were worshipping at the temple, cooling off in the river, eating, praying, singing. The temple is a holy site..where it is believed that you receive special blessings when you pray specifically there and to certain gods. PS..the temple also has a nice little marijuana garden to be used for special occasions..today was not one. To enter, you must take off your shoes, was your hands and feet and make sure that your head and shoulders are covered...out of respect for the gods. Our time there was short, however, long enough to be blessed, pray to the gods and see the fire that has been burning continuously for over 500 years! Now, that's a fire! People leave money, blossoms and tokens before the fire as symbols of their faith. Very cool.

We dipped our toes into the river and then walked through the woods to the picnic site. We were about 30 in all including the staff..who carried large pots of briyani ,fried rice and salad. When we settled, we all went into the river again, but this time to have a water fight..everyone was laughing! Not one person was excluded from getting water thrown at them and it felt fantastic because today was quite hot!! Lunch was delicious...peaceful and cooling. When it was time to go, we all meandered quietly up the path to the waiting trucks with soft smiles on our faces. The afternoon brought storms of rain and cool air. As I write, most everyone is out on the porch playing cards and drinking chai. Lily is counting the minutes until dinner as PIZZA is on the menu. "Yes!" she said when she found out. Maybe next summer we will volunteer in Italy?! Until tomorrow. XO