Glenn, "Second Donny," and Shibu

Well, we had to say goodbye today. After 3 _ days at the orphanage in Raipura, releasing the grasp of some of those bonds proved more difficult than expected. It seemed as though everyone made contact with one or two “special” friends on the first day, and those same kids sort of gravitated toward you the entire time. My two were “Second” Donny (on the left) and Shibu (on the right). Shibu was my English-speaking pal and followed me around the entire time practicing his English and helping me learn Hindu. I’m actually not that bad, if I do say so myself. I’ve got the basics, “What is your name” “How are you” “Good Morning” “Good Night” etc. not to mention, I can count to ten backwards and forwards. “Second” Donny was like my sidekick the entire time. He introduced me around (I met “First” Donny and “Third” Donny as well, even though “Third” Donny claimed he was actually the rightful heir to the surname “Second” Donny. They didn’t seem to mind sharing names, though). Every time I would appear in public, “Second” Donny pop up out of nowhere asking “What is my name!?!” He was thrilled when I shot back, “SECOND DONNY!” Last night, our last night, we got to tuck them in to their beds and say goodbye as we would be leaving the next morning while they were in school. Weston, Justin, and Austin led a little impromptu prayer session slash send off, as all 300 or so of the orphans pilled out into the main hall of their hostel and we all prayed together. Then we said our good-byes, and I played a final game of chess with Raul. He beat me the previous night (badly) and I vowed to purchase him a new set. So I was able to deliver the set we got in town, and they were elated. With a little help from the peanut gallery, I was able to avenge my previous loss, and felt I could walk away with a bit of dignity beating a 12-year-old boy at least once… and Raul wasn’t even the orphanage “champion.” I got to give away the hats I made on the trip including some I had brought with me, and I received several thank you letters from the kids. The previous night, I walked into one of the rooms and they were rehearsing for a talent show that would occur the upcoming Wednesday, and they gladly “performed” the sections they had rehearsed. They needed some candles as props for their choreography, so I was able to get some while in town, and delivered those as well. It was incredible to see how appreciative they were because I brought them 10 candles that cost less than a dollar. Yet they all sat down as the room leader led them in a “thank-you” session and asked me to pray over them as a room. What a moment.
As it turned out, we had to say goodbye twice because while we were loading our luggage into the bus, school released for a morning break, and the children flooded us as we gathered our things. After more tears, we were off, but certainly not forgotten.