Shell-Shocked: Mamallapuram

Last Saturday we got to be tourists and go to the beach town of Mamallapuram about an hour away from Thottanaval. Mamallapuram has some ancient rock temples from 665 AD. The other girls shopped while I browsed....I spent way too much money when I was North. Then we went to the beach and kicked back and relaxed. On the way home, we stopped for dosas. You're not in Southern India if you haven't had a dosa. It's basically like a big rolled up crispy crepe. So yummy.

Monday and Tuesday I was at the school and did some tutoring in reading. I like the one on one time with the kids. Most of the time when I see them, it's at recess or at night when we're in our "families" and they're running around like crazy people. One of the greatest benefits of having American volunteers is that the kids get to practice their English and we help them with their accents. Without Rising Star, most of these kids wouldn't have much of a future because of their status here. They would stay in the colonies and many would be out on the street, begging with their parents. But, Rising Star is giving them a good education and lots of practice in English so that they can succeed when they leave school. In fact, many of the huge companies that have outsourced jobs here in India, have already agreed to hire Rising Star students once they graduate and have passed their exams! That is a huge deal because these companies pay really good money. It's really exciting to be a part of this, alebit a tiny part. The founder of Rising Star got here a couple days ago and has been telling us the most fascinating stories. Some are horrific and tragic. Others are funny and about how hard it is to get things done here in India. But, it's been really inspiring listening to her because she started Rising Star not that long ago, and they're already seeing huge changes. Pretty heady stuff!