Everyone visiting Kolkata will sooner or later get his/her pocket picked by professional thieves. Yesterday was my day to get robbed by them. It happened on a crowded bus and I lost 1500 rupees and my wrist watch. Apparently, they need the money more than me so that makes it okay. After the incident and a long walk back to the hotel to get more money, I went to Don Bosco to set up an account to begin the registration process of the 9 children we have on the list. Then I went into the Gandhi slum to teach the children mathematics (multiplying and long division) and songs.

The day was a contrast in people’s behavior. In the morning, the two thieves took my money and watch and later, the children gave so much enthusiasm and love for learning.

Well, the heat is beginning to get to me and I have been a bit tired with many things and dealing with a little sniffle. Even though I don’t feel like eating, I finally forced myself to eat today. The food tastes bland, but it’s energy.

I have not been taking many photos since it is not so polite to just go into a slum and act like a tourist. But, hopefully I will give a few more updated photos next time with faces of children being sponsored.

Thank you for all the support and please continue to help in any way you can. By the way, we will soon have a website at www.faithhopelovefoundation.org .

I have now lost track of time and how long I have stayed here in Kolkata. It has been about one month…I think. Last Thursday, I began a new program by going to the children’s homes on the streets to teach them reading and mathematics every Thursday. We also provide them with music through my poor guitar playing and singing. Often, when I go, I bring another volunteer along so he/she finds out more about lives on the streets. In the photos, you see Elise playing and caring for the children since the parents are too busy working to have much time for them. We mainly teach the older kids and provide day care for the small children. So for about two hours on Thursday, we tried to provide the children with something different from their everyday normal routines.

We now have seven children selected, but are still waiting for Father at Don Bosco to meet with us to fill out the paperwork. Indian culture and philosophy can be a bit frustrating at time and seems to move so slow. That’s okay…one way or another, we will get them in.