tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42147610203416969682024-03-13T04:12:37.946-07:00{ Ma vie de voyage }Where in the world is Busy Lizzie?Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-30867025685102311712014-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:002014-11-14T06:00:00.600-08:00The Impact of Education: Building a School in Fala, Mali<h3>
<b>"In some parts of the world, students are going to school everyday. It's their normal life. But in other parts of the world, we are starving for an education. It's like a precious gift. It's like a diamond." -<a href="https://www.facebook.com/malalablog">Malala Yousafzai</a></b></h3>
My journey starts in 2012 when I lived in Mali for a few months. While I was there, I traveled to several villages. There was a stark contrast between those villages with a school, and those without a school. In villages without a school, there were a lot of malnourished children, there was a lack of energy among the people and very little excitement for life. The villages with a secondary school were happier, cleaner, and more productive. The children were eager and excited, curious and inquisitive. There was also a special light in the eyes of those in the villages with easy access to higher education. With additional education comes increased opportunity and a future beyond the village. Those who complete their education will likely be the next leaders of Mali and help raise their country out of poverty.<br />
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<i>Children from the village of Diorila, Mali where there is a middle school.</i></div>
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Fala, with a population of 1,587 children, is a remote village in the southern Sikasso region of Mali, West Africa. There is an elementary school in the village, but no middle school. Without an education beyond the 6th grade, future opportunities are very limited for the children in the village of Fala. Almost all children in Fala drop out of school after the 6th grade. With no other options, these children usually end up in the mining towns working as child laborers. In order for the children in Fala to attend middle school, they must walk 7 to 10 km each way to one of the surrounding towns of Touloula, Soumba, Donkerila or Diakaoro.<br />
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The community leaders and parents of Fala are committed to changing their children's future by enabling their children to remain in school. I work with an incredible organization called <a href="http://empowermali.org/">Empower Mali</a>. We are currently building a middle school in the village of Fala. Once complete, children in Fala will be able to attend middle school in their own village. The school will serve 150 children each year from Fala and surrounding communities. In addition, the school building will become a community center at night that hosts adult literacy classes and workshops.<br />
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The Field Director of Empower Mali, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeah_Samake">Yeah Samaké</a>, was born and raised in Mali in a village called Ouélessébougou where he is now the mayor. Yeah has overseen the construction of 19 other middles school in Mali.<br />
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It costs $60,000 to build a secondary school in Mali. We have already raised $52,000 through generous donations but we still need to raise the remaining $8,000 to finish the school. In order to raise the remaining funds, with the help of our board, I put together this video to promote this cause for education:<br />
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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mr0Wuu0isI&w=560&h=315]<br />
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Our campaign ends on Sunday, November 23rd at 11:59pm. Check out our <a href="http://igg.me/at/empower-fala/x/8940816">Indiegogo campaign</a> to learn more and donate:<br />
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mali/embedded/8940816Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-24002505554347508462013-03-16T22:00:00.000-07:002013-03-16T22:10:20.704-07:00{ Girls' Globe: Help us empower women around the world! }<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last May, as the U.S. Delegate for the <a href="http://www.girls20summit.com/" target="_blank">G(irls)20 Summit</a> in Mexico City, I had the opportunity to meet dozens of incredible women. As I tweeted live from the conference, I "met" Julia Wiklander, the Founder of Girls' Globe, and became one of the first bloggers for this incredible organization. Julia is one of the most passionate, energetic, optimistic, and dedicated women I have ever met. And for that, I joined Girls' Globe. This was my opportunity to make a difference.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />The mission of<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://girlsglobe.org/" target="_blank">Girls’ Globe</a></span> is to raise awareness and educate others about global issues concerning the rights, health, and empowerment of women and girls. <br /><br />Girls’ Globe is a constantly growing network of passionate people and organizations. After one year, Girls’ Globe has grown into a network of 12 bloggers from around the world, with over 2,500 followers. We plan to expand this network with additional bloggers and organizations in 2013 as we continue to share information and raise awareness. Our goal is to create an online database of organizations working to empower women and girls, to enable creative partnerships in research, funding and development.</span><br />
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<b>We recently launched a campaign to raise money to attend the <a href="http://www.womendeliver.org/" target="_blank">Women Deliver</a> Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in May. </b></div>
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<b>In order to attend the Women Deliver Conference, we need your support to fund our bloggers travel to Malaysia and attend the conference. With your support, we can continue to educate the community and empower girls and women around the world.</b><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: magenta;">If you cannot donate, please post the link to our campaign on your Facebook and Twitter. Help us spread the word! </span></b></i></div>
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<b>Check out the campaign online at: </b><br />
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And this is Julia Wiklander :) She is an inspiration to me.</div>
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Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-12585609271908064242013-01-24T13:56:00.001-08:002013-01-24T13:56:07.648-08:00{ More than happiness }I read an interesting article today in the Atlantic: <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/01/theres-more-to-life-than-being-happy/266805/">"There's More to Life Than Being Happy" </a><br />
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I love these words of Viktor Frankl:<br />
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<i>"This uniqueness and singleness which distinguishes each individual and gives a meaning to his existence has a bearing on creative work as much as it does on human love. When the impossibility of replacing a person is realized, it allows the responsibility which a man has for his existence and its continuance to appear in all its magnitude. A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how." - Man's Search for Meaning, 1946</i></div>
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This article discusses the difference between "happiness" and "meaning." There is certainly a correlation. I find joy in fulfillment and purpose. Psychologists found that "leading a happy life" corresponded with being a "taker" and living a "meaningful life" corresponded with being a "giver." </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><i>"The more one forgets himself -- by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love -- the more human he is."</i></span></div>
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Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-59988556910023044302013-01-17T13:41:00.002-08:002013-01-17T13:42:54.898-08:00Life is a journey.<div>
The name of this blog is <i>Ma Vie de Voyage.</i></div>
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Directly translated from French, this means "My life of travel." I love to travel. I love to experience new cultures, new food, a new environment. But this phrase has come to mean much more to me over the last several months. I have come to appreciate the adventure of life, the beauty in simplicity, the small moments that matter most. I enjoy the <i>everyday - La Vie Quotidienne. </i></div>
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Life is a journey. If approached with an open mind, curiosity, and a sense of adventure, life is the best travel we will ever know.<br />
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So from here on out, I will be truly sharing, <i>My Life of Travel. My Journey. </i>Not just those in India, Africa, or Costa Rica, but my entire map. From Salt Lake City, Utah, to Monteverde, Costa Rice, to Mali, West Africa. This is my journey.<br />
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Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-32134323662496211882012-07-13T17:18:00.002-07:002012-07-13T17:27:11.106-07:00{ Use Your Voice - Priyanka from India }My dear friend and fellow delegate, Priyanka Roychoudhury, from India, uses her voice to raise awareness and bring about change. "Isn't it time you use yours?"<br />
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I hope this short article she wrote will influence you, just as much as it has me. It's time to #changetheworld. Together, we can. BE INSPIRED.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #e69138;">Rabindranath Tagore once said "No civilised society can thrive upon victims whos humanity has been permanently mutilated."</span></i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #e69138;">Going by the wise words of the Nobel laureate for literature, Mr Tagore; it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Indian society is no longer a civilized one. Although hard to accept, it is a bitter truth which every citizen in India must be bold enough to look into the eye because the first step to bringing in a change and thereby a revolution is acceptance. Rife with social injustice, be it in the form of a sexist society or deep rooted income equality; India in this 21st century is plagued with a serious problem of obsolete stereotypic belief system. </span></i></i><br />
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<i><i><i><i>Over the past decade and especially over the last few years, India has welcomed globalisation with open arms. Its people can be seen adapting themselves to the western culture as if they were born to do so. But ironically, they are yet to let go of the age old belief system of a patriarchal society which views the female sex to be inferior to its counterpart and hence discriminated upon. The dismal situation is exemplified in the hundreds of cases of sexual assaults and violence inflicted upon the girls and women in this country. These victims are far from getting any justice; thanks to the ‘excellent’ judicial system that prevails in our country! And to couple that with the dreadful character assassination of these victims by the very protectors of the law; I am just not able to grasp the idea of why these victims are being blamed and punished for the crime being committed against them? </i></i></i><br />
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<i><i><i><i><i>One of the most recent reports of a teen aged girl being disgracefully manhandled in one of the prime locations of Guwahati, Assam by a group of men infuriated me and forced me to think- as a young girl myself, can I be assured of my safety and security in this country? Why is it that my parents have to constantly worry about my safety every time I walk out on the streets? If it can happen to that girl, who says I won’t be the next victim? I can bet on anything that I am not the only girl to be dogged by these questions today and like the million other girls out there, I need answers- right here, right now! </i></i></i><br />
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<i><i><i><i><i><i>If you ask me, the problem lies in the mind-set of the people. The society has turned pessimistic and has already accepted the fact that the society is incorrigible. This leads to the decadent ‘solution’ (as the public prefers to view it as) of blaming the victim of not taking precautionary measures, of wearing ‘provocative’ or ‘inappropriate’ clothing and thus holding the victim responsible for the crime. But shouldn’t it be the men who ought to be taught to act like civilised human beings and not turn into animals? Shouldn’t they be the ones who should be taught a lesson for committing the crime? I strongly believe that such debauchery must not be tolerated at all because it is a crime against the very essence of humanity.</i></i></i><br />
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<i>A close friend of mine (who himself happens to be a boy) said, “the moral value of respecting girls and women has to be imparted to the boys by their families from a very tender age and the way a boy behaves with a girl reflects his very upbringing.”, and I couldn’t agree with him more. I happen to be an optimist and I know that every problem has a solution. And here is the good news- the solution to this problem is very simple; all we need to do is stop hitting the bush. Having discussions on news channels about why girls are wearing shorts and skirts are irrelevant and aren’t going to help solve the problem. The authorities must instead punish the perpetrators of such heinous crimes to deter others from committing them. And what can the public do about this? I say, they can do a lot. For a start I urge you to use your voice to bring in the change you want to see (and using your voice doesn’t mean sitting at home and shouting at the naive authorities on your TV screen for lack of proper action!!) because every voice raised counts and makes a difference. I used my voice through this article to reach out to you, isn’t it time you use yours?</i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></i></span></i>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-59640076096838112462012-07-07T11:52:00.004-07:002012-07-07T11:56:43.908-07:00{ Marcie goes to Nicaragua... }My friend <a href="http://marcieprince.blogspot.com/">Marcie</a> is trying to bring clean water to the people of Nicaragua. She is amazing. She loves to travel, but most importantly, she loves to <i>serve</i>. She is so sincere, so genuine. She is going to change the world and make a big difference! She has already made a difference for me, as a dear friend :)<br />
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Please read more at the link below! And...<i>help her, HELP them. </i><br />
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My travel adventure continues...and it's only getting better :) Be sure to follow me on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/elisabethjessop">@elisabethjessop</a>. I will be posting updates several times a day.<br />
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Hola from Mexico City! I am currently at the G(irls)20 Summit.<br />
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Why am I here? I feel so privileged to represent the United States as the U.S. Delegate at the <a href="http://www.girls20summit.com/">G(irls)20 Summit</a>. Can you believe it? They chose me!<br />
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I found out that I was selected at the beginning of May and it has been a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, preparation, and a little anxiety. I am representing the United States! This is a big deal.<br />
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The G(irls)20 Summit brings together one girl, aged 18-20, from each G20 country and one girl from Africa, to look at the G20 Leaders agenda through the lens of the economic empowerment of girls and women so as to build strong economies, stable communities, and drive social innovation. During our time in Mexico, the delegates will participate in panel discussions, attend workshops and caucus' to discuss and promote tangible, scalable solutions toward financial prosperity and the economic empowerment of girls and women around the world. All of these activities will culminate in a delegate-led press conference and communiqué that provides a blueprint on how the G20 leaders can utilize and engage one of the best resources in the world – girls and women.<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA">Modeled after the agenda for the G20, the G(irls)20 Summit for 2012 will focus on the issues of food security and violence against women. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">If you have any information that you think may be useful for me going into the summit, please share! </span>Also, I would love to hear from the media! You can email me at elisabeth.jessop@gmail.com or connect with me on Facebook or Twitter. </div>
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Another post to come on current U.S. policy regarding girls and women, particularly in regards to food security and gender-based violence.<br />
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I <i>promise</i> to write more about the summit later, and I will create a blog post to document each day of the summit, once I have returned. But for now, I'm soaking it all in, and enjoying every moment I here. I am surrounded by intelligence, passion, and commitment. I have enjoyed learning from our awesome sponsors, and the twenty (20) other intelligent, passionate young women that are here with me at the summit. We have had some incredible workshops already on our first day - Media and PR with Veritas, Maximizing the Playbook by Blackberry RIM (Research in Motion), and Navigating the Digital World at Google Mexico. We ended the evening with a fabulous dinner reception at the Canadian Ambassador's home where I met with many of Mexico's top officials.<br />
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Here are a few photos from my first day in Mexico City. Enjoy! More to come.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Me, Magdaly (Mexico), Claire (Canada), Sally (France), and Fisher (China) on our first evening in Mexico City.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">I love the colorful buildings in Mexico! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Magadly brought us sweet Mexican candies :) Yummy coconut!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Awesome mural in our hotel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-88578173978770058872012-03-25T07:44:00.001-07:002012-03-25T13:45:10.171-07:00{ A coup in Bamako - this is history!!! }<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing much to report on around here...<br />
Oh...there was a military coup last Wednesday!</div>
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No big deal. <br />
Wait...a <b>COUP</b>? Is that what I said?</div>
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(In case you don't know, a coup is an overthrow - it's a French word).<br />
If you haven't heard by now about the military coup in Bamako, Mali, you probably need to start looking at your RSS feeds (or setting them up) and reading the news...</div>
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It's a pretty big deal.<br />
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Coup d'état: a term I learned and studied over and over in school, particularly in my European History class as we studied the French. Never did I imagine that I would live amidst one. Never did I imagine hearing gunshots through the streets as the military rushed to take control of the government. <br />
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Meanwhile, I'm stuck between overwhelmingly excitement to be here and experience history in the making, and then an anxious feeling to get out of Mali as fast as I can, <i>just in case.</i> I like to take precautions. For the record, however, I have felt 100% safe at all times and we have so many people here that are watching out for us and put our safety above their own. Thank you, Marissa and Yeah, you have been so good to Kyle and I during our time here - I think of you as my own family. Love you guys!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sorry, this post is a little late in the coming but I'm getting there! </div>
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I've been back and forth the last few days trying to ensure my safety...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Long story short </b><br />
<b>(let's see if that's possible) - </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was downtown Bamako Wednesday afternoon, March 21, when I heard news of the military instability and potential coup. We headed home, unconcerned, but little did we know what would happen in the coming hours...it's crazy how things can change so quickly.<br />
Here's what happened: <br />
On Wednesday morning, Malian military troops at their base camp in Kati (just outside of Bamako), were visited by a new Defense Minister. They quickly became upset because they have not received enough weapons, or food, to match the power and control of the nomadic Tuareg rebels in the North. Because of this situation, there are about 180,000 Malian refugees displaced and without food, shelter, and other basic needs. Many have died due to the situation in the north as well.<br />
After the unfriendly visit of the Defense Minister, the military quickly seized the military base and then marched to the presidential palace in Bamako. They looted the place and riddled the cars and building with bullets. The coup was very spontaneous and not very well-planned, in my opinion. For a while, the whereabouts of President Amadou Toumani Touré (ATT) were unknown but they are now saying they have him and he is safe. Wednesday afternoon, Yeah was actually downtown finishing a meeting when he saw the military, led by Captain Amadou Aya Sanogo, surround the national TV station, ORTM. They shot into the air. Soon after, TV and radio stations were shut down and they took control. The military quickly surrounded the central parts of Bamako, and later the neighboring areas of Bamako as well, making it difficult to go anywhere. They quickly captured several other high-ranking government officials, looted their homes and other government buildings, as well as random local offices. All throughout the evening and throughout the next 2 days, we could hear
residential gunfire as the military shot their guns in the air, making
their presence known.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYwRGMPccDs/T28rmLPyfiI/AAAAAAAAHNw/0ujrlJYja8k/s1600/People-gather-on-a-street-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYwRGMPccDs/T28rmLPyfiI/AAAAAAAAHNw/0ujrlJYja8k/s320/People-gather-on-a-street-007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soldiers block access to roads in Bamako</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4S9ktTJFqE/T28sH9CvPLI/AAAAAAAAHN4/jWaupnFTPfI/s1600/People-wander-through-the-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w4S9ktTJFqE/T28sH9CvPLI/AAAAAAAAHN4/jWaupnFTPfI/s320/People-wander-through-the-009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The looting of a local insurance company - it made me think of my mom and I thought of how awful it would be if her business was looted!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1p1qQrSFEc/T28qwxbA4zI/AAAAAAAAHNY/-3SOZCzidgI/s1600/mali-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1p1qQrSFEc/T28qwxbA4zI/AAAAAAAAHNY/-3SOZCzidgI/s320/mali-003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GW3sCLfrnGg/T28qkWq7NfI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/EA8fnL9FXng/s1600/Amadou-Haya-Sanogo-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GW3sCLfrnGg/T28qkWq7NfI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/EA8fnL9FXng/s320/Amadou-Haya-Sanogo-005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sanogo (in green cap on middle right), leader of the military, giving commands to the other militants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0816JoS7A7E/T28q77FjhDI/AAAAAAAAHNg/wo3Yu_dW1RM/s1600/MALI-UNREST-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0816JoS7A7E/T28q77FjhDI/AAAAAAAAHNg/wo3Yu_dW1RM/s320/MALI-UNREST-004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outrageous lines at the gas pumps - most of the gas stations are completely empty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malians woke up Thursday morning, ready to go about their day as usual, not having heard the broadcast on national TV earlier that morning, only to find military blocking the streets and in control of Bamako.</td></tr>
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Photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2012/mar/24/mali-coup-in-pictures?INTCMP=SRCH#/?picture=387805010&index=3"><i>The Guardian</i> </a></div>
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At 4:00 am on Thursday morning, the military troops, under the name of <i>National Committee for the Reestablishment of Democracy and the Restoration of the State, </i>or CNRDR, came on ORTM to explain their intentions. They advised that temporary military rule was in place and issued a military curfew between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm (it's all day, every day for American citizens...). At 11:00 am, they issued another statement to reaffirm their intentions and indicated that a temporary government would be put in place on March 27. As they took control, all airports and borders were shut down. Throughout the last few days, during "down" time, they have been playing
movies on national TV - in Bambara (the national language), when
everything is usually in French. On Friday evening, the soldiers were
ordered to stop shooting and return to their bases. Things have been much more quite since then. One thing that remains promising, <i>noone</i> has been harmed. Saturday, Sanogo appeared on TV to ask that all of the looters return what they have taken. He condemned the military, and other civilians involved, for their actions.<br />
<br />
For days, there was talk of a counter-coup by the supporters of the President. Some even claimed that the loyalists had won and Sanogo was injured, but on Friday night, we saw the Red Berets (like President Obama's Secret Service) on TV with Sanogo and the military saying that they supported the military and the coup. Was this legit? Eh, I don't know. We still can't be sure.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Right now, as the borders remain closed and the airport shutdown, not only can we not leave, but nothing can get in - that means no fuel or food and there are shortages all over the city. Fuel has risen from 500 CFA per litre a week ago to over 2000 CFA per litre today - crazy! <br />
Mali
has also been suspended from the African Union, France and the EU have
suspended all aid and the US has threatened to cut off all aid to Mali.<br />
Another thing that is disconcerting is the advance of the MNLA leaders and the Tuareg rebels in the north. Since Wednesday, they have since captured two more towns. They are taking advantage of the lack of government at this time. They are dangerous.<br />
<br />
Today, 4 days after the initial events of the coup, things seem
very calm and stable in Bamako. People are going about with their lives, and I even heard rumors of a local wedding - a military coup certainly can't stop a bride on her wedding day, eh? But, large stores are still closed and people are still hesitant to play outside on the soccer fields.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the best, most accurate, analysis articles I have read:<br />
<a href="http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2863211/posts">Mayhem in Mali: Implications of the Military Coup in Bamako</a><br />
<br />
<i>Why did they remove the president from power? Elections were only a month away...Why didn't they simply protest to be sure that elections would be held on April 29, as planned? (There had been talk of postponing the elections until July so the president could make some constitutional changes)...It was much too spontaneous. Sanogo claims that he does not want leadership and will hand everything over to the temporary government once it is in place. How are they going to setup this temporary government? They are saying they will involve the leadership and opinions of every political parties and create a temporary, unified government. Will that work? I am concerned that there will be tension between the loyalists of ATT and the other political parties. Everyone will want to do it their way - the </i><i>"right" way! Right now, there is talk of postponing the presidential elections by 6 months to a year - what?! That's a long time! It will be interesting to see how things play out here in Mali.</i></div>
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I am discouraged to see the "fall of democracy" in Mali, after 20 years of hard work and stability. It is almost as if the time tables have turned and we are back to 1991. <br />
But I have high hopes for the future of Mali.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to lie, it has been pretty cool to see the military on TV, to see and hear everything unfold in Bamako. This is historic. Well, pretty cool, aside from the residential gunfire that I have heard outside my window that first night, all night, and during the proceeding days (for now, they have ceased all residential gunfire, for the most part). And aside from the loud gunshots at 1:30 am Thursday morning as they took Modibo Sidibé, the former Prime Minister of Mali who resigned after stealing government funds, and looted his house, located just down the street from our home.<br />
<br />
It was almost comical to watch as one of the regular reporters for ORTM, very frazzled, reported on TV on Thursday evening, in an attempt to preserve a sense of normalcy. It was fascinating to see the state of the Malian Presidential palace on TV. It is a mess! Empty bullet shells clutter the ground, windows are shattered, papers everywhere. Yikes, but still kind of cool. And I enjoy watching the military on national TV - they look like a bunch of thugs :)<br />
<br />
Not that I haven't been scared or anxious at moments, but I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be and I am safe so I'm making the most of it. But it hasn't been easy. And mom, don't worry, I <i>do</i> understand just how serious the situation is. <br />
<br />
I admire <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yeah.samake">Yeah Samaké</a>'s determination to serve his country and to lead his country out of ignorance and poverty towards sustained development, good governance, and proper resource management (including human resources). He has the ability to change the lives of millions - I am excited to see what he can do for Mali in the coming months. Watch his most recent interviews on Al Jazeera - you can also see some great footage of the events in Bamako the last few days: <br />
<h2>
Al-Jazeera: Current Situation in Mali - reaction of a Political Leader </h2>
<h2>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AgWIUz0BSuw" width="560"></iframe>
Al-Jazeera Mali Coup d'Etat: Going Forward </h2>
This next video is a little longer, and the Skype connection is a little slow at first but Yeah makes some incredible statements about going forward and the potential future of Mali...Check it out!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Loi0Qgn6CkI" width="560"></iframe>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Vive la démocratie! (Long Live Democracy)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Vive le Mali! (Long Live Mali)</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Divisés nous perdons tous! Unis nous gagnons tous! (Divided we all lose! United we all win!)</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">To read more about what Yeah Samaké is doing in response to the military coup, and how things will continue with the Samake 2012 campaign (we're still going strong), read Marissa's blog: <a href="http://firstladymali2012.com/">http://firstladymali2012.com/</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">And if you want to help the refugees in the North of Mali, Yeah and his team are raising funds to provide basic necessities to the people. Those interested in doing so through the Samake 2012 campaign may make anonymous donations to a trust that has been set up: Friends of Mali Trust, 472 East 4380 North, Provo, UT 84604.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
A planned peaceful march for tomorrow morning to
the "Hommage aux martyrs," a local monument in honor of the lives lost in the uprisings of 1992, to
establish democracy. On Tuesday, the
temporary government should announced, hopefully they will
reinstate the constitution, and everything should reopen as "normal." All government employees are required to be at work on Tuesday or they will lose their jobs.
We'll watch as things unfold - as <u>history</u> unfolds!<br />
<br />
I
hope and pray that democracy will prevail and Mali can quickly bounce
back from the coup.</div>
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<br />
As for now,</div>
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I'm safe. Kyle's safe. We're doing well! </div>
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We are in a safe location, indoors at all times.</div>
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Very secure.</div>
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Once the airport is reopened (rumor says Tuesday or Wednesday), Kyle and I will be evacuated home, just to ensure safety.<br />
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Thank you <i>everyone</i> for all of your love and prayers! I have received countless emails, Facebook messages, and other communication the last few days from loving family and friends. Keep praying that we will return home safely. </div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-47280030197980193682012-03-09T09:37:00.000-08:002012-03-09T11:37:52.291-08:00{ Happy International Women's Day! }<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am proud to be a woman.</i></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/">Happy International Women's Day!!!</a></span></b></div>
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(had to choose a feminine color :))</div>
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<i>"Connecting Girls, Inspring Futures"</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MliwjMx4EI/T1k5JvOT8RI/AAAAAAAAG1w/iattHcQpuS4/s1600/115264071682510240_XlcAz8KX_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MliwjMx4EI/T1k5JvOT8RI/AAAAAAAAG1w/iattHcQpuS4/s320/115264071682510240_XlcAz8KX_f.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Indian girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Sl3VriP7rA/T1k5IdddLLI/AAAAAAAAG1o/qz41hkw2vIU/s1600/106679084893297684_YTXBwIos_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Sl3VriP7rA/T1k5IdddLLI/AAAAAAAAG1o/qz41hkw2vIU/s1600/106679084893297684_YTXBwIos_b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A H'mong hill tribe girl in Vietnam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xY0PrFIGycg/T1k5LLXc5RI/AAAAAAAAG14/EJ8SH0EVk8M/s1600/115264071682599890_wFOudB3S_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xY0PrFIGycg/T1k5LLXc5RI/AAAAAAAAG14/EJ8SH0EVk8M/s320/115264071682599890_wFOudB3S_f.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogon women in Mali</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhZAx-NUUHQ/T1k5MA1Z3QI/AAAAAAAAG2A/jm773wkof4Y/s1600/277604764500375194_dvWEQijX_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhZAx-NUUHQ/T1k5MA1Z3QI/AAAAAAAAG2A/jm773wkof4Y/s1600/277604764500375194_dvWEQijX_b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women from the Pacific Islands</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EU7Jmw6iCw0/T1k5NQAVvHI/AAAAAAAAG2I/QGOYdsoUbm0/s1600/77476056059133399_POcvVkjv_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EU7Jmw6iCw0/T1k5NQAVvHI/AAAAAAAAG2I/QGOYdsoUbm0/s320/77476056059133399_POcvVkjv_f.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="221" /></a></div>
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From album 'Southeast Asia' by David Terrazas</div>
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I write this post in honor of the millions of women who have no opportunity, no resources, and untapped potential. I write this for the women who have had such a profound influence on my life and have helped me to reach for my dreams and see <i>my</i> full potential. I write this for my sweet mom, my greatest example, for my dear little sisters, for my friends, and every other woman.<br />
<br />
<i>Let me jump on my soapbox for a minute. </i><br />
<br />
Women are oppressed. Many of the more developed nations have come a long way in fighting for women's rights and protection; but all over the world, particularly in developing countries, women and girls are fighting violence, rape, female genital mutilation (FGM), bride burning, child marriage, sex slavery and forced prostitution, and many other abuses...maternal mortality rates are disturbingly low...Where is justice? Less than 1% of US aid is targeted at women and girls. Want to know a frightening statistic? "It appears that more girls have been killed in the last 50 years, precisely because they were girls, than men were killed in all the wars of the 20th century." Women are more likely than boys to die of preventable diseases like malaria or pneumonia because boys are considered more superior. Boys are more likely to receive an education. But do we realize what education can do for women? Yes, it's <i>empowering.</i><br />
<br />
<i> We need to protect women's rights, protect their health, help them to get an education, and pursue their dreams. </i><br />
<br />
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<i>"Women's empowerment helps raise economic productivity and reduce infant mortality. It contributes to improved health and nutrition. It increases the chances of education for the next generation." -UNDP - </i>Not only do women face oppression but they are an untapped resource in many communities around the world. Investing in women will improve our global economy. It will stimulate international development. This is why I am such a strong advocate for micro-financing for women. Women will invest about 90% of their income into their family (for children's education, food, health needs, etc.) while men will only invest about 30-40% into their family...10 things that stand in the way of a woman: illiteracy, HIV, lack of ID, pregnancy, safe and decent work, no aid support for women, girls must be distinguished as their own category and addressed separately, little organization reports on girls' statistics, lack of support, and law and policy (girl effect).<br />
<br />
When a woman is educated, she stays health and HIV negative, she marries when she chooses, raises and healthy family, and sends her children to school. When she starts a business, she is not only improving her own quality of life but contributing to the economy and life of her community.<br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Women are not the problem, they are the solution. </span></b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As a woman, I feel like it's my social responsibility to stand up for other women, to inspire them. To help them change the world and pursue their dreams.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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Here are a few articles and links I wanted to share that I came across today for International Women's day:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-roberts/rwanda-international-womens-day_b_1322448.html?ref=impact">What if Mark Zuckerberg were born a girl in Rwanda?</a> (Huffington Post)</li>
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What if YOU were one of the 6 MILLION girls living in the developing world???</div>
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<li><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/helene-d-gayle/measure-of-a-woman_b_1328165.html?ir=Impact&ref=topbar">International Women's Day: The Measure of a Woman</a> (Huffington Post)</li>
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"Rina Begum is a real person -- but she's also a statistic.
When CARE met her, Rina and other women in her remote village in Bangladesh
lived under virtual house arrest. Local tradition forbade women from leaving
home without male escorts. Women who dared do so were subjected to public
sexual harassment and even violence. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Many women and girls around the world face similar limits to
their freedom. For example, in parts of Nepal, women are confined to sheds
while they menstruate. Adolescent girls, who cannot go out in public, are
denied the opportunity to go to school. With restricted movement, women are
less likely to earn income and less able to access health care. Furthermore, in
too many places such rules often go hand-in-hand with forced child marriage."</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://edition.cnn.com/video/">CNN Video: Violence against women in Turkey rising</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.newint.org/blog/majority/2012/03/08/international-womens-day/">International Women's Day: women hold up half the sky</a></li>
</ul>
<ol>
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<b>So, the more important question is, what can YOU do? What are you doing to empower women and inspire futures? What are you doing to #makeadifference?</b><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Find just <u><b>one</b></u> way that you can help women. Do you realize how blessed you have been? You <u>have</u> the resources and the opportunity...</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">I have so many personal examples that I look up to. </span></i><span lang="FR"><a href="http://firstladymali2012.com/">Marissa Samake</a> is empowering women by donating food to the villages. She is not only feeding the children but giving women an opportunity, EMPOWERING them, to earn money for themselves by selling the food, read more about what she is doing at: <a href="http://firstladymali2012.com/2012/03/07/hunger-a-beatable-problem/">http://firstladymali2012.com/2012/03/07/hunger-a-beatable-problem/</a> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Like my mom, <a href="http://www.fbfs.com/Pages/AgentOfficeLocator/AgentInformation.aspx?AgentId=14183&includefbfs=true&source=agentURL&source=agentURL">Cindee Leavitt Jessop</a>, you can empower women through financial education and inspire women to recognize their own self-worth - find a way to relate to woman. My mom empowered many woman to stand up against abuse and domestic violence because she herself, is a survivor of abuse. How can you help?</span></i><br />
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<i>Need a few ideas?</i></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b>Most importantly, become aware. Educate <u>yourself</u>. I would recommend reading:</b></li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Half-Sky-Oppression-Opportunity-Worldwide/dp/0307267148">Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide</a> - this book changed my life.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Revolution-Voices-Global-Womens/dp/1609803876/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp">The Unfinished Revolution: Voices from the Global Fight for Women's Rights</a> - I'm reading it now.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.girleffect.org/learn/more-resources">Girls Count Series </a>- compiled by <i>The Girl Effect</i> - a great way to find more about the role of women in the global community</li>
</ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/08/international-womens-day-empower_n_1332557.html#s765875&title=Stand_Together_For">5 Ways To Empower Women and Girls Worldwide</a> (Huffington Post)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Empower women and create social change through social media (facebook, twitter, blogs, etc.)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sponsor a woman through Kiva (love this organization) at <a href="http://www.kiva.org/women">http://www.kiva.org/women</a></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">There are a number of organizations that are working to support woman, you can find a great list of other women's organizations <a href="http://www.halftheskymovement.org/get-involved">here</a> or <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/freestyle.asp">here</a>. A few of my favorites:</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.girleffect.org/">The Girl Effect </a> - learn about "the big picture" and the girl revolution - happening <i>now</i></b></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.care.org/index.asp">CARE Action Network (CAN)</a> - a great resource to learn how to create change through social media - they have some incredible campaigns for women (Help her live, Help her learn, Help her earn)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.womenthrive.org/index.php">Women Thrive Worldwide</a> - be an advocate for women worldwide, go social, contribute</li>
</ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Get involved in a campaign for women!</li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.girlup.org/">Girl Up!</a> (UN campaign)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://plan-international.org/girls/">Because I am a girl</a> (Plan-International)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.care.org/campaigns/girlscouts.asp?s_src=ShortURL&s_subsrc=GirlScouts">The Power of Girls Movement</a> (CARE and Girl Scouts)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Girls without Voices (watch their cool <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JHNARUyIq0">video</a>)</li>
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<b>I feel so blessed to work with women around the world - from my young girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking living in a safe home in Nepal (check out <a href="http://www.redthreadmovement.org/">The Red Thread Movement</a>!) - to the sweet, destitute widows in India (see what <a href="http://www.maitriindia.org/">Maitri</a> is doing for them) - to inspiring the potential of my own friends and family - to empowering Malian women to become self-sufficient through micro-financing and community activism with <a href="http://samake2012.com/">Team Samake</a>...</b><br />
<b>What are you doing?</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGC4vRMNCGk/T1k0aYvw-VI/AAAAAAAAG0I/9Po3vJsJyls/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGC4vRMNCGk/T1k0aYvw-VI/AAAAAAAAG0I/9Po3vJsJyls/s320/IMG_0411.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Some of my girls in the safe home in Nepal. I pray for them and think of them daily.</td></tr>
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<b>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjwXE2jo-Ps/T1kz64tY_gI/AAAAAAAAGzs/mVuyZawaFkY/s1600/DSCN0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjwXE2jo-Ps/T1kz64tY_gI/AAAAAAAAGzs/mVuyZawaFkY/s320/DSCN0861.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these young Malian girls. </td></tr>
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<b>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEmgP69OwX8/T1k0QdQZfcI/AAAAAAAAG0A/FqQ8D3wDuJM/s1600/DSCN9939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tEmgP69OwX8/T1k0QdQZfcI/AAAAAAAAG0A/FqQ8D3wDuJM/s320/DSCN9939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing with Malian women in the village of Dialakoroba.</td></tr>
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<b>
</b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvTsPBOaWok/T1k11cT3-cI/AAAAAAAAG1c/Dpc4jUjJ0u0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-03-04+at+9.16.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvTsPBOaWok/T1k11cT3-cI/AAAAAAAAG1c/Dpc4jUjJ0u0/s320/Screen+Shot+2012-03-04+at+9.16.55+PM.png" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Dancing among Malian women.</td></tr>
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</b></span></b></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b></b></span></b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBMx4atB0xk/T1k0dJXFn5I/AAAAAAAAG0Q/IszBH-gIFuc/s1600/IMG_1621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBMx4atB0xk/T1k0dJXFn5I/AAAAAAAAG0Q/IszBH-gIFuc/s320/IMG_1621.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet widows in India</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRizgqbLOYQ/T1k1LW6Ba0I/AAAAAAAAG04/RwG9PEm96-0/s1600/IMG_5319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRizgqbLOYQ/T1k1LW6Ba0I/AAAAAAAAG04/RwG9PEm96-0/s320/IMG_5319.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89iSUgsqH7c/T1k0eS2m3hI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/pGWCwE1flCM/s1600/IMG_1627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89iSUgsqH7c/T1k0eS2m3hI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/pGWCwE1flCM/s320/IMG_1627.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll never forget this woman.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB4zfvkfZ8E/T1kzxIWsuaI/AAAAAAAAGzk/rwZUQTtyh5o/s1600/DSC01317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB4zfvkfZ8E/T1kzxIWsuaI/AAAAAAAAGzk/rwZUQTtyh5o/s320/DSC01317.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Women on the beach in India - they need a woman's co-op for beach workers in Goa</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6WrZW6tc_s/T1k0sjPVoTI/AAAAAAAAG0k/YuaUFmBbXyY/s1600/IMG_3226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6WrZW6tc_s/T1k0sjPVoTI/AAAAAAAAG0k/YuaUFmBbXyY/s320/IMG_3226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DghyVdPgjrc/T1k08Ihwm-I/AAAAAAAAG0w/kvGtugFs6FM/s1600/IMG_3274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DghyVdPgjrc/T1k08Ihwm-I/AAAAAAAAG0w/kvGtugFs6FM/s320/IMG_3274.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangita - a woman selling products on the beach in Goa. Trying to organize a co-op for beach workers in India...think we can do it? </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MskqkDHAnoc/T1k1xbja5hI/AAAAAAAAG1U/zngRgpeKU6U/s1600/IMG_6111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MskqkDHAnoc/T1k1xbja5hI/AAAAAAAAG1U/zngRgpeKU6U/s320/IMG_6111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My own sweet "mother" and "auntie" in India. Love these women.</td></tr>
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Step in and do your part. Inspire and empower women around the world. Together, we can make a difference and make a change in our global community. Are you in?
</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-90385152872499798362012-03-07T09:39:00.000-08:002012-03-15T03:13:57.436-07:00{ YEAH SAMAKÉ is the man! }<div style="text-align: center;">
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WOW. Last Wednesday, on March 1, my blog had 111 views...</div>
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I'm feeling the love! </div>
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What do you want to hear more of on my blog? </div>
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Stories?</div>
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Culture? </div>
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Reaction?</div>
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Am I doing alright?</div>
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I would love some feedback! </div>
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Well, this post isn't about me or my blog.</div>
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It's about something far more important...</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">YEAH SAMAKÉ</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buhPguVJY_0/T1eZLJlNoEI/AAAAAAAAGxo/FKDwT4_Cne8/s1600/Samake2012Button3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-buhPguVJY_0/T1eZLJlNoEI/AAAAAAAAGxo/FKDwT4_Cne8/s320/Samake2012Button3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Please take a few minutes and watch this video...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cpMjS6LFfw8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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See that 5 star rating on this video?</div>
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It's because...there's no better way to say...he's the <u>man.</u></div>
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The bomb. </div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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Yeah is currently the mayor in his hometown of Ouélessébougou, Mali, West Africa.</div>
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He is also a 2012 Malian presidential candidate.</div>
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He's the man for the job. </div>
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You can read and see all about Yeah and his accomplishments all over the web in <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/foreigners/2012/02/yeah_samak_the_mormon_candidate_for_president_of_mali_.html">news articles</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niankoro_Yeah_Samake">wikipedia</a>, and numerous <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Samake2012/videos">videos</a>...you can read about the changes he plans to make for Mali...</div>
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Health.</div>
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Economic Development.</div>
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Be sure to read more about him and his issues at:</div>
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But I want to take this time to tell you a little bit more about his <i>character.</i></div>
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Those who meet Yeah love him immediately. He has a glowing smile that radiates through the room. He is full of energy, life, and passion. He is PASSIONATE about serving his country and his people. He is just a genuinely good man working to truly make a difference. I want to be like him. He has the strength to overcome <i>anything. </i>He lived in the United States for about 10 years before returning to Mali to become mayor of his hometown...how many people leave their home country, come to America, and return? Very few...honestly, I don't know if I would return to Mali after being in the states. I love the people, I love the culture, but for one, it's SO dang hot! It's a sacrifice. But Yeah will sacrifice <u>anything</u> to help his people. He's dedicated to a cause. He is truly concerned about his country. He amazes me. </div>
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He isn't like other politicians...</div>
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For one, he's <i>honest.</i> Always. He's transparent. I can ask him anything and everything and he will give me the facts. He is not corrupt. In fact, he is doing all of his fundraising in the US to avoid corrupting influences...he doesn't have any foreign interests or large donors there, he is merely targeting the general population. He has a big heart and a big head...he is not in any way egotistical but he is very intelligent. He thoroughly thinks through the issues at hand before suggesting a long-term solution. He's very sympathetic and compassionate towards everyone. He never acts like he's better than others. He is so <i>genuine. </i>He <u>never</u> gives up and he is full of optimism and excitement. Oh and did I mention that he never even makes fun of my bad French? He only encourages me to keep doing my best. Yeah never wastes an opportunity. One of the most valuable things he has taught me:</div>
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<i>"Have you ever been opportunity knocking? Explore - you don't know what's out there waiting for." </i></div>
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I am ambitious but this incredible man has encouraged me to reach above and beyond the stars in places I didn't even know existed.</div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">He has achieved so much. Like I said, you can read it all over the web, but let me just say that as mayor, within 3 years, he increased the tax collection rate from the initial 10% to 86%. The people trust him. He has brought lots of water pumps and electricity to villages in Ouélessébougou. He has built many schools. As mayor, he governs over 44,000 people. Look at what he has done in 2 and 1/2 years! What could he do for the 14 million Malians during his 5 years as President? I can't wait to find out!!! </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Not only is Yeah a talented, genuine, big-hearted politician, but he is an incredible father and husband. He is always looking out for his wife and children. He's a family man - and I admire that. I have nothing but good words to say about the Samaké family. They are incredible and they are working together to help change the future of Mali - a quick shout out to his wife, Marissa! She's amazing. </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">When I first was offered the opportunity to come to Mali, I felt unsure. I had already spent a semester abroad and the opportunity to work on a presidential campaign was not appealing to me. But, after talking to a few friends who had met Yeah Samake, and had nothing but good things to say about him, I decided to dive right in. It has been one of the best decisions I made. My life has been changed because I know Yeah. He inspires me. </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Now, I'm here in Mali, and we're ready to knock 'em dead! </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">We're working </span>hard</i> on the ground.</div>
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But, we still need all the support we can get! </div>
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I'm ready to win this, are you? Think about the change we will bring not only for Mali, but for Africa, and for the rest of the World! </div>
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Let's make a difference.</div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>Support Yeah Samake for President of Mali! </b></span></i></div>
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<i>"United, we win all. Divided, we lose all."</i></div>
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<i>"Unis, nous gagnons tous. Divisés, nous perdons tous." </i></div>
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</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-1300971646267744842012-02-27T12:06:00.001-08:002012-02-27T12:06:16.022-08:00{ MIA? Back in Action! }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's time for me to blog.</div>
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I'm a little behind. I've been so MIA - literally missing in action.</div>
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We haven't stopped moving for the last 2 weeks - from this event to that event to another meeting to sending some emails to more events and rallies. It's wonderful. I love it all. But, it leaves me very little time to share this incredible experience with all of you.</div>
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There are SO many things I wish I could share.</div>
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I wish I could better share this experience - I wish everyone could have an experience of their own like this.</div>
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I recently finished the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Half-Sky-Oppression-Opportunity-Worldwide/dp/0307387097/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330372842&sr=8-1"><i>Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide</i> by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn</a> - I would highly recommend it. What are you doing to empower women? Education is key. Check out the <i><a href="http://www.halftheskymovement.org/">Half the Sky Movement</a>, </i>too.This book has had a huge impact on me and my view of the world. As well, it has helped me to gain a better perspective on my mission in life.<br />
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I have two things to share - please consider each of these very carefully:<br />
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<li><i>"Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people." -George Bernard Shaw </i></li>
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When it comes to Humanitarian efforts, you aren't being reasonable, right? The world depends on you. Be an Idealist. Face reality and break the bands of poverty, gender-based violence, FGM, and so many other issues plaguing our world today.<br />
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<li><i>"Young people often ask us how they can help address issues like sex trafficking or international poverty. Our first recommendation to them is to get out and see the world...to tackle an issue effectively, you need to understand it - and it's impossible to understand an issue by simply reading about it. You need to see it firsthand, even live in its midst." </i></li>
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I'll try to make this short and quick. I don't all that you really want to see are some pictures :) You really want to #makeadifference? If you don't, stop thinking about yourself and think more about how you can serve others (haha). Well, the best way to make a difference is to <i>educate </i>yourself, <i>empower </i>yourself. Visit the developing world! Many people are hestiant and think it's dangerous, as they say in <i>Half the Sky</i>, "The most dangerous part of living in a poor country is often the driving, since no one wears seat belts, and red lights - if they exist - tend to be regarded as mere suggestions." Honestly, it's <i>very safe. </i>Yes, even for women. In my travels in the "developing world," I have not once felt threatened. There is reason for legitimate concern (like disease) but take precautions, and I promise, it'll all be okay. Often, it is merely the <i>fear of the unknown </i>that is holding you back. I'm here to tell you, firsthand, that it's all going to be okay. The best way to learn and truly understand what is going on in the world around us, you need to see these issues. COME. Europe is great - I loved my time in France and England. One of the greatest issues in the American education system is that students never fully understand the issues of poverty at home and abroad. Take some time to visit the developing world, whether it be a "gap year" in your education or a summer teaching abroad. Look into the eyes of poverty and violation of human rights. See the oppression of women firsthand. This will give you a much richer understanding of the world around you and I promise, you will have no regrets. You will live your life with a greater sense of satisfaction, love, appreciation, and selflessness. You will see the world with a new pair of colored glasses. You will be a better entrepreneur, a better wife/husband, better mother/father, and a more passionate student of life. You will then begin to #makeadifference. DO IT.</div>
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Now that I'm off my soapbox :) Here's to the last few incredible, exhausting, exhilarating, accomplished weeks in Mali!</div>
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<b>I love the Malian culture.</b><br />
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<li>I have spent so much time in the villages. I have seen ridiculous amounts of malnutrition and blown-out bellies (usually Kwashiorkor), disease, unhappiness, and hard work. </li>
<li>I receive a marriage proposal nearly everywhere we go - I can't even count them on two hands anymore.</li>
<li>If I don't get a marriage proposal, then they ask for my phone number and won't let go of my hand until I give an adequate response (don't worry, I have <u>not</u> and will not give out my phone number).</li>
<li>Now, as far as Mali goes, I'm married without a phone. Oops!</li>
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Some of my favorite things:</div>
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<li>Malian dance parties - at each rally we go to, there is a little dance party before and after with lots of African drums, masks, etc. An older woman usually shares a story in song. Meanwhile, a lot of the Malian woman stand up and dance around. I love dancing with them and seeing their faces just light up.</li>
<li>Even better, when I am the first one to get up and dance to get all of the other women to join in...their eyes <i>sparkle.</i></li>
<li>Holding little Malian </li>
<li>Smiling at Malian children and have them smile back and shyly look away</li>
<li>Holding Malian Children</li>
<li>High fives for large groups of Malian children all at once</li>
<li>Malian villages - I love the serenity out in Rural Mali</li>
<li>When I am with a large group of little children and they all fight over me...and smother me...and I have like 10 little hands grasping onto my arm with dear life. </li>
<li>Religious devotion</li>
<li>The "Samake2012" song - <i>Samaké deux milles douze..</i>the beat totally gets stuck in my head for hours. </li>
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The last few weeks are a blur. We have been <i>so</i> busy on the campaign. Enjoy a random conglomeration of photos!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8L0FymG7KGg/T0vZ3jGsboI/AAAAAAAAGvM/QYZD0TOukjo/s1600/Mali+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8L0FymG7KGg/T0vZ3jGsboI/AAAAAAAAGvM/QYZD0TOukjo/s400/Mali+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Top - Playing with little kids, making hand gestures, while at a rally :) So cute! - Me dancing (left) with the Samake Singer (he wrote a song for President Samake!) during a rally in Bamako - me and Kyle swarmed with little children in a village in Mali - love it.<br />Middle - Me with the most adorable girls that I bought popcorn from at a local rally, favorite memory - Me with the adorable kids that I "played with" during one of the local meetings - our good friend, Dra, with all the kids, love this photo!<br />Bottom - Kyle and I eating out of a community lunch bowl with our hands, traditional Malian - Kyle and I with Yeah's sisters family and some of her kids - me with Kadija and Sira out in the village.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Can you tell that I just adore little kids?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_M2PqEzhLe0/T0vYhz-YiMI/AAAAAAAAGt4/rZjdQw9fWb8/s1600/DSC00308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_M2PqEzhLe0/T0vYhz-YiMI/AAAAAAAAGt4/rZjdQw9fWb8/s320/DSC00308.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting my move on with the village women in African song and dance before a rally!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hextYI5hlbs/T0vYvonLVwI/AAAAAAAAGuE/HsZVHfof5vQ/s1600/DSCN0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hextYI5hlbs/T0vYvonLVwI/AAAAAAAAGuE/HsZVHfof5vQ/s320/DSCN0136.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the Malian women carry their little babies like this - on their backs with a cloth strapped around their chest. It amazes me! Still blows my mind. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Em_TPR2usr8/T0vZ7qytz6I/AAAAAAAAGvU/boaB9OBmQgE/s1600/Mali+Culture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Em_TPR2usr8/T0vZ7qytz6I/AAAAAAAAGvU/boaB9OBmQgE/s400/Mali+Culture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CAMPAIGN PHOTOS<br />Top - Rally in Bamako Commune 5 - dancing in the village of Mandé, look how high he is! - a masked African dancer in the village of Diorila<br />2nd row - young girl dancers in Mande- the children anxiously and proudly running up to the school, built by Yeah's foundation - Dressed gunmen (community leaders) welcoming us into the village of Mandé<br />3rd row - Dancer in Mandé - welcoming Yeah to a community - Yeah speaking at rally in Bamako Commune<br />Bottom - Dancing in the village of Beneko, I loved this masked and dressed African animal dancer, they told an incredible story of courage through song and dance - women at a local rally, Malian women <u>amaze</u> me! - Local children lined up to greet PACP and supporters to the village of Mandé</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJJdD7CUuQg/T0vY54OwqVI/AAAAAAAAGuM/yTpNcuWM4ME/s1600/DSCN0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJJdD7CUuQg/T0vY54OwqVI/AAAAAAAAGuM/yTpNcuWM4ME/s320/DSCN0234.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a sign of respect and appreciation, Yeah was given two live chickens at the rally in Beneko. Here, Dra is taking them to the local market to be killed, and yes, they're still alive in this picture.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLa2bEj46n0/T0vZRASB_9I/AAAAAAAAGug/T8XI7u2W27I/s1600/DSCN0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLa2bEj46n0/T0vZRASB_9I/AAAAAAAAGug/T8XI7u2W27I/s320/DSCN0869.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little girl, Tanta at the village of Kouri - she's adorable! She was my "dancing queen" in our dance party.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQaJwV693no/T0vZcbvgnMI/AAAAAAAAGuo/1h9p64g0fLM/s1600/DSCN0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQaJwV693no/T0vZcbvgnMI/AAAAAAAAGuo/1h9p64g0fLM/s320/DSCN0887.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High fives all around - "children reaching for their dreams"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9OCe0Zrw8I/T0vZotKWFvI/AAAAAAAAGuw/w8Ls7JoH04M/s1600/DSCN0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9OCe0Zrw8I/T0vZotKWFvI/AAAAAAAAGuw/w8Ls7JoH04M/s320/DSCN0900.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my little sunshine, Arrah, she radiates light and a sweet spirit. Miss her already.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu6Dn9akLHc/T0vZuzpeXZI/AAAAAAAAGu4/dWmXSRO9jKI/s1600/Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qu6Dn9akLHc/T0vZuzpeXZI/AAAAAAAAGu4/dWmXSRO9jKI/s320/Kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surrounded by kids in the village of Beneko - they don't look so happy in this photo, do they??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwvjiqInVzk/T0vZ-RllzwI/AAAAAAAAGvc/R1TBXPKjoRI/s1600/Malian+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZwvjiqInVzk/T0vZ-RllzwI/AAAAAAAAGvc/R1TBXPKjoRI/s320/Malian+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Swarmed</u> in little Malian children - I love this feeling. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8nwcfrgXxk/T0vaAJboTKI/AAAAAAAAGvk/jvJ8F9TZHLg/s1600/Photo+on+2-14-12+at+9.42+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i8nwcfrgXxk/T0vaAJboTKI/AAAAAAAAGvk/jvJ8F9TZHLg/s320/Photo+on+2-14-12+at+9.42+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mommy gave me a present and a card for Valentine's day :) Made my week!!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJPN8qejp6w/T0vZzoryY4I/AAAAAAAAGvA/7YBL5ElUTXo/s1600/Mali+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJPN8qejp6w/T0vZzoryY4I/AAAAAAAAGvA/7YBL5ElUTXo/s400/Mali+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top - we visited a Muslim mosque for Friday evening prayers. I was sitting with the women. Here Kyle is with the men (my picture didn't turn out :() - this is the view from our balcony at the party headquarters, the streets were swarming with devout muslims who had come to the community area for Friday afternoon prayers - Basketball game, too cool. Thanks Kyle for teaching me the rules of the game!<br />2nd row - adorable little kids outside our home - Local meeting - Gunmen in Mandé (repeat picture, my bad) <br />3rd row - Me dancing with Samaké Singer (I love jumping up and getting the crowd involved) - a "joke" at a local rally, the crowd was roaring with laughter - a young girl giving Kola nuts at the rally in Mandé (a symbol of appreciation and greeting of respect in Mali)<br />Bottom - Dancing again at the local rally - the beautiful Niger River in Ségou - Mali has Mountains!!! What a beautiful sight to see. Reminded us of Southern Utah. </td></tr>
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One particular day, this last Saturday, was <i>insane. </i>Meetings at 9, 10:30, 11:30, drive an hour to Kouri for another rally at 2:00, more meetings, drive, dinner, drive, another meeting at <i>12:30 am</i> (so, yeah, it was technically Sunday at this point), and then home in Bamako at 2:30 am.</div>
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I loved it, every minute of it.</div>
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(Okay, except for sitting in the back seat with my knees in my chest as we bounced our way back to Bamako).</div>
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I love working on the Samake 2012 campaign.</div>
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I love being in Mali.</div>
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It's always an adventure :)</div>
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<br />
Life is so precious. I become very easily attached, especially to little kids. It was so hard to say goodbye to my little Arrah when we left the village of Kouri the other day. Yes, I really did cry. I'm more convinced than ever that "All you need is love." All these little children need is to <i>feel important. </i>Okay, that's the idealist in me. Realistically, I realize there are a lot of other factors that influence their lives - lack of education and opportunity. Education is empowering. I'm determined to <a href="http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/12/teach-for-the-world-vs-peace-corps/">"Teach the World."</a><br />
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<i><b>Also, if you know me personally and would like an invite to read my personal blog (yes, it's private), shoot me an email or leave a comment here with your email and I'll add you! :)</b></i><br />
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Love you all, xoxo,<br />
Liz<br />
<br /></div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-36769647929211889112012-02-08T08:37:00.000-08:002012-02-08T08:43:58.477-08:00{ I niche Mali! }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"I niche" means "thank you" in Bambara.</div>
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I niche for reading my blog!</div>
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<br /></div>
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A few more updates...goodness! I have been so busy - I wish you could all experience everything. This is one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had (I think I say that a lot). I am so incredibly blessed to be here and to work with Team Samake on a daily basis :)</div>
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Here are a few random updates and photos from life the last week here in Mali.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QT4_iXN4fBI/TzAjoWx_Z5I/AAAAAAAAGns/_FXysy2g8Ls/s1600/DSCN0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QT4_iXN4fBI/TzAjoWx_Z5I/AAAAAAAAGns/_FXysy2g8Ls/s320/DSCN0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Marissa, and Kyle went to an Ethiopian restaurant in Bamako - it was quite enjoyable! Much different than I expected but very yummy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MqMHrGRQZ4/TzAjUCRCv3I/AAAAAAAAGnk/EFbSA2cpqFs/s1600/DSCN0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MqMHrGRQZ4/TzAjUCRCv3I/AAAAAAAAGnk/EFbSA2cpqFs/s320/DSCN0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ethiopian food.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ux6SWKP7HdE/TzAkRazg-nI/AAAAAAAAGoM/u4y6IAaeJVE/s1600/DSCN0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ux6SWKP7HdE/TzAkRazg-nI/AAAAAAAAGoM/u4y6IAaeJVE/s320/DSCN0038.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zhu, our main driver :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnKCbTJVr3s/TzAkZ217GTI/AAAAAAAAGoc/pQOgnfu6drE/s1600/DSCN0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnKCbTJVr3s/TzAkZ217GTI/AAAAAAAAGoc/pQOgnfu6drE/s320/DSCN0058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking down the neighborhood streets - I walk past here nearly everyday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiCRNV2fhek/TzAkhLY7CRI/AAAAAAAAGok/AXHoEOwyvqk/s1600/DSCN0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiCRNV2fhek/TzAkhLY7CRI/AAAAAAAAGok/AXHoEOwyvqk/s320/DSCN0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got some cheeseburgers in Bamako! Pretty yummy - we'll definitely survive here until May :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGOxyREApgM/TzAkuHLNR2I/AAAAAAAAGow/wZB7uT-QPCg/s1600/DSCN0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGOxyREApgM/TzAkuHLNR2I/AAAAAAAAGow/wZB7uT-QPCg/s320/DSCN0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The packed streets of Bamako by the markets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCVkMYD4tdE/TzAk7eafQnI/AAAAAAAAGo4/KB4xE9NorjU/s1600/DSCN0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CCVkMYD4tdE/TzAk7eafQnI/AAAAAAAAGo4/KB4xE9NorjU/s320/DSCN0074.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my favorite people - Dra and Carmen :) She's a spitfire! But too adorable. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn1tMYhfdB8/TzAlHu-gF7I/AAAAAAAAGpA/UKTSeJMcYGs/s1600/DSCN0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn1tMYhfdB8/TzAlHu-gF7I/AAAAAAAAGpA/UKTSeJMcYGs/s320/DSCN0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Markets in central Bamako - crazier than India!!! To put it simply.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrX_hNt3xYE/TzAlUGsp8yI/AAAAAAAAGpM/qipRKLFqZ8Y/s1600/DSCN0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrX_hNt3xYE/TzAlUGsp8yI/AAAAAAAAGpM/qipRKLFqZ8Y/s320/DSCN0086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a better way to use the banks of the Niger River than with gardens? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19qKefvlwg4/TzAlgqL09uI/AAAAAAAAGpU/PfX23CaFfHo/s1600/DSCN0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-19qKefvlwg4/TzAlgqL09uI/AAAAAAAAGpU/PfX23CaFfHo/s320/DSCN0090.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside fruit stands.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3o0KroPpops/TzAlqMtkgII/AAAAAAAAGpc/Kfg8CyJ4ado/s1600/DSCN0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3o0KroPpops/TzAlqMtkgII/AAAAAAAAGpc/Kfg8CyJ4ado/s320/DSCN0096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are called Sotramas or Bachets - they're buses - they don't have any particular route, they just have people jump in, pay a very minimal amount, and kind of take people around as they call out? I'll have to have that experience before I leave.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVIhbVlf0qA/TzAl0-W8I9I/AAAAAAAAGpk/QJPRFEW_YtI/s1600/DSCN0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVIhbVlf0qA/TzAl0-W8I9I/AAAAAAAAGpk/QJPRFEW_YtI/s320/DSCN0097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"ALLAHKABO" or "God is great" with the initials of the Sotrama driver - "BK"...haha<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRQRgaK8DNg/TzAl-GtGIGI/AAAAAAAAGpw/NaZIc6FVLnc/s1600/DSCN0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xRQRgaK8DNg/TzAl-GtGIGI/AAAAAAAAGpw/NaZIc6FVLnc/s320/DSCN0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got ice cream! Nevermind that Kyle looks like he's part of the Mafia...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjT-ZBqmsu0/TzAmJ41kY_I/AAAAAAAAGp4/a-FW1kO1IaY/s1600/DSCN0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hjT-ZBqmsu0/TzAmJ41kY_I/AAAAAAAAGp4/a-FW1kO1IaY/s320/DSCN0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Don't do a funny face!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UWrIATjl5bY/TzAmVJfYHpI/AAAAAAAAGqA/qDQmS4mcCAU/s1600/DSCN0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UWrIATjl5bY/TzAmVJfYHpI/AAAAAAAAGqA/qDQmS4mcCAU/s320/DSCN0100.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a nice ice cream shoppe - now we know we can <u>definitely</u> survive in Mali - burgers and ice cream! haha</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5bk3o-WYYU/TzAmdJgPfyI/AAAAAAAAGqI/A2UAP5jE4TI/s1600/DSCN9904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5bk3o-WYYU/TzAmdJgPfyI/AAAAAAAAGqI/A2UAP5jE4TI/s320/DSCN9904.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside work boys ready to help move stuff.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJuL2xwu0BQ/TzAmlicGa2I/AAAAAAAAGqU/ZsMmiy4NqVw/s1600/DSCN9908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rJuL2xwu0BQ/TzAmlicGa2I/AAAAAAAAGqU/ZsMmiy4NqVw/s320/DSCN9908.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love Mali - it's beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village markets.</td></tr>
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Mom, don't look at this next picture.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Mari, our cute cook, dividing up the beef to freeze...lots of meat out in the open air here! <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where I buy my fruit :) I haven't had a bad one yet - my apples and oranges are delectable!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5GUQqG7B7g/TzAnSj0mpKI/AAAAAAAAGrA/GT5VJZlzO0I/s1600/IMG_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p5GUQqG7B7g/TzAnSj0mpKI/AAAAAAAAGrA/GT5VJZlzO0I/s320/IMG_0031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view from our roof. Everyday, I watch/hear the family next door wake up early early (like 5 am), make food, clean up, dig some trenches, do some laundry, make more food, etc. They're working <u>all</u> day. I bet they've never heard the saying "work before play" but maybe "work before soccer"...they love their soccer! </td></tr>
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This last Friday, there was a Muslim festival and they celebrated "Milad un nabi" or the birthday of the Prophet Muhammed. All night, I heard the speaker of a man talking to people and chanting and singing and celebrating. The people came in hoards, dressed in their religious attire, carrying chairs on their head and children everywhere to sit for hours to celebrate the birth of their beloved prophet - it was quite the sight to see!<br />
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Then Sunday evening, Mali was in the African Soccer Cup quarter finals. The game was Mali vs. Gabon. It was 3-3 and they were in overtime. Everyone was running through the streets. Mali won in the final shootout - incredible! People were going CRAZY - horns honking, people jumping up and down! I have never seen that much excitement :) When I was in Paris in 2010 and watched one of the World Soccer Cup games in front of the Eiffel Tower, the people were pretty mellow in comparison. This was something else! Mali is now in the Semi-finals. I can't wait for the next game!!! I will be sad when the African cup is over.<br />
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Meanwhile, there have been some strikes in Northern Bamako based off of what is going on with the North of Mali (a little ways away from where I am living - don't worry!). It has made things more interesting. To read more about the strikes, read <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/world/africa/tuaregs-use-qaddafis-arms-for-rebellion-in-mali.html?_r=1&emc=eta1">this article</a> in the NYT.</div>
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Saturday night, we went out for some pizza here in Bamako and it was so yummy! It was at the cutest little restaurant. Who knew you could get good pizza in Africa? ;) It felt like home!<br />
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Yesterday, we went to the market and to a huge rally out in the village - about an hour and a half away. It was incredible to feel the enthusiasm these people had for an incredible leader like Yeah Samake. He brings <i>hope</i> to the people. <i>Courage. </i>Please show your support and donate to our campaign at <a href="http://samake2012.com/">http://samake2012.com/</a> - $10 can make all the difference - share it with your friends!<br />
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I love Mali and it is quickly beginning to feel more and more like <i>home.</i></div>
</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-44697084240999715602012-02-06T11:31:00.000-08:002012-02-09T02:35:16.301-08:00{ 1er Leadership Conference - SUCCESS! }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As Yeah and his family walked into the auditorium on Saturday, they were greeted by 200+ skeptical supporters and a burst of applause. As the minutes turned to hours, we all sat in a trance as we listened (as best as I could in French :)) to Yeah eloquently speak about his father's vision for each of his children to gain an education, his background, his education in the United States, and his desire to change the lives of his people. He is so passionate. </div>
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Each person, even the biggest skeptics, left the event that day as supporters.</div>
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To read more about this <u>incredible</u> event, go to Marissa Samake's blog post: <a href="http://firstladymali2012.com/2012/02/05/pacp-leadership-conference-une-reussite-totale-a-total-success/">PACP Leadership Conference - une réussite totale (a total success!)</a></div>
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I had to steal this next part from her blog though. She is an incredible writer.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">"Yeah Samake is the candidate if Mali wants change. He is the candidate if Mali desires to get out of the hole 52 years of corrupt, bad leadership has thrown it into. He is the candidate of hope for a better education system that ensures Malian graduates can compete against foreign graduates. He is the candidate if Malians want a role model that can show what honest, open leadership is. He is the candidate who can bring Mali as an equal to discussions at the UN and African summits instead of the country asking for handouts. Mali is not a poor country. The actions of its leaders have made it poor. The time has come for Mali to raise itself out of the misery its former leaders have condemned it to. Yeah is the candidate that can reform Mali and make it a symbol of opportunity and change. The time is now. If you can help, the time has come to help. The elections are 3 months away. Support us at Samake2012.com. We need all the help we can to help Mali become the country where opportunities are in abundance and dreams become a reality. Vive PACP! Vive Yeah Samake! But most of all Vive Mali! May the hopes and dreams of all Malians be answered with Yeah Samake as President."</span></div>
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Yeah is the answer. He is hope. He is change.</div>
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He is one of the most incredible men I have ever known and I feel privileged to know and work with him. He motivates and inspires me.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bghgvJTxqDo/TzAh4kHXOaI/AAAAAAAAGmc/yEVnh-SFOFI/s1600/20120204-IMG_1954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bghgvJTxqDo/TzAh4kHXOaI/AAAAAAAAGmc/yEVnh-SFOFI/s320/20120204-IMG_1954.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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{top two photos courtesy of <a href="http://colenielsen.com/">Cole Nielsen</a>}</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The people immediately surrounded Yeah following the event - you can see the joy just bursting from their faces! They feel HOPE.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jJZmgOj9BU/TzAhmr2y09I/AAAAAAAAGl0/Y7_dZRs4gC8/s1600/20120203-_MG_0791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jJZmgOj9BU/TzAhmr2y09I/AAAAAAAAGl0/Y7_dZRs4gC8/s320/20120203-_MG_0791.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Yeah with leader of the Handicapped Organization. This picture brings tears to my eyes. Yeah will make the difference for these people. Can you see the passion in his face?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah with all of the Team Samake Volunteers - GO TEAM SAMAKE!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah and Marissa Samake surrounded by Campaign members</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1qNDcMvrME/TzAiUGLKwzI/AAAAAAAAGmw/9ch6BI67Ylo/s1600/DSCN0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r1qNDcMvrME/TzAiUGLKwzI/AAAAAAAAGmw/9ch6BI67Ylo/s320/DSCN0108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that little Carmen is sitting up front on her mom's lap :)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31yMV__V0Go/TzAicaZl3PI/AAAAAAAAGm4/RC_pu7ZJTg0/s1600/DSCN0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-31yMV__V0Go/TzAicaZl3PI/AAAAAAAAGm4/RC_pu7ZJTg0/s320/DSCN0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with members of Team Samake!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Np5zu9GrZT4/TzAimMe9T0I/AAAAAAAAGnA/gieYDf5KxW4/s1600/DSCN0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Np5zu9GrZT4/TzAimMe9T0I/AAAAAAAAGnA/gieYDf5KxW4/s320/DSCN0113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This perfectly describes the relationship between Kyle, Marissa, and I. Kyle is trying to make up for his bad jokes and Marissa teases him endlessly. And I just sit and smile. haha.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIGNp64NkZE/TzAixQrjSrI/AAAAAAAAGnI/TsxrXKMWCmU/s1600/IMG_7094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AIGNp64NkZE/TzAixQrjSrI/AAAAAAAAGnI/TsxrXKMWCmU/s320/IMG_7094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with one of the good campaign supporters.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana is one of the strong Samake supporters!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My good friend, Dra, and I :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The event was held at the University of Bamako - I love Mali!</td></tr>
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It was a successful event and everyone left satisfied and in support of Yeah. Once the people meet Yeah, they are convinced that he needs to be the next president. He is unique. His story is unique - the people trust him. He is amazing. Vive Mali and Yeah Samake!!!</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-82509828498334639052012-02-06T10:49:00.000-08:002012-02-08T08:41:31.373-08:00{ First visit to the village }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been so busy, I hardly have time to blog. </div>
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But, if you will, take it for what it is and enjoy some pictures :)</div>
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This day, we traveled about an hour to a village called Dialakoroba. We were welcomed into the village with song and dance. I even joined in :) It was so fun and everyone was so excited! At the event, we established a committee for our party (PACP - Parti pour l'Action Civique et Patriotique) and spoke to our new supporters about the meaning of the logo and strategies to gain momentum for the campaign. The meeting was mostly in Bambara, the most spoken, more native language of Mali and part of it was in French. Regardless, I could feel the excitement beaming from these community leaders. They are anxious for change...they are anxious to improve the lives of their people. Yeah Samaké is the change they need! I am so proud to be a part of this campaign!!!</div>
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It was an INCREDIBLE event. </div>
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Watch the following video of Kyle and I dancig with the women in the video :) It's my favorite thing ever. You just can't help but be happy around these people!</div>
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I loved being in the village with these humble, sweet people. </div>
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We also attended another event in midtown Bamako in Badalabougou. Here we gathered with about 60 community leaders from the handicapped society to address their needs and concerns and take them back to "Monsieur Le Président!" The people loved the message of PACP and was ready to join in support of Yeah! </div>
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A successful Saturday!</div>
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Please, I hate asking for help and I hate asking for money but if you can, support our campaign!!! This is a small thing you can do to help change the world. Yeah will change the future of development for Mali and set a leadership precedent for many other African nations. Our world needs more men like him. </div>
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To DONATE - simply go to <a href="http://www.samake2012.com/">http://www.samake2012.com/</a>. The smallest amount makes all the difference as we go into the last 3 months of this big campaign! Help us make a change!!!</div>
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</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-77856022727338706602012-02-05T10:37:00.000-08:002012-02-08T08:42:42.217-08:00{ running in Africa...feels good! }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of my most favorite experiences in Mali yet...</div>
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running.</div>
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around the soccer field.</div>
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with the most adorable little boys.</div>
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So, I went out to the soccer field Saturday evening for a little run. As usual, lots of little boys were playing soccer out on the field during the cooler evening hours, and some girls and guys were playing basketball. I start running and not even a minute later, 3 little African boys ran up beside me. They all matched my pace perfectly and even slowed when I did, etc. They were adorable. After about a lap, I started talking to the oldest boy in French. I asked him if he liked soccer and if I could come play with him sometime and he said "girls don't play soccer. they play basketball." I tried to convince him that I can play soccer too and I'll be out on the field with them one of these nights! :) </div>
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We chatted about where we lived (no exacts) and determined to meet up agani on the field. He was only 11 and the other boys 7 and 8. </div>
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It was magical. </div>
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They left my heart full of joy and gratitude. </div>
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Children are so perfect, innocent, and loving.</div>
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What a great way to end my Saturday! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6YRrN9yxJU/TzAaAC2Jf5I/AAAAAAAAGj4/Hv4tnwf1Rw4/s1600/DSCN0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6YRrN9yxJU/TzAaAC2Jf5I/AAAAAAAAGj4/Hv4tnwf1Rw4/s320/DSCN0063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The soccer field by our home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psYNYTEKRZw/TzAaCAwypgI/AAAAAAAAGkA/pvendBbESek/s1600/IMG_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psYNYTEKRZw/TzAaCAwypgI/AAAAAAAAGkA/pvendBbESek/s320/IMG_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I watched this magnificent sunset prior to my run :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kx6aQzqApw/TzAaEGz3qgI/AAAAAAAAGkI/QH6bEDzF3Ec/s1600/IMG_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kx6aQzqApw/TzAaEGz3qgI/AAAAAAAAGkI/QH6bEDzF3Ec/s320/IMG_0038.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved the shimmering moon in the brilliant blue sky!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkzkDqmS5Hw/TzAYlC4sMdI/AAAAAAAAGjY/ZmsTPgFoPwA/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XkzkDqmS5Hw/TzAYlC4sMdI/AAAAAAAAGjY/ZmsTPgFoPwA/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bad attempt to take a photo of the boys on my iPod...they were cute! I was running with the 3 on the left - the other two just joined in.</td></tr>
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</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-81521354227266597732012-01-31T11:13:00.000-08:002012-02-08T08:43:05.044-08:00{ Be the change...for my friend, Dra }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Dra, this one is for you :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Dra. He's showing us his cool Karate moves with his red belt!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dra with his Karate belts - he knows how to pull a move!</td></tr>
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Sitting here thinking...</div>
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Reflecting...</div>
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I am <i>so</i> incredibly blessed.</div>
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How do I even begin?</div>
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Tonight, with one of my new cool Malian friends, Dra, </div>
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I mentioned that I love pictures. </div>
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And he asked to see some of mine...</div>
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So, I pull out the iPhoto with 40,000+ pictures (I can't believe i just admitted that...on the www).</div>
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And we go through pictures of India, DC, New York, France, England...and so many other places. </div>
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Mountains, snow, skiing pictures, sunset pictures, river rafting, boating, fields of tulips, monkeys, and so many other things that many others will <u>never</u> have the chance to think about, let alone experience. </div>
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My dear friend, Dra, has never seen the mountains or snow.</div>
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He sat in awe as I showed him picture after picture...</div>
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And then there's me, I've pretty much seen it all. I am very fortunate.</div>
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He hasn't even tried pizza.</div>
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(Don't worry, I'll buy him one :))</div>
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What has our world become?</div>
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I will never know the life that billions of others experience each and everyday...waking up at 5 am to start breakfast on some hot coals...cleaning up...maybe going to the morning market to sell a few things...starting lunch and cooking for 2 hours...trying to portion things so everyone gets "enough" food...taking care of babies in between...and so on it continues everyday until nearly 11 pm. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tC0Z_tU9CwA/Tyg6LnhTXoI/AAAAAAAAGhw/puiOzcPIYFQ/s1600/DSCN9981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tC0Z_tU9CwA/Tyg6LnhTXoI/AAAAAAAAGhw/puiOzcPIYFQ/s320/DSCN9981.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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The Malian women are incredible...they often walk around with a baby strapped around on their backs with something on their head...this women (above) was walking around the market trying to sell some fruit...they are such hard-workers and incredible women.</div>
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I will never have to experience extreme poverty and hunger. I will never have to wonder how to pay for the next meal or sacrifice my food for my children. I will never be without a home. I will always have more than one pair of shoes to wear. I will always have a laptop, something that has become a modern-day "necessity." </div>
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Why did <b>I</b> get to be so lucky? What about my friend, Dra? Or my sweet other mommy in India, Laxmi? Or the destitute widows begging on the streets in the holy cities of India? Why was I put where I am? </div>
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Can I make a difference? </div>
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<i>"Young people often ask us how they can help address issues like sex trafficking or international poverty. Our first recommendation to them is to get out and see the world. If you can't do that, it's great to raise money and attention at home. But to tackle an issue effectively, you need to understand it-and it's impossible to understand an issue by simple reading about it. You need to see it firsthand, even live in its midst." -Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn</i></div>
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Well, slowly, but surely, I'm beginning to <i>understand.</i><br />
I'll never fully understand international poverty...I was not born and raised in the slums. I did not have to work, instead of go to school, to make enough money just to eat food for the day. No, I'm just a very blessed American-born woman, who wants to make a difference.</div>
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Sure, I've experienced some hardship. But after the things I have seen, </div>
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it always seems so bleak in comparison. My troubles are always so trite. </div>
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As we looked at pictures, he kept saying how incredibly different Mali is...and how it's such a dirty country. He then said to me "Do you think that if Yeah becomes President, he could really change my country?"</div>
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My heart went out to him and his people...</div>
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"Yes, I do...petite à petite."</div>
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Yeah will be the change-maker for these people and for my dear friend, Dra. He will bring education and opportunity to these people.</div>
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I love to travel...but honestly, I knew it was never about me. </div>
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I want to be a change-maker...<br />
I <i>need </i>to make a difference...</div>
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I want to change lives...</div>
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I want to empower others everywhere...</div>
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I want others to feel the same happiness and joy that I have experienced in my life.</div>
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Can I be the change? </div>
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<b>"Be the change you want to see in the world." </b></div>
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-Mahatma Ghandi</div>
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Just maybe, I can become humble myself enough to be the change I want to be.<br />
Dra, I'll be the change...if only for you and others like you.<br />
You inspired me.</div>
</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-29411250186675041552012-01-28T16:14:00.000-08:002012-01-28T16:15:24.746-08:00{ Anisokoma, mon amie }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In Bamanakan, or Bambara, "Anisokoma" means good morning!</div>
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Greetings are very important in Malian culture...but I'll speak more on that later.</div>
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Each morning, the sun says hello as it peaks above the horizon. </div>
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I tip toe out of my room at about 6:45, with my yoga mat in hand, just in time to catch the morning sunrise, </div>
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I put a pot of water on the gas stove, </div>
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and sip some tea as I do some yoga and even run a few laps around the roof...</div>
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What a better way to start the day than with a greeting from Mr. Sun? </div>
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I love it.</div>
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And if you know me, you know I looooove anything to do with my sun. </div>
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I love Mali!</div>
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</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-75174059932595985242012-01-27T07:11:00.000-08:002012-01-27T07:15:16.924-08:00{ La vie au Mali }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M4J8P3jk1t0/TyKkS-wzCSI/AAAAAAAAGbE/nl-OjLbwH8Y/s1600/DSCN9859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M4J8P3jk1t0/TyKkS-wzCSI/AAAAAAAAGbE/nl-OjLbwH8Y/s320/DSCN9859.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are a few of my favorite photos from my first few days in Mali...what an adventure. I love it here and I am already creating a little day-to-day routine. </div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp6PAEaVuDs/TyKl1SWLDYI/AAAAAAAAGcc/sIYjk2YkNUg/s1600/IMG_7077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mp6PAEaVuDs/TyKl1SWLDYI/AAAAAAAAGcc/sIYjk2YkNUg/s320/IMG_7077.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying out of SLC, watching the sunset over the Great Salt Lake - incredible.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ssEX1opUano/TyKmDeNqASI/AAAAAAAAGco/neVbHZXYSo8/s1600/IMG_7082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ssEX1opUano/TyKmDeNqASI/AAAAAAAAGco/neVbHZXYSo8/s320/IMG_7082.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying out of Paris, I could see the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cobR-vb8RA/TyKmN0ot0bI/AAAAAAAAGcw/0FgRjj7f2ZQ/s1600/IMG_7083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1cobR-vb8RA/TyKmN0ot0bI/AAAAAAAAGcw/0FgRjj7f2ZQ/s320/IMG_7083.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying over the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqm1RqVqAqk/TyKmWKYMlTI/AAAAAAAAGc4/uOMjOUClRTU/s1600/IMG_7086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqm1RqVqAqk/TyKmWKYMlTI/AAAAAAAAGc4/uOMjOUClRTU/s320/IMG_7086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying over the Sahara desert...waves and waves of endless sand. This is probably the closest I will ever get. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGsXwSm_vIE/TyKmjLSEabI/AAAAAAAAGdA/fTwanjx_HM8/s1600/IMG_7088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qGsXwSm_vIE/TyKmjLSEabI/AAAAAAAAGdA/fTwanjx_HM8/s320/IMG_7088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landing in Bamako...it looks much different than flying into any American or European city I've been to.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzcOKKPGk14/TyKm2KxZahI/AAAAAAAAGdM/C_apv1v6L6c/s1600/IMG_7090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzcOKKPGk14/TyKm2KxZahI/AAAAAAAAGdM/C_apv1v6L6c/s320/IMG_7090.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The small Bamako-Senou airport</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dE7WNceAbA4/TyKip0CcQiI/AAAAAAAAGZU/pxrjQZEeLVE/s1600/DSCI0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dE7WNceAbA4/TyKip0CcQiI/AAAAAAAAGZU/pxrjQZEeLVE/s320/DSCI0144.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I stole this photo from a friend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wKztpXH1_4M/TyKivgAMZmI/AAAAAAAAGZc/1WsdYpisuKI/s1600/DSCN0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wKztpXH1_4M/TyKivgAMZmI/AAAAAAAAGZc/1WsdYpisuKI/s320/DSCN0149.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of my favorite guys here in Mali - Sibiri and Dra. I get to work with these two on a daily basis. Sibiri speaks French and is very patient with me. Dra speaks French, English, and Bambara...he's nice to have around and so sweet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5vv7STCkdE/TyKixu6esnI/AAAAAAAAGZk/mOubfbyxbHM/s1600/DSCN3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5vv7STCkdE/TyKixu6esnI/AAAAAAAAGZk/mOubfbyxbHM/s320/DSCN3625.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Kyle and I, campaign interns, with Sibiri. First day on the job!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDwPPhXf_0M/TyKiyoqxFLI/AAAAAAAAGZs/fq889Z9prS0/s1600/DSCN3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDwPPhXf_0M/TyKiyoqxFLI/AAAAAAAAGZs/fq889Z9prS0/s320/DSCN3626.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another one of our co-workers.</td></tr>
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We spent one day driving an hour out to the village of Ouelessebougou, where Future President Yeah Samake is currently the mayor. It was fun to meet Yeah's family and to see more of village life. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTxALpFMwJ8/TyK0E87lfKI/AAAAAAAAGdU/Hbkclb1n-K0/s1600/DSCN9782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTxALpFMwJ8/TyK0E87lfKI/AAAAAAAAGdU/Hbkclb1n-K0/s320/DSCN9782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drive out to the village</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXeVDlP1IwA/TyKjXwkM8eI/AAAAAAAAGaM/cxBW7f02QSE/s1600/DSCN9795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TXeVDlP1IwA/TyKjXwkM8eI/AAAAAAAAGaM/cxBW7f02QSE/s320/DSCN9795.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mayor's office in Ouelessebougou. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HlBt_ZW8FwA/TyKi7HxoMYI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/azQP_s45QgE/s1600/DSCN9789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HlBt_ZW8FwA/TyKi7HxoMYI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/azQP_s45QgE/s320/DSCN9789.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Mayor Samake's 2nd Attendant...it was fun to meet these guys.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6BD0b6WY-E/TyKjFvPanGI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/WR5W5LSE_4o/s1600/DSCN9790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6BD0b6WY-E/TyKjFvPanGI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/WR5W5LSE_4o/s320/DSCN9790.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current Mali President - ATT. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZqDD73Czmc/TyKjP3r2Z0I/AAAAAAAAGaE/q2R5HACqAaE/s1600/DSCN9791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZqDD73Czmc/TyKjP3r2Z0I/AAAAAAAAGaE/q2R5HACqAaE/s320/DSCN9791.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secretaries at the Mayor's office.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The PACP (Parti pour l'Action Civique et Patriotique) Headquarters...and this is the building I live in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2Wrku5y4wE/TyKj-tiN3lI/AAAAAAAAGaw/g5lD6MLrb2A/s1600/DSCN9835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A2Wrku5y4wE/TyKj-tiN3lI/AAAAAAAAGaw/g5lD6MLrb2A/s320/DSCN9835.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first CFA's (Central African Franc). I love international currency.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pvYa69zh90/TyKkHsVMNnI/AAAAAAAAGa8/UxceVBl-5YY/s1600/DSCN9858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pvYa69zh90/TyKkHsVMNnI/AAAAAAAAGa8/UxceVBl-5YY/s320/DSCN9858.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buying fruit from a street vendor. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M4J8P3jk1t0/TyKkS-wzCSI/AAAAAAAAGbE/nl-OjLbwH8Y/s1600/DSCN9859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M4J8P3jk1t0/TyKkS-wzCSI/AAAAAAAAGbE/nl-OjLbwH8Y/s320/DSCN9859.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how cute these girls are. Marissa, Yeah's wife, gave the girl some CFA and walked away...she was shocked. It was nearly a day's wages.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMBaqMFoPxs/TyKkb0Va7lI/AAAAAAAAGbM/lbddyFFC7_0/s1600/DSCN9865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMBaqMFoPxs/TyKkb0Va7lI/AAAAAAAAGbM/lbddyFFC7_0/s320/DSCN9865.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Samake's kitchen...outside this little room is where their cook, Mari, makes the food on a bed of coals. Much different from a typical American kitchen, eh?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1IhniGlO2U/TyKknOntoLI/AAAAAAAAGbU/d7_Ci3r5qpE/s1600/DSCN9867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D1IhniGlO2U/TyKknOntoLI/AAAAAAAAGbU/d7_Ci3r5qpE/s320/DSCN9867.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some sweet old women on the street - they wanted me to take their photo!</td></tr>
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This morning, we visited our local market. I was expecting it to be very similar to a local market in India but...'tis not so. It was very different. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVBsDHqtVdw/TyKkx7NW9lI/AAAAAAAAGbg/2Z1MrwpbIuc/s1600/DSCN9871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MVBsDHqtVdw/TyKkx7NW9lI/AAAAAAAAGbg/2Z1MrwpbIuc/s320/DSCN9871.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fish market "poissonerie" - we watched them handling the fish in open air.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWZNxHjHu-Y/TyK0Y-L2QpI/AAAAAAAAGdc/Rslz8bKFwV4/s1600/DSCN9868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWZNxHjHu-Y/TyK0Y-L2QpI/AAAAAAAAGdc/Rslz8bKFwV4/s320/DSCN9868.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Samkes adorable daughter, Carmen. Love this little girl. She's so cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4WYQt1brQU/TyKk_SA8vwI/AAAAAAAAGbo/E__-XHdTWT4/s1600/DSCN9873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F4WYQt1brQU/TyKk_SA8vwI/AAAAAAAAGbo/E__-XHdTWT4/s320/DSCN9873.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chicken sector of the market...lots and lots of chickens. We watched a man tie the legs of a chicken and chop off the head. Right next to me. Interesting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEP0MPf5ceg/TyKlJ9rIIfI/AAAAAAAAGbw/zCY7myuzQpQ/s1600/DSCN9875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEP0MPf5ceg/TyKlJ9rIIfI/AAAAAAAAGbw/zCY7myuzQpQ/s320/DSCN9875.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting up the chicken, cooking it, etc. Can you see very well?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhjSlTmVAcw/TyKlV5h52nI/AAAAAAAAGb8/RshfQU_-4ck/s1600/DSCN9878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhjSlTmVAcw/TyKlV5h52nI/AAAAAAAAGb8/RshfQU_-4ck/s320/DSCN9878.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The market...the roof is a very thin layer of straw, sometimes with tires to hold it down. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYRDv3pkDik/TyKliTdle7I/AAAAAAAAGcE/LIiKDG698bg/s1600/DSCN9886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYRDv3pkDik/TyKliTdle7I/AAAAAAAAGcE/LIiKDG698bg/s320/DSCN9886.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Butcher...I was fascinated. Carcasses hanging in the open air...no big deal.</td></tr>
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</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-36164418310594778572012-01-27T03:49:00.000-08:002013-03-15T12:58:39.737-07:00{ Waka Waka! This time for Mali, Africa! }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have so many things to share!<br />
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Mali is the second poorest country in the world (ranked closely with many other African nations). About 90% of the population is Muslim. The literacy rate is about 47% and unemployment rate is above 30%. The average age is 16 years old. Their leading exports are cotton, iron-ore, and gold. Geographically, they are 65% desert.<br />
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Kind of some cool stuff I've learned...there are so many different tribes/orgins/ethnicities here in Mali. I had the most fascinating discussion with one of my co-workers and fellow Samake supports the other day...in french :) The <b>Bambara</b> people make up the majority of Mali - they are the agriculture and farming people...then there's the <b>Fula</b> (or Peul, in French) people - they are the cow, sheep, ranching kind of people...Then there are the <b>Bozo</b> people - they are the fishermen along the Niger river...and lastly, the <b>Dogon</b> people - they live in the plateau region of Mali, their homes built up in the cliffs, and they are known for agriculture as well but they are also very religious and artistic. So, there you have it, the main ethnicities of Malians.<br />
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Mali has a strong democracy, with a relatively strong constitution, similar to that of France's, implemented in 1992, but they have stagnated and need a strong leader. Right now, a lot of the people love their current leader, ATT - Amadou Toumani Touré. But he isn't running for reelection (he can't - he's done his 2 terms) and the people desperately need <i>change</i>. They need education.<br />
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The Malian people generally make $1.25 a day...often less, sometimes closer to $1.50. The average net income for a person is US $680 a year. Can you even imagine? We squeal if we don't get $8 AN HOUR. The average Malian family is about 5 kids (sometimes more like 2-3 in the younger generations) in the city and about 10 kids in the village. That gets expensive! So, even if both parents are working, they make about $60 a month...And food isn't much cheaper here...in fact, not at all. In India, rice was expensive...but here, it's even more expensive. It costs about $50 for a large bag of rice that would <i>maybe</i> last a month. And another $50 or so for a months worth of oil. And the costs just keep coming...chicken here is rather expensive - about $5 for a chicken - so it's a delicacy even for the families more well-off.<br />
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On top of that, they have to pay for education. Well, for ages 7-16 it's free - but not really. Families still have to pay for the cost of supplies and transportation And it's not mandatory. So, if you can save money each month by not sending your kids to school and instead sending them to work, then you might even be able to buy some extra rice. Well, it costs <i>about</i> $1 a month to send a child to school after age 16. If you have 3 kids at that age, and 5 others kids still going but for "free" that's probably about $10 a month...money that the people generally don't have. Therefore, why would you become educated? It's hard to see the long-term benefits when you may have to starve in order to attend school, which doesn't earn you money to feed your hungry belly. Only 61% of children enroll in Primary School (ages 7-13) but only 36% of those that enroll actually finish Primary School. And then only 15% actually enroll in Secondary School (ages 13-19 - 20% males, 10% females)...we couldn't find a number for how many actually finish.<br />
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And even to take this a little further, dental hygiene is nearly nonexistent here. Especially for the village families...if you have 10 kids and have to buy them all toothbrushes and toothpaste (which is about $2 a tube which would last maybe 2 weeks?) then, there goes another $5 or so a month! How would the people eat? Starve to brush your teeth? No, that doesn't make sense either. So, here in Mali, some people will chew on a type of tree bark to kind of clean their teeth. In India, the people would chew on neem leaves to kind of clean their teeth and supposedly make their breath smell better.<br />
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Interesting, right?<br />
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It all starts to make sense...<br />
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Now, what can <i>you</i> do to change the lives of these people? How can you help? Maybe help them to elect a President who will require education? Promote a leader who will make a way to pay for the families, even subsidize the families, to send their children to school? Campaigns are costly...I'm proud to be working for Monsieur Yeah Samake, the future President of Mali. He is the change that Mali...no, Africa...needs to move towards a new phase of development, and a better future for the lives of millions of children.<br />
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Stay tuned for some PICTURES! And get ready to learn some Bambara!!!</div>
Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-8637041080145876092012-01-25T16:35:00.000-08:002012-01-25T16:36:29.633-08:00{ AFRICA - where one can laugh freely }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I MADE IT.<br />
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Sorry for my lack of presence in the blogosphere the last month...I got home from India, and had to run a hundred miles an hour to be ready to leave for Mali, Africa exactly a month later...<br />
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I arrived here in Bamako, Mali on January 22.<br />
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It's incredible. I'm exhausted - probably from my welcome headache as I continue to speak, think, and breathe French. And, I am picking up some Bambara, aka Bamanankan, the language of the Bambara people. It is the mother tongue for the majority of Malians. I'm just going to say a few things for now. I promise I will write more (with pictures) tomorrow! I have learned so much already!!!<br />
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For now, I'll share a little tidbit I shared with my family from my first day here. Tuesday, I took my first very COLD shower - I haven't had one of those for over a month! But, it will get very hot (I'm talking 41 degrees celsius, about 110 degrees Fahrenheit) here in about March and then it won't be so bad. It's kind of a fun morning adventure ;) We then traveled to Yeah's home village of Ouelessebougou, where he is currently the Mayor. That was my first little interaction with some of the more rural, village Malians. They are so kind. And they laugh...at everything. And you know how <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/04/07/health/webmd/main1481492.shtml">laughter really is the best medicine?</a> Well, I think that's how they really get by. They love to laugh and make jokes. If I take anything from Malian culture, I want to laugh more...and not just chuckle. I want a more frequent, hearty, radiating laugh. My favorite jokes are those about their different last names and call them names - like donkey or, my personal favorite, bean-eater. They think bean-eater is funny because they know that beans make you fart...and that makes them laugh. And when I can understand, I laugh along with them (I realize I've only been here two days but we've made quite a few jokes in the office already...haha). I've been here two days and I've never laughed so much in two days time.<br />
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My first morning here, I did yoga on the rooftop of our building and watching the sunrise...incroyable!!! Then, I watched all of the school children playing their early morning soccer games. It may not be quite as comfortable as America, but I know that I will love and treasure every second here. Did I mention the people are my <u>favorite</u>? I quickly grow to love each person I meet.<br />
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That's it for now. This experience isn't about me. Sure, I have no doubt that it will change my life forever...but this is about the future. The future of Malians. The future of Africa. A future which includes a little less poverty and hunger and a little more education...<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Monsieur Le Président, YEAH SAMAKE. </span></b></div>
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<b>He's the man.</b></div>
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Do me a favor? Visit this blog: <a href="http://firstladymali2012.com/">http://firstladymali2012.com/</a>. This blog is maintained by Yeah's sweet wife, Marissa. You can see Yeah's deep-rooted desire to truly make a difference. He is an incredible person.<br />
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And go visit our campaign website at <a href="http://samake2012.com/">http://samake2012.com/</a><br />
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"<span style="color: #343434; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">Yeah is the answer that many in Mali have dreamed. This year
let’s make it our year and may a new day be born in Mali as the elections
happen on April 29</span><span style="color: #343434; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">th</span><span style="color: #343434; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;"> 2012. Spread the word if you can. We need all the financial
support we can get. This is not a one man journey. You have the opportunity to
affect a country’s future. Are you in?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #343434; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #343434; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">If you can spare a few dollars, the campaign could use the funding. It will change the future of Mali. </span><br />
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Je soutien à Yeah Samake!!!</div>
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VIVE MALI!!!</div>
<br /></div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0Faladie, Bamako, Mali12.6039133 -7.945665912.5884173 -7.9654069 12.619409300000001 -7.9259249tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-30270277461057202732011-12-23T23:54:00.000-08:002012-01-04T07:34:01.196-08:00{ As my Indian sun sets... }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As the sun sets on my Indian adventure, another sun will rise. </div>
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I'll be in India again.</div>
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I have fallen in love with this beautiful country, the people, the rich culture.</div>
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More than anything, I think I will miss my dear, beautiful, sweet roommates, Katie and Sarah! Our silly jokes, silent moments of understanding, and all of the fun we have together! I consider them both some of my best friends. </div>
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Sure, we'll see each other again, but it just won't be the same. </div>
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Inside jokes...</div>
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"When in Rome!" *flip your wrist around in a circle motion*</div>
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"Excuuuuuse meh!"</div>
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"I'm alive!"</div>
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"Duuuuuuude"</div>
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After being in India for so long, not too long, but long enough, I now enjoy the comfort of a little child running up and down aisles or the sound of a baby crying...</div>
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I have met so many incredible people during my time in India. </div>
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Those that I will most dearly miss: The beautiful and incredible Anita-ji - I consider her one of my best friends :) And our sweet, dear Laxmi-ji, who always watched out for us, braided our hair, made our beds, put food in our bellies, brought us two beautiful children to play with (my sweet Geeta), and all of our incredible LDS Branch members, etc. I will miss them all dearly!</div>
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As my Indian sun sets...another sun will rise as the beauty of life continues to unfold itself in front of me. India, I love you.</div>
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You have stolen my heart.</div>
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Here are some of my favorite sunrises and sunsets from my incredible time in India. Those who know me know that I absolutely love the sun - sunrises, sunsets, the warmth, vitamin-d, etc. I love the Indian sun...the well-defined circle and brilliant bright oranges, yellows, and reds. I have never seen anything like it. </div>
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India, je t'aime.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It looks like an impressionist painting. My favorite sunrise on the Ganges in Varanasi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another favorite sunset beneath a bed of clouds in the midst of the Himalayas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, this is actually a sunrise but it was amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mumbai.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once again, in the Himalayas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nainital - hill station. Incredible city view with the sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lotus temple.</td></tr>
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</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-28490342751830437602011-12-22T20:58:00.000-08:002012-01-04T07:25:52.236-08:00{ The hardest goodbyes... }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pk_EuYUY_iw/Tv3o28Ut08I/AAAAAAAAGIQ/iGQEEE0Y7AM/s1600/IMG_6437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pk_EuYUY_iw/Tv3o28Ut08I/AAAAAAAAGIQ/iGQEEE0Y7AM/s320/IMG_6437.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">My <u>hardest</u> goodbye - we both just couldn't stop crying. I love and dearly miss my little Geeta (7).</td></tr>
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INDIA was one of the best things that has ever happened to me.</div>
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The people were my favorite.</div>
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And I grew to love Delhi as my home...</div>
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Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I have ever done...</div>
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I love each and every person I met there as my own family.</div>
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My last week there was spent with the ones I love, moseying around the city of Delhi. I cherished every second.</div>
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As one of our last GNI's (Girls Night In) with our dear and bestest Indian friend, Anita-ji, we made some American-India dinner: Anita made mutter paneer (yum! yum!) and Sarah-ji made Bruschetta. Then, Anita brought us each some sweet, very thoughtful presents...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aXZ2BKJ1T0/TusNjgMWG9I/AAAAAAAAFwg/RnGYCD725gQ/s1600/IMG_4924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aXZ2BKJ1T0/TusNjgMWG9I/AAAAAAAAFwg/RnGYCD725gQ/s320/IMG_4924.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Our yummy GNI dinner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Anita with our presents. She's wearing Sarah's shirt - yes, Sarah's a Ute and a traitor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Then we made some caramel apples for dessert. </td></tr>
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We took a last-minute trip to Old Delhi to see the famous Red Fort, India's largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, on Friday Muslim prayer day - so cool - and Rajghat, Gandhi-ji's "grave," where his cremated remains are buried. This is the <a href="http://busylizzielovestotravel.blogspot.com/2011/12/extra-ordinary-day-just-what-i-needed.html">EXTRAORDINARY</a> day I was speaking of a couple of weeks ago.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Red Fort</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Jama Masjid and the onslaught of devoted Muslim men, women, and children as they approached God in weekly prayer at the mosque.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The coolest sight as we walked out of the mosque and into Old Delhi - we saw dozens of men with their taqiyah, or Muslim caps, proceeding into the city...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Gandhi's burial place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Foz4r9naAFY/Tv3jVmXkLNI/AAAAAAAAF7g/EiA-zIej5Ao/s1600/IMG_6061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Foz4r9naAFY/Tv3jVmXkLNI/AAAAAAAAF7g/EiA-zIej5Ao/s320/IMG_6061.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">A very peaceful resting place...it's in a large, very beautiful park in Old Delhi. It was a bright day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQiwYeA23Ik/Tv3jfgvApII/AAAAAAAAF70/4CHHGet_Q3I/s1600/IMG_6081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQiwYeA23Ik/Tv3jfgvApII/AAAAAAAAF70/4CHHGet_Q3I/s320/IMG_6081.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to Mintu-ji, our favorite baiyyah at the office - he gave me a ride on his motorcycle one day :)</td></tr>
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I had a spontaneous family party with my Laxmi-ji's (housekeeper) big family! We took lots of pictures. It was a warm day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMLHT2fzQpQ/Tv3jq_T6tDI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/7jd6sLPl58I/s1600/IMG_6088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMLHT2fzQpQ/Tv3jq_T6tDI/AAAAAAAAF8Q/7jd6sLPl58I/s320/IMG_6088.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Laxmi's sister and new little nephew.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXTL1q8AWt0/Tv3j3B9DLiI/AAAAAAAAF8k/zHMXQjdwpZo/s1600/IMG_6090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXTL1q8AWt0/Tv3j3B9DLiI/AAAAAAAAF8k/zHMXQjdwpZo/s320/IMG_6090.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">SOME of the children in her family :) Love them ALL!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Z-fLFS1hus/Tv3kCOpNq-I/AAAAAAAAF84/3XC-t912294/s1600/IMG_6118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Z-fLFS1hus/Tv3kCOpNq-I/AAAAAAAAF84/3XC-t912294/s320/IMG_6118.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">My little Geeta and Ritika, Laxmi's children...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KxTwQ7JJRM/Tv3kLoK9mrI/AAAAAAAAF9M/0J1PTxgUaXE/s1600/IMG_6164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KxTwQ7JJRM/Tv3kLoK9mrI/AAAAAAAAF9M/0J1PTxgUaXE/s320/IMG_6164.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">We celebrated Christmas in style with Santa Clause at the Branch Christmas party - too fun! I love all of our branch members.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tz9NK_SRRQw/Tv3kTFsu3YI/AAAAAAAAF9c/flV2qS_OFWc/s1600/IMG_6168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tz9NK_SRRQw/Tv3kTFsu3YI/AAAAAAAAF9c/flV2qS_OFWc/s320/IMG_6168.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">I saw Elder Randall one last time and we bid adieu.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwPYyvn3iko/Tv3kcxOu4MI/AAAAAAAAF9w/N4RNavg3qdY/s1600/IMG_6172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwPYyvn3iko/Tv3kcxOu4MI/AAAAAAAAF9w/N4RNavg3qdY/s320/IMG_6172.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">We stopped by the Lotus temple for a quick run through...it was very spiritual and a great place for meditation! I quite enjoyed it...except for the fact that my passport and wallet were stolen here this day...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuDUkl8Py2M/Tv3kxMjqndI/AAAAAAAAF-g/swuIFS3Q0gU/s1600/IMG_6196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nuDUkl8Py2M/Tv3kxMjqndI/AAAAAAAAF-g/swuIFS3Q0gU/s320/IMG_6196.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">LOVE THIS.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iA-UI-gb7Y4/Tv3k9WxalWI/AAAAAAAAF-8/ggWTkQV1W4I/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iA-UI-gb7Y4/Tv3k9WxalWI/AAAAAAAAF-8/ggWTkQV1W4I/s320/IMG_6198.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">We finished Sarah's last day in Delhi with a rooftop lunch at our sweet Sister Asha's home...all with great friends - the Dhanpals, the Cleggs and the Maynards. It was so fun! I literally felt like I was on top of the world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baRT7uSZSLo/Tv3lIQVQyDI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/4KTsFaN5Xdc/s1600/IMG_6201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-baRT7uSZSLo/Tv3lIQVQyDI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/4KTsFaN5Xdc/s320/IMG_6201.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Love these little girls :) Anna and Mia Clegg.</td></tr>
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And, we attended Laxmi's and her brother's baby shower on Sunday evening! It was a real party there in the slums of RK Puram Sector 12! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRop2PkmUeo/Tv3lQUr00kI/AAAAAAAAF_g/llIXT3AljVo/s1600/IMG_6248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRop2PkmUeo/Tv3lQUr00kI/AAAAAAAAF_g/llIXT3AljVo/s320/IMG_6248.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Dancing with my Geeta :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRX-tN0LZic/Tv3lYp5OjWI/AAAAAAAAF_0/_RjKHBPt9Cg/s1600/IMG_6292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRX-tN0LZic/Tv3lYp5OjWI/AAAAAAAAF_0/_RjKHBPt9Cg/s320/IMG_6292.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">WE LOVE OUR LAXMI-JI!!! She's the best momma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk3HP5n2tIg/Tv3ljQzoe0I/AAAAAAAAGAQ/0FFi0R2a7B4/s1600/IMG_6294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk3HP5n2tIg/Tv3ljQzoe0I/AAAAAAAAGAQ/0FFi0R2a7B4/s320/IMG_6294.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Geeta and her little cousin - love these little girls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_qurrCWUuQ/Tv3lw2Af3LI/AAAAAAAAGA0/emWsVanjOd8/s1600/IMG_6295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_qurrCWUuQ/Tv3lw2Af3LI/AAAAAAAAGA0/emWsVanjOd8/s320/IMG_6295.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Perfect. Laxmi is wearing her husband's jacket...when we pointed it out, she had the biggest grin on her face and she was blushing like crazy! She has a <i>love marriage</i> and considers herself the happiest woman in the world :) You don't find such an affectionate gesture very often among the Indians...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYAae0Uqw80/Tv3l7V8UHGI/AAAAAAAAGBQ/JxeZIYbh9CI/s1600/IMG_6304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dYAae0Uqw80/Tv3l7V8UHGI/AAAAAAAAGBQ/JxeZIYbh9CI/s320/IMG_6304.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Laxmi and her husband's best friend...Laxmi gave me that pretty yellow dupatta (scarf) - Laxmi looks scared but I promise she loves me!</td></tr>
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Because I was fortunate enough to lose my wallet and passport (I wasn't always so enthusiastic but, I made the best of it), I got to spend lots of extra time with my little Geeta! I had 3 extra days :) Monday morning, we played and drew some pictures. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5ZCmBsMOHA/Tv3mHPytpxI/AAAAAAAAGBc/irohqpw_kNs/s1600/IMG_6312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5ZCmBsMOHA/Tv3mHPytpxI/AAAAAAAAGBc/irohqpw_kNs/s320/IMG_6312.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">We drew hearts on her hand with the names "Liz, Erika, Geeta, Katie, & Sarah" inside the hearts...her idea! And I have THE cutest video of her. Miss her.</td></tr>
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I got to spend more time with my dear friend, Shyam. He invited me over to his home for Breakfast...his sister made parathas - yum! Can you send me some more?! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhepLEcbgCw/Tv3mQrLuCvI/AAAAAAAAGB4/YUO5oFBMXmE/s1600/IMG_6318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhepLEcbgCw/Tv3mQrLuCvI/AAAAAAAAGB4/YUO5oFBMXmE/s320/IMG_6318.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">His sweet sister cooking breakfast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13E96tPuPF0/Tv3mZjvUrtI/AAAAAAAAGCI/e-8J9AO_Gro/s1600/IMG_6322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13E96tPuPF0/Tv3mZjvUrtI/AAAAAAAAGCI/e-8J9AO_Gro/s320/IMG_6322.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Shyam's sweet mom - she has the sweetest spirit of nearly everyone I've met (I say that a lot too but...there's a lot of good people in the world!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbmXHytZmww/Tv3n45D6LqI/AAAAAAAAGF8/p0YHmTFdCaU/s1600/IMG_6388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fbmXHytZmww/Tv3n45D6LqI/AAAAAAAAGF8/p0YHmTFdCaU/s320/IMG_6388.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">And, on Wednesday before I left, I got to say goodbye to Shyam one last time on the famous bridge that connects Sector 12 & 13...I'm gonna miss this guy...</td></tr>
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HENNA </div>
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with my favorite girls, the Masseys.</div>
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They got me a "good deal" (common phrase in India) at the Sector 8 Market!</div>
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Henna, mehendi, anyone? I loved it. Perfect way to come home.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCAQ5Y6vhCM/Tv3mjAyA90I/AAAAAAAAGCo/rIhAVj6SFnM/s1600/IMG_6324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sCAQ5Y6vhCM/Tv3mjAyA90I/AAAAAAAAGCo/rIhAVj6SFnM/s320/IMG_6324.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Carolin and Sherlin Massey - love these two.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akbJgdSS4FI/Tv3m554lVFI/AAAAAAAAGDs/alNTRZw7jU4/s1600/IMG_6342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akbJgdSS4FI/Tv3m554lVFI/AAAAAAAAGDs/alNTRZw7jU4/s320/IMG_6342.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">My amazing hand artwork.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBCo6orFpyY/Tv3nUqqVXdI/AAAAAAAAGE0/URoDGjZv9sE/s1600/IMG_6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBCo6orFpyY/Tv3nUqqVXdI/AAAAAAAAGE0/URoDGjZv9sE/s320/IMG_6353.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">I love my Simmy! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akTi_fG0g0I/Tv3niiSIIYI/AAAAAAAAGFI/V887Lb7qHhQ/s1600/IMG_6385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akTi_fG0g0I/Tv3niiSIIYI/AAAAAAAAGFI/V887Lb7qHhQ/s320/IMG_6385.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">And, we spent a Christmas evening with the Massey family. Seriously, I LOVE our LDS branch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cS5c8_6jSs/Tv3nuM_JgKI/AAAAAAAAGFg/eKoP3koSYiE/s1600/IMG_6387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cS5c8_6jSs/Tv3nuM_JgKI/AAAAAAAAGFg/eKoP3koSYiE/s320/IMG_6387.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">I got to say a <u>real</u> goodbye to Anita-ji at the Maitri office on Wednesday...both nearly crying.</td></tr>
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On Wednesday, I went to Akshardam temple with the Maynards, the Cleggs, and our sweet Simmy - I love all of these guys! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRmyKGT57x0/Tv3ohsZrFCI/AAAAAAAAGHo/stCVy59RPPs/s1600/IMG_6426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pRmyKGT57x0/Tv3ohsZrFCI/AAAAAAAAGHo/stCVy59RPPs/s320/IMG_6426.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Simmy and Anna and I - we had too much fun together! :) Can you even believe Anna is only 9 - she's beautiful and so mature! Love love love this girl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXmZRWU8pCE/Tv3orUhUycI/AAAAAAAAGH8/pvfLlecya4Y/s1600/IMG_6427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DXmZRWU8pCE/Tv3orUhUycI/AAAAAAAAGH8/pvfLlecya4Y/s320/IMG_6427.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Sad for me to leave...I guess Anna wasn't too sad though? hahaha</td></tr>
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And again, I spent some quality time with my Geeta. After she got out of school on Wednesday, I went and played with her for a few hours. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTFrpOwW8DY/Tv3oD3Y5P6I/AAAAAAAAGGY/Z2GjSXAHoDI/s1600/IMG_6409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTFrpOwW8DY/Tv3oD3Y5P6I/AAAAAAAAGGY/Z2GjSXAHoDI/s320/IMG_6409.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Look at her cheese it! So cute. I love her little school uniform.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXJqUvIMOg8/Tv3oNBMIvXI/AAAAAAAAGGs/Ujt7n58WvYM/s1600/IMG_6410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXJqUvIMOg8/Tv3oNBMIvXI/AAAAAAAAGGs/Ujt7n58WvYM/s320/IMG_6410.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">She took this picture. And it's one of my favorites :) She makes me happy! My heart hurts just thinking about her and how much I miss her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCFF0qaF1kk/Tv3obfxTsNI/AAAAAAAAGHY/UqLr6QRPCB4/s1600/IMG_6415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCFF0qaF1kk/Tv3obfxTsNI/AAAAAAAAGHY/UqLr6QRPCB4/s320/IMG_6415.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">FYI - this is an Indian birth certificate :)</td></tr>
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Then, I came back again later Wednesday evening to say my final goodbye to Geeta, Laxmi-ji, and her little family...as I walked in, Geeta hid her face in her hair and her hands...she wouldn't even look at me. Finally, after a few torturous minutes, I tickled her into my lap and we just held each other. Laxmi said something about me leaving and I just started crying softly...and then Geeta let go. We just held each other and cried. It was so hard to leave her. Will I see her again?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pk_EuYUY_iw/Tv3o28Ut08I/AAAAAAAAGIQ/iGQEEE0Y7AM/s1600/IMG_6437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pk_EuYUY_iw/Tv3o28Ut08I/AAAAAAAAGIQ/iGQEEE0Y7AM/s320/IMG_6437.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">We were both sobbing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">My favorite little kids - Himanshu and Geeta. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKk0OMckzzM/Tv3pekqvGNI/AAAAAAAAGJs/ZYXdcjg2j38/s1600/IMG_6442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKk0OMckzzM/Tv3pekqvGNI/AAAAAAAAGJs/ZYXdcjg2j38/s320/IMG_6442.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Laxmi's family.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xgJcoF7iZA/Tv3psjEeIUI/AAAAAAAAGKI/byD8ax-wUMc/s1600/IMG_6445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xgJcoF7iZA/Tv3psjEeIUI/AAAAAAAAGKI/byD8ax-wUMc/s320/IMG_6445.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Laxmi was sad to see me go, too...we grew so close while I was there. She kept saying "Liz, don't cry! It's okay! We'll talk on computer." But I saw her crying a little bit too.</td></tr>
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India will always be dear to my heart. I will never forget each of these incredible people that have changed my life forever.</div>
</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-32162821443816616362011-12-18T11:28:00.000-08:002012-01-03T18:48:37.560-08:00{ Golden Triangle - Vrindavan, Agra, Jaipur }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For our last trip in India, we took a little road trip, with a hired driver and all, with our friends :), around the Golden Triangle...that is, <i>our</i> version of the Golden Triangle. We went to Vrindavan, where Maitri's widows stay, one of the holy cities in India; Agra, to see the Taj Mahal again, for our friends of course (and maybe to get some fun photos :)); and to Jaipur, the former capital of Rajasthan, the desert, and the Land of Kings and Colors.</div>
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It was a fabulous trip filed with...</div>
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our version of the 12 days of Christmas. </div>
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holy men.</div>
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the most beautiful slab of white marble.</div>
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lots more tourists.</div>
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our sweet widows.</div>
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lots of last-minute fun, laughter, and love.</div>
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sarees, dupattas, and kurtas. </div>
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elephant rides.</div>
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the most majestic Amber fort.</div>
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camel rides.</div>
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an Indian tribal village.</div>
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ashrams.</div>
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block printing.</div>
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an old-time ferris wheel (the guy even spun it with his feet and everything!!!).</div>
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and...</div>
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<i>My India.</i></div>
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It was a fun-filled "vacation" (it's hard to use that word in India...it's quite the adventurous trek through the jungle and desert to get around!). I love India. And this was the perfect way to really sum up 4 and 1/2 months of such a splendid culture and people with some of my bestest friends :)</div>
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First stop, </div>
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<b>VRINDAVAN</b> to see the widows :)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPweYPou6Ho/Tv3rh0ymyQI/AAAAAAAAGN0/g3aeK5Wm7H8/s1600/IMG_5765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SPweYPou6Ho/Tv3rh0ymyQI/AAAAAAAAGN0/g3aeK5Wm7H8/s320/IMG_5765.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The sweet widows singing to God in the ashram before they ate. This is how some of them make money...they will sing for 12 hours a day and make approximately 6 rupees - or 12 cents.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAFR1ZPwGrk/Tv3n0HNCw9I/AAAAAAAAGF0/BePIqomxVOQ/s1600/IMG_5319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAFR1ZPwGrk/Tv3n0HNCw9I/AAAAAAAAGF0/BePIqomxVOQ/s320/IMG_5319.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Serving lunch to the widows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AcfiodWdgRM/Tv3oCzaqM-I/AAAAAAAAGGQ/kCLva7q09l8/s1600/IMG_5332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AcfiodWdgRM/Tv3oCzaqM-I/AAAAAAAAGGQ/kCLva7q09l8/s320/IMG_5332.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this shot. The women are so sweet to each other...these are the women that volunteer to serve the widows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj1YAUZCEPg/Tv3r1ZRNrkI/AAAAAAAAGOg/Dc3w6z_Ee-8/s1600/IMG_5799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj1YAUZCEPg/Tv3r1ZRNrkI/AAAAAAAAGOg/Dc3w6z_Ee-8/s320/IMG_5799.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A life well-lived...a life of hard-work and devotion to God.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rc76vSJWy8/Tv3oRPxtNpI/AAAAAAAAGG8/r0yTnIKREbE/s1600/IMG_5341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Rc76vSJWy8/Tv3oRPxtNpI/AAAAAAAAGG8/r0yTnIKREbE/s320/IMG_5341.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting with the widows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7brJIYVSzM/Tv3otIYB5gI/AAAAAAAAGIE/SM0LGrVfUcI/s1600/IMG_5343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7brJIYVSzM/Tv3otIYB5gI/AAAAAAAAGIE/SM0LGrVfUcI/s320/IMG_5343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping one of the widows up from the ground...she was so dear. She just kept babbling as I walked her out...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlVtW8qtyfw/Tv3o8ABZCHI/AAAAAAAAGIg/3wEN105Kcko/s1600/IMG_5353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dlVtW8qtyfw/Tv3o8ABZCHI/AAAAAAAAGIg/3wEN105Kcko/s320/IMG_5353.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the light in this photo. This is the entrance to the ashram.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxn2KoIQepE/Tv3pP1xowLI/AAAAAAAAGJI/dWq0Kaur12g/s1600/IMG_5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxn2KoIQepE/Tv3pP1xowLI/AAAAAAAAGJI/dWq0Kaur12g/s320/IMG_5355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These booths/sellers are all over the old city of Vrindavan...these are prayer beads hanging up with other temple and devotion items.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYOKF3nDSQM/Tv3pbhN00iI/AAAAAAAAGJc/q90RYLbHg6M/s1600/IMG_5361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYOKF3nDSQM/Tv3pbhN00iI/AAAAAAAAGJc/q90RYLbHg6M/s320/IMG_5361.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are autos/tuk-tuks in Vrindavan :) So much more colorful - looks like its from the 70's! Disco, baby! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">We then went to visit our widows in the Ashram just outside of town...they are all so sweet. I wish I could speak Hindi and Bengali. We hugged them, listened to them as they spoke of their vivid pain and lost dreams...yet they still have the biggest smiles on their faces. They have the biggest hearts and accept <i>everyone.</i> I love these women and I look up to them. I have no doubt that each of them has a place on the right hand of God.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHYSEe3G9kM/Tv3pqqzFw2I/AAAAAAAAGKA/eg8EGT9Qhc8/s1600/IMG_5369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JHYSEe3G9kM/Tv3pqqzFw2I/AAAAAAAAGKA/eg8EGT9Qhc8/s320/IMG_5369.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we walked into the Ashram, the widows were making an evening meal...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MaZf4Rx5dcA/Tv3pxryaaYI/AAAAAAAAGKU/wY4qULSzJME/s1600/IMG_5370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MaZf4Rx5dcA/Tv3pxryaaYI/AAAAAAAAGKU/wY4qULSzJME/s320/IMG_5370.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites :) Look at her sweet grin!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhr_WEPVifo/Tv3qWwy8JRI/AAAAAAAAGLg/DqM-KILeaAk/s1600/IMG_5395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rhr_WEPVifo/Tv3qWwy8JRI/AAAAAAAAGLg/DqM-KILeaAk/s320/IMG_5395.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is a SPUNKY woman! </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Next stop: <b>AGRA.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Taj Mahal...</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii_iALrMHy8/Tv3igE-OZHI/AAAAAAAAF54/jbTYQsyZFmU/s1600/DSC01484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii_iALrMHy8/Tv3igE-OZHI/AAAAAAAAF54/jbTYQsyZFmU/s320/DSC01484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite Katie-hai and I at the Taj :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NSAlD-HyRQ/Tv3irMyJRtI/AAAAAAAAF6M/ETJvlnwl9gk/s1600/DSC01487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1NSAlD-HyRQ/Tv3irMyJRtI/AAAAAAAAF6M/ETJvlnwl9gk/s320/DSC01487.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Derrius & myself AT THE TAJ :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqS6Nm7nuuo/Tv3i6Ln9C6I/AAAAAAAAF6o/nUbAS7UQ4Tg/s1600/DSC01499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqS6Nm7nuuo/Tv3i6Ln9C6I/AAAAAAAAF6o/nUbAS7UQ4Tg/s320/DSC01499.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this vision of white as we peak through the doorframe of the mausoleum. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofRBUCxZNYs/Tv3jG3ZicAI/AAAAAAAAF7E/WpP96nzFER0/s1600/DSC01508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ofRBUCxZNYs/Tv3jG3ZicAI/AAAAAAAAF7E/WpP96nzFER0/s320/DSC01508.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best friends...foreva :) Love these girls!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0BCrJbIG5A/Tv3j3zFV6DI/AAAAAAAAF8s/RXkzPtgV5FQ/s1600/DSC01592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0BCrJbIG5A/Tv3j3zFV6DI/AAAAAAAAF8s/RXkzPtgV5FQ/s320/DSC01592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm holding the Taj!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5ATUOGijuU/Tv3kJYnjUbI/AAAAAAAAF9A/HbJxXoYFPjU/s1600/DSC01612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N5ATUOGijuU/Tv3kJYnjUbI/AAAAAAAAF9A/HbJxXoYFPjU/s320/DSC01612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ccjf0Jrl8To/Tv3kViklnmI/AAAAAAAAF9k/_dfdOwovEa0/s1600/DSC01717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ccjf0Jrl8To/Tv3kViklnmI/AAAAAAAAF9k/_dfdOwovEa0/s320/DSC01717.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sauntering around the minaret at the Taj.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Do1D7ImGuEg/Tv3kg5ZQJVI/AAAAAAAAF94/DMPOZMDghfU/s1600/DSC01720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Do1D7ImGuEg/Tv3kg5ZQJVI/AAAAAAAAF94/DMPOZMDghfU/s320/DSC01720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If_sdi7oTWo/Tv3ktUfiZ5I/AAAAAAAAF-U/j0GZK_pWwO0/s1600/DSC01760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-If_sdi7oTWo/Tv3ktUfiZ5I/AAAAAAAAF-U/j0GZK_pWwO0/s320/DSC01760.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite picture of these two beautiful girls :) Gotta love the red lipstick!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oApx129A9w0/Tv3k47tTywI/AAAAAAAAF-o/45WOrjfHGmU/s1600/DSC01772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oApx129A9w0/Tv3k47tTywI/AAAAAAAAF-o/45WOrjfHGmU/s320/DSC01772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We stopped for a few minutes to see the magnificent Agra fort as well...just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Taj. In fact, you can get the most magnificent view of the Taj from the towers of the fort...incredible! This beautiful, historical fort is worth a quick stop when in Agra. </div>
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If you have read <i>The Sign of the Four</i> with Sherlock Holmes...this fort plays a key role. Pretty cool, eh? It's old, and therefore, it's very very cool.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0znk8-hhKM/Tv3qakjaSsI/AAAAAAAAGLo/lvRVDWLu_k8/s1600/IMG_5456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0znk8-hhKM/Tv3qakjaSsI/AAAAAAAAGLo/lvRVDWLu_k8/s320/IMG_5456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agra fort.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_NJE_i2NZI/Tv3qeBa2PuI/AAAAAAAAGLw/zqEefEXJB8I/s1600/IMG_5505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_NJE_i2NZI/Tv3qeBa2PuI/AAAAAAAAGLw/zqEefEXJB8I/s320/IMG_5505.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never a bad time to do a little yoga!</td></tr>
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Next stop...</div>
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a 6 hour car ride to...</div>
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This is where we worked on <i>The 12 days of Christmas! </i></div>
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On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...</div>
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a baiyyah driving an SUV.</div>
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2 girls a singing!</div>
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3 cameras dying!</div>
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4 swollen tootsies! (Katie's way to say "toes")</div>
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5 worn out tourists!</div>
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6 fishes swimming!</div>
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7 vents-a-blowing!</div>
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8 windows fogging!</div>
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size 9 Aladdin shoes!</div>
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10 taj postcards!</div>
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11 oranges eaten!</div>
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12 nostrils trumpeting! (We all had colds...hahaha)</div>
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Toooooo good.</div>
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We were tired and worn out, okay?</div>
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Finally...</div>
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<b>JAIPUR.</b></div>
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elephhhhhhants. </div>
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yesssss :)</div>
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they're a girl's best friend!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp5m6mo92Pk/Tv3lEOe9WOI/AAAAAAAAF_I/vQuexAuN11s/s1600/DSC01799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wp5m6mo92Pk/Tv3lEOe9WOI/AAAAAAAAF_I/vQuexAuN11s/s320/DSC01799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking through the streets of Amber...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfJ33DpY3NI/Tv3lV2ZxaWI/AAAAAAAAF_s/jnEBY3h-6GU/s1600/DSC01808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MfJ33DpY3NI/Tv3lV2ZxaWI/AAAAAAAAF_s/jnEBY3h-6GU/s320/DSC01808.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome shot! Courtesy of Derrius Quarles.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZnfqkwB0II/Tv3spniOAaI/AAAAAAAAGQM/wpgg0HOpPuI/s1600/IMG_5890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hZnfqkwB0II/Tv3spniOAaI/AAAAAAAAGQM/wpgg0HOpPuI/s320/IMG_5890.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWh3ZWRd5z8/Tv3tdIZJ8xI/AAAAAAAAGR8/Aruaq1a36VM/s1600/IMG_6038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWh3ZWRd5z8/Tv3tdIZJ8xI/AAAAAAAAGR8/Aruaq1a36VM/s320/IMG_6038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEST memory ever.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1NuETQl1ko/Tv3lg3tYJXI/AAAAAAAAGAE/hZSMfh1Rxlk/s1600/DSC01827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a1NuETQl1ko/Tv3lg3tYJXI/AAAAAAAAGAE/hZSMfh1Rxlk/s320/DSC01827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride to the Amber fort :) with my bf Sarah.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUb1npX38X4/Tv3lrvbZQ0I/AAAAAAAAGAk/oXU4_hc9w0Y/s1600/DSC01828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUb1npX38X4/Tv3lrvbZQ0I/AAAAAAAAGAk/oXU4_hc9w0Y/s320/DSC01828.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fort surrounds the city...incredible!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7s5C2J26JSs/Tv3qhZXtxNI/AAAAAAAAGL4/lXf_MzJKjxs/s1600/IMG_5590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7s5C2J26JSs/Tv3qhZXtxNI/AAAAAAAAGL4/lXf_MzJKjxs/s320/IMG_5590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3QCIxS9cpU/Tv3s0Bgy4KI/AAAAAAAAGQo/CzwuuWjgUrU/s1600/IMG_5908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3QCIxS9cpU/Tv3s0Bgy4KI/AAAAAAAAGQo/CzwuuWjgUrU/s320/IMG_5908.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our elephant driver :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouk_I1itf-k/Tv3qm-PnOgI/AAAAAAAAGME/5q5oANi6M6Y/s1600/IMG_5622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouk_I1itf-k/Tv3qm-PnOgI/AAAAAAAAGME/5q5oANi6M6Y/s320/IMG_5622.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant's trunk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Y5UiDRXMQ/Tv3qrtBCVDI/AAAAAAAAGMM/GQHbyRRIl2k/s1600/IMG_5638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T_Y5UiDRXMQ/Tv3qrtBCVDI/AAAAAAAAGMM/GQHbyRRIl2k/s320/IMG_5638.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love these cute school girls! They all wanted a picture with Sarah and I when we paused for a photo op at the fort entrance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_mxovTk_-k/Tv3qw7mZ16I/AAAAAAAAGMY/uW2VHzfDEiY/s1600/IMG_5664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_mxovTk_-k/Tv3qw7mZ16I/AAAAAAAAGMY/uW2VHzfDEiY/s320/IMG_5664.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is India :) FAV.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1EU57MUNvI/Tv3q1oJ7POI/AAAAAAAAGMg/OWcOaNhMolU/s1600/IMG_5675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1EU57MUNvI/Tv3q1oJ7POI/AAAAAAAAGMg/OWcOaNhMolU/s320/IMG_5675.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, romeooooo...this is my dramatic pose from a movie - not sure which one yet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bcFyIZHS60/Tv3q7iwMMXI/AAAAAAAAGMo/v6Wvfizu5ew/s1600/IMG_5681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bcFyIZHS60/Tv3q7iwMMXI/AAAAAAAAGMo/v6Wvfizu5ew/s320/IMG_5681.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this mirror-faced wall!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbgubfDJnoM/Tv3rB1af-AI/AAAAAAAAGM0/1ojwYD9FXEw/s1600/IMG_5687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbgubfDJnoM/Tv3rB1af-AI/AAAAAAAAGM0/1ojwYD9FXEw/s320/IMG_5687.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCjYJ2OhWBA/Tv3rHibLOoI/AAAAAAAAGM8/9-N0fQeHwWQ/s1600/IMG_5707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OCjYJ2OhWBA/Tv3rHibLOoI/AAAAAAAAGM8/9-N0fQeHwWQ/s320/IMG_5707.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Incredible India - look at that construction and those scaffoldings and ladders! Oh me, oh my!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH8k0nm12kA/Tv3rMhRDgiI/AAAAAAAAGNE/lsxqtKQSlr8/s1600/IMG_5730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mH8k0nm12kA/Tv3rMhRDgiI/AAAAAAAAGNE/lsxqtKQSlr8/s320/IMG_5730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance area to the fort - it's HUGE.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXhBseUB1_U/Tv3rTcdg5ZI/AAAAAAAAGNY/GBD1fxD8HX0/s1600/IMG_5749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXhBseUB1_U/Tv3rTcdg5ZI/AAAAAAAAGNY/GBD1fxD8HX0/s320/IMG_5749.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBMrPqg5_bo/Tv3rc6fNh4I/AAAAAAAAGNo/NQmKJUDEewM/s1600/IMG_5760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBMrPqg5_bo/Tv3rc6fNh4I/AAAAAAAAGNo/NQmKJUDEewM/s320/IMG_5760.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Majestic.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Our first night in Jaipur, we went to an authentic Rajasthani-themed Indian tribal village resort just 15 km out of the city. It was INCREDIBLE! It felt like an Indian disney world :)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDbbH_-q1Lo/Tv3rmxXHltI/AAAAAAAAGN8/WmyDMPue28w/s1600/IMG_5776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDbbH_-q1Lo/Tv3rmxXHltI/AAAAAAAAGN8/WmyDMPue28w/s320/IMG_5776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9imrhghstI/Tv3rrMKOjaI/AAAAAAAAGOE/wTByJtVv6ps/s1600/IMG_5780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9imrhghstI/Tv3rrMKOjaI/AAAAAAAAGOE/wTByJtVv6ps/s320/IMG_5780.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village-made tea on entry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6O-XGfgcZHI/Tv3rygl1HeI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/saj0YI4oi40/s1600/IMG_5789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6O-XGfgcZHI/Tv3rygl1HeI/AAAAAAAAGOQ/saj0YI4oi40/s320/IMG_5789.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dancing like the <i>real</i> Indians do!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89DgpzUhEkc/Tv3r0cRdwhI/AAAAAAAAGOY/X25nOZEyb74/s1600/IMG_5797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89DgpzUhEkc/Tv3r0cRdwhI/AAAAAAAAGOY/X25nOZEyb74/s320/IMG_5797.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is called Golgapa - very Indian. They're little hard-shelled hollow balls that have a little hole and they dip it in a soup and you eat it just off to the side, standing around the seller. <br />LOVE INDIA.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUs8Ldte-ok/Tv3r7miYbuI/AAAAAAAAGOo/HySSfqu9uBA/s1600/IMG_5800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qUs8Ldte-ok/Tv3r7miYbuI/AAAAAAAAGOo/HySSfqu9uBA/s320/IMG_5800.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing, right? Indians are cooooool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNX1D9-H6Tc/Tv3r_fivlnI/AAAAAAAAGOw/zpeTm0D16tg/s1600/IMG_5813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNX1D9-H6Tc/Tv3r_fivlnI/AAAAAAAAGOw/zpeTm0D16tg/s320/IMG_5813.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BF Sarah-ji and I :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I30Gn-QiqBg/Tv3sDFcjjlI/AAAAAAAAGO4/5ipAxm2aqBw/s1600/IMG_5814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I30Gn-QiqBg/Tv3sDFcjjlI/AAAAAAAAGO4/5ipAxm2aqBw/s320/IMG_5814.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DERRIUS. Fun to see him!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c072BYQPuQQ/Tv3sIUYq-JI/AAAAAAAAGPE/3irDyvkN_r8/s1600/IMG_5838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c072BYQPuQQ/Tv3sIUYq-JI/AAAAAAAAGPE/3irDyvkN_r8/s320/IMG_5838.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Real old-time FERRIS WHEEL. That's LEGIT.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msN_N3fr5Bg/Tv3sNW0VqsI/AAAAAAAAGPM/vdB5ISi-Xlo/s1600/IMG_5840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msN_N3fr5Bg/Tv3sNW0VqsI/AAAAAAAAGPM/vdB5ISi-Xlo/s320/IMG_5840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah was scared to death!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggus7pX86WU/Tv3sRcP7aLI/AAAAAAAAGPY/q67JUBfgw88/s1600/IMG_5843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ggus7pX86WU/Tv3sRcP7aLI/AAAAAAAAGPY/q67JUBfgw88/s320/IMG_5843.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worth it :) Quality bonding time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb4Iv0OqZIo/Tv3sWW7pZwI/AAAAAAAAGPg/GCJ9HTUPKio/s1600/IMG_5845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xb4Iv0OqZIo/Tv3sWW7pZwI/AAAAAAAAGPg/GCJ9HTUPKio/s320/IMG_5845.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best chex mix things I've had in my 20 yrs of life...like a fresh pico with Indian chex.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVy-QSgpDIs/Tv3sYlMI4rI/AAAAAAAAGPo/1398nS7nkOI/s1600/IMG_5864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVy-QSgpDIs/Tv3sYlMI4rI/AAAAAAAAGPo/1398nS7nkOI/s320/IMG_5864.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another camel ride...just for old times sake :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJNMJZGhvOM/Tv3siUJIfzI/AAAAAAAAGP8/wan2KnJZVe8/s1600/IMG_5868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJNMJZGhvOM/Tv3siUJIfzI/AAAAAAAAGP8/wan2KnJZVe8/s320/IMG_5868.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, we got Thali (sample) dinner - yummy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpGr6EMLSks/Tv3smcijLEI/AAAAAAAAGQE/TGotOhqvHlc/s1600/IMG_5871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpGr6EMLSks/Tv3smcijLEI/AAAAAAAAGQE/TGotOhqvHlc/s320/IMG_5871.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best part was these little sugary, smothered funnel cake things. To die for. I'm not really an Indian desert fan but I'll take 23409283409234908234098023498 of these!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36KGxeu4KrU/Tv3sudskn7I/AAAAAAAAGQU/plDRZgnAgAY/s1600/IMG_5895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-36KGxeu4KrU/Tv3sudskn7I/AAAAAAAAGQU/plDRZgnAgAY/s320/IMG_5895.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next morning we visited the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) in Jaipur - this is where many of the previous emperors of Rajasthan lived throughout history!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BF_YTOBY8Bw/Tv3syQMHNLI/AAAAAAAAGQg/0vTEScjXKqw/s1600/IMG_5904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BF_YTOBY8Bw/Tv3syQMHNLI/AAAAAAAAGQg/0vTEScjXKqw/s320/IMG_5904.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping in Jaipur...DIVINE. Look at those shops! COLOR.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaZ8UnUOn3w/Tv3s377AROI/AAAAAAAAGQw/2avKa5LlQTk/s1600/IMG_5911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaZ8UnUOn3w/Tv3s377AROI/AAAAAAAAGQw/2avKa5LlQTk/s320/IMG_5911.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over Jaipur :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbJpc0CoYMw/Tv3s8OT94BI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/cqaQpGXgMnY/s1600/IMG_5918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbJpc0CoYMw/Tv3s8OT94BI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/cqaQpGXgMnY/s320/IMG_5918.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the map, here's the map!</td></tr>
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Then we visited the Anokhi museum of block printing...it was incredible. In a quaint little location on the outskirts of Amber, hidden amongst the older parts of the city...but we found it. And it was absolutely amazing. The guide book didn't even do it justice.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gT8Bmm0lU8o/Tv3tJhJOhUI/AAAAAAAAGRY/fKeVnZmASIw/s1600/IMG_5954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gT8Bmm0lU8o/Tv3tJhJOhUI/AAAAAAAAGRY/fKeVnZmASIw/s320/IMG_5954.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2NmMQTCDBmE/Tv3s_wk_z6I/AAAAAAAAGRE/bsXw0WLp8X0/s1600/IMG_5937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2NmMQTCDBmE/Tv3s_wk_z6I/AAAAAAAAGRE/bsXw0WLp8X0/s320/IMG_5937.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We watched this guy handmade these blocks for printing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For my sweet, artistic, creative sisters :) I love you!</td></tr>
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And our friend, Erika, Katie's best friend, made her own scarf...block printed with her own hands...AMAZING. Only in India.</div>
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India, you never cease to amaze me!!! I love you!</div>
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</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-57759460440512583942011-12-17T11:33:00.000-08:002012-01-03T16:33:01.635-08:00{ Corbett Tigers & the Jungle Mountains of Nainital }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIfaK7b9FqI/Tv3pm4JsbsI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/WDnHHvI5VTs/s1600/IMG_5680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qIfaK7b9FqI/Tv3pm4JsbsI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/WDnHHvI5VTs/s320/IMG_5680.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">I love Corbett Tiger Reserve!</td></tr>
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Once upon a time, we took a trip to a beautiful little hill station village called Nainital. This is where <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Corbett_(hunter)">Jim Corbett</a>, hunter of man-eating tigers, lived and grew up...he later established the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve just an hour's drive from Nainital. He's an incredible man and his books are absolutely amazing. He is quite the storyteller.</div>
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This beautiful little town is situated around Nainital Lake in the Himalayas...it's absolutely breathtaking. And surround by the mountains, it felt a little like home :) It was even cold...no, FREEZING...like home! But we weren't prepared. No bueno. It was worth the aching cold though! So worth it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmS3Lo9Jd0I/Tv3isUWe77I/AAAAAAAAF6U/KUTzEwN8mJA/s1600/IMG_5016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmS3Lo9Jd0I/Tv3isUWe77I/AAAAAAAAF6U/KUTzEwN8mJA/s320/IMG_5016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A woman doing laundry on the roof, taking a short nap after a long morning of work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxEz4JOzxvE/Tv3jA_m-MJI/AAAAAAAAF64/pIOy3Qvpz1M/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zxEz4JOzxvE/Tv3jA_m-MJI/AAAAAAAAF64/pIOy3Qvpz1M/s320/IMG_5019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We loved to see the fall leaves!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1CERALBayc/Tv3jZEjKx9I/AAAAAAAAF7o/5JL3iXzWVEk/s1600/IMG_5026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1CERALBayc/Tv3jZEjKx9I/AAAAAAAAF7o/5JL3iXzWVEk/s320/IMG_5026.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can kind of see how there are two roads side-by-side. The lower road was used for the Indians when the British ruled and the upper, nicer road was for the British.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHEdXMMEe8c/Tv3jqLhh-fI/AAAAAAAAF8I/5kfEFHqTnBs/s1600/IMG_5036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHEdXMMEe8c/Tv3jqLhh-fI/AAAAAAAAF8I/5kfEFHqTnBs/s320/IMG_5036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Nainital.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQFTA3w5eCQ/Tv3mw_Sc3tI/AAAAAAAAGDU/VcvqL5n1ppk/s1600/IMG_5415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQFTA3w5eCQ/Tv3mw_Sc3tI/AAAAAAAAGDU/VcvqL5n1ppk/s320/IMG_5415.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came across this goat in a sweater...Sarah gave it a little photoshoot. But it is pretty cute, right? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf-AyhAQdHo/Tv3mp7hQCRI/AAAAAAAAGC8/LVidzi394Nc/s1600/IMG_5407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf-AyhAQdHo/Tv3mp7hQCRI/AAAAAAAAGC8/LVidzi394Nc/s320/IMG_5407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JtFzUxW6szM/Tv3m5gyHL9I/AAAAAAAAGDo/6P_7Lo3DotE/s1600/IMG_5420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JtFzUxW6szM/Tv3m5gyHL9I/AAAAAAAAGDo/6P_7Lo3DotE/s320/IMG_5420.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian grains.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORFkGRP0lGo/Tv3nCyQv-pI/AAAAAAAAGEE/oc6OsqXaQGc/s1600/IMG_5440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORFkGRP0lGo/Tv3nCyQv-pI/AAAAAAAAGEE/oc6OsqXaQGc/s320/IMG_5440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of the mountain.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hsgQN8MG-ZY/Tv3j1BbLSqI/AAAAAAAAF8c/98Ts64MSY-4/s1600/IMG_5066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hsgQN8MG-ZY/Tv3j1BbLSqI/AAAAAAAAF8c/98Ts64MSY-4/s320/IMG_5066.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she beautiful?!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nh5VVkhuNtk/Tv3kPYIHdpI/AAAAAAAAF9U/tg8GtWSxN5k/s1600/IMG_5075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nh5VVkhuNtk/Tv3kPYIHdpI/AAAAAAAAF9U/tg8GtWSxN5k/s320/IMG_5075.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mountain straight ahead felt just like HOME :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xT9qMoiof0/Tv3kmkWd0BI/AAAAAAAAF-E/6IcJlQbDZQ8/s1600/IMG_5078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xT9qMoiof0/Tv3kmkWd0BI/AAAAAAAAF-E/6IcJlQbDZQ8/s320/IMG_5078.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love India - you can find <u>anything</u> there!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ymn2uTmexw/Tv3k5ZBiw7I/AAAAAAAAF-w/xBVu2qLh308/s1600/IMG_5089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ymn2uTmexw/Tv3k5ZBiw7I/AAAAAAAAF-w/xBVu2qLh308/s320/IMG_5089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeys in the mountains...they looked vicious. They wandered around the park doing as they pleased...it was pretty funny! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bO5lNNOqBOs/Tv3lN0YEOdI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/eysWCHesds0/s1600/IMG_5093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bO5lNNOqBOs/Tv3lN0YEOdI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/eysWCHesds0/s320/IMG_5093.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A broken down bus off the side of the road...typical India. But I'm glad that wasn't my bus!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zamuu-KdJEI/Tv3lgUdoWDI/AAAAAAAAGAA/MrBDTpdMK9c/s1600/IMG_5120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zamuu-KdJEI/Tv3lgUdoWDI/AAAAAAAAGAA/MrBDTpdMK9c/s320/IMG_5120.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing through the caves!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSnVRZ9NBgY/Tv3lm0OwF6I/AAAAAAAAGAY/YojiDSPQQfU/s1600/IMG_5155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SSnVRZ9NBgY/Tv3lm0OwF6I/AAAAAAAAGAY/YojiDSPQQfU/s320/IMG_5155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most incredible sunset from the top of the Himalayas.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcQt0AAR0yk/Tv3nMtAmYSI/AAAAAAAAGEg/iUk-D0VXdOo/s1600/IMG_5461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcQt0AAR0yk/Tv3nMtAmYSI/AAAAAAAAGEg/iUk-D0VXdOo/s320/IMG_5461.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love my bf, Sarah-ji :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1RpFrkrTeQ/Tv3ltiBzIkI/AAAAAAAAGAo/3UGLLBVu-HQ/s1600/IMG_5172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1RpFrkrTeQ/Tv3ltiBzIkI/AAAAAAAAGAo/3UGLLBVu-HQ/s320/IMG_5172.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nainital sunset - INCREDIBLE.</td></tr>
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</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxpHm6rDM7c/Tv3mfOgPBfI/AAAAAAAAGCg/fB_M3uLV2Uw/s1600/IMG_5230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxpHm6rDM7c/Tv3mfOgPBfI/AAAAAAAAGCg/fB_M3uLV2Uw/s320/IMG_5230.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">View from our hotel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Our second day we took a little trip to the Tiger Reserve...it was beautiful jungle and we were surrounded in trees! I loved it! And for the record, we did see quite a few tigers and even elephants ;)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58pehmlguAA/Tv3l6nJIIHI/AAAAAAAAGBI/5woZuGMRPIM/s1600/IMG_5209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58pehmlguAA/Tv3l6nJIIHI/AAAAAAAAGBI/5woZuGMRPIM/s320/IMG_5209.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning sunrise in the reserve. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYTc-tg6a9o/Tv3mIbeskeI/AAAAAAAAGBo/Z0bGGaROgMc/s1600/IMG_5216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYTc-tg6a9o/Tv3mIbeskeI/AAAAAAAAGBo/Z0bGGaROgMc/s320/IMG_5216.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeeping at the reserve! It was much colder than it looks!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSBKguc1Qxo/Tv3mXDfc-jI/AAAAAAAAGCA/w4yrDlpA-7I/s1600/IMG_5221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CSBKguc1Qxo/Tv3mXDfc-jI/AAAAAAAAGCA/w4yrDlpA-7I/s320/IMG_5221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Indian sunrises...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_nPmObrJCc/Tv3pxP_XZZI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/RdPrlCofpyQ/s1600/IMG_5684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_nPmObrJCc/Tv3pxP_XZZI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/RdPrlCofpyQ/s320/IMG_5684.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">CORBETT.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh7-2_pJwbM/Tv3nTToVHnI/AAAAAAAAGEo/X6DcSh6ETSo/s1600/IMG_5471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wh7-2_pJwbM/Tv3nTToVHnI/AAAAAAAAGEo/X6DcSh6ETSo/s320/IMG_5471.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeeping in the park :) :) So much fun! Liz, Erica, Sarah-ji, and Katie-hai - love all these girls!<br />
We had to get our binoculars.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Uq-MYOtVVI/Tv3noRLtpnI/AAAAAAAAGFY/QMB9WpdGaTU/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Uq-MYOtVVI/Tv3noRLtpnI/AAAAAAAAGFY/QMB9WpdGaTU/s320/IMG_5475.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted deer :) Right by our jeep.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHVTCAGzoRA/Tv3nx9WxX_I/AAAAAAAAGFs/JJlD-6n7s9A/s1600/IMG_5546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHVTCAGzoRA/Tv3nx9WxX_I/AAAAAAAAGFs/JJlD-6n7s9A/s320/IMG_5546.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hand in comparison to an Elephant's foot...they were HUGE.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BapBQkO4MdA/Tv3n-QI4YWI/AAAAAAAAGGI/Q4O-1AVhLus/s1600/IMG_5550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BapBQkO4MdA/Tv3n-QI4YWI/AAAAAAAAGGI/Q4O-1AVhLus/s320/IMG_5550.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of tiger paw prints :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NY0k0yIpAcM/Tv3oFuKY6eI/AAAAAAAAGGg/a19wPuIrtFo/s1600/IMG_5555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NY0k0yIpAcM/Tv3oFuKY6eI/AAAAAAAAGGg/a19wPuIrtFo/s320/IMG_5555.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rawwwwr.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRK7jS1Et4U/Tv3oN0_A4jI/AAAAAAAAGG0/lG_oUTfmWxs/s1600/IMG_5579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kRK7jS1Et4U/Tv3oN0_A4jI/AAAAAAAAGG0/lG_oUTfmWxs/s320/IMG_5579.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Searching the park from the tower (the <u>deathly</u> tower, according to Erica).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4HDwgWSjWM/Tv3oUa1PXOI/AAAAAAAAGHE/DQj-ndutHIA/s1600/IMG_5587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4HDwgWSjWM/Tv3oUa1PXOI/AAAAAAAAGHE/DQj-ndutHIA/s320/IMG_5587.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I look like a tiger? Inside joke.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGe79uOfQNA/Tv3oay0ffFI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/lEOq_lWWr98/s1600/IMG_5603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGe79uOfQNA/Tv3oay0ffFI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/lEOq_lWWr98/s320/IMG_5603.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin' in the jeep, in the cold, wet rain :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD_duTfBy9Q/Tv3oiv9O_DI/AAAAAAAAGHw/v_lA4nHCS6M/s1600/IMG_5616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD_duTfBy9Q/Tv3oiv9O_DI/AAAAAAAAGHw/v_lA4nHCS6M/s320/IMG_5616.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful bird!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8CtE7eTGiI/Tv3o4D-0DbI/AAAAAAAAGIY/bkdGz7zfX3k/s1600/IMG_5623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l8CtE7eTGiI/Tv3o4D-0DbI/AAAAAAAAGIY/bkdGz7zfX3k/s320/IMG_5623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWRunEU4bvE/Tv3pDkx6JjI/AAAAAAAAGI0/3Dkeh3GcSDQ/s1600/IMG_5639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWRunEU4bvE/Tv3pDkx6JjI/AAAAAAAAGI0/3Dkeh3GcSDQ/s320/IMG_5639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4ms5vsK7pI/Tv3pQ3LpqDI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/nYFs4ywEBGE/s1600/IMG_5669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4ms5vsK7pI/Tv3pQ3LpqDI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/nYFs4ywEBGE/s320/IMG_5669.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb9T3BOxZ_E/Tv3pb3gURWI/AAAAAAAAGJg/EkFc0n4qjoE/s1600/IMG_5671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sb9T3BOxZ_E/Tv3pb3gURWI/AAAAAAAAGJg/EkFc0n4qjoE/s320/IMG_5671.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JEEPIN wit ma girls!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEKWD6RBf0w/Tv3p7KeDYQI/AAAAAAAAGKo/DHhuvfkS-tg/s1600/IMG_5704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEKWD6RBf0w/Tv3p7KeDYQI/AAAAAAAAGKo/DHhuvfkS-tg/s320/IMG_5704.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then we went to Corbett's homestead. This is Jim Corbett...well, his bust. He's a cool guy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQSTtvZfgwY/Tv3mkEiHtBI/AAAAAAAAGCs/l4G8sRoes8A/s1600/IMG_5242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQSTtvZfgwY/Tv3mkEiHtBI/AAAAAAAAGCs/l4G8sRoes8A/s320/IMG_5242.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The Lake at night. Kind of sad to leave bitter cold Nainital!</td></tr>
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</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4214761020341696968.post-40808172428231638572011-12-16T23:01:00.000-08:002012-01-03T16:17:47.793-08:00{ My Everyday: Indian style }<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Everyday, we are greeted at Maitri with a sweet smile and hug from our best friend, Anita-ji. </div>
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Everyday, we say "Namaste Mintu!" to one of the baiyyas as we walk in and he gives us this big grin and says, "Hiiiiyah" (that's just what it sounds like :))</div>
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Everyday, I wake up filled with gratitude for the opportunity to live and love India.</div>
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Everyday, I worry that I might be hit by a car. And I usually am...jostled a little here and there between cars...</div>
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Everyday, I kind of wonder if we will be going to the hospital that day...</div>
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Everyday, I see children begging on the streets and I fill love and worry swell in my breasts, a deep emotion for their suffering and everyday hardships.</div>
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Everyday, I hear a local man calling out in Hindi, "Fruits and Vegetables!" But it sounds like he's chanting.</div>
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Everyday, I wake up to the sound of prayers being chanted at a local temple.</div>
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Everyday, I hear some kind of bollywood song from the window of an I-like-to-drive-fast-and-wreckless car.</div>
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Everyday, I see another beautiful saree (and I usually want it).</div>
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Everyday, I hear the doorbell ring 4 or so times at about 9:00 am as our sweet Laxmi arrives to make us breakfast.</div>
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Everyday, we have to wait for one of the roomies to get to the elevator as we run out the door for work (yes, sometimes it's me haha).</div>
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Everyday, we are stared at by the Indian men as we walk to work.</div>
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Everyday, someone tries to tell me what to do or where to go...and they just have no idea who I am.</div>
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Every once in a while (too often), I am called Ms. India, Ms. Universe, or Ms. World - will someone please tell me who I look like and why everyone in India is calling me this?</div>
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Everyday, we deal with or do something to prevent an upset tummy.</div>
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Everyday, Sarah changes her outfit <u>at least</u> 4 times...and then cocks her head to the left as she <strike>admires</strike> views herself in the mirror...</div>
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Everyday, when I blow my nose, I find a large pile of black snaught - gross, I know.</div>
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Everyday when I scratch my ear, my nail is filled with black wax and dirt. </div>
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Everyday, I breathe the dirty pollution of disgusting Delhi.</div>
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Everyday, I fight a battle against awful blemishes and acne from the dirtiness and pollution of Delhi (I have very sensitive skin!)</div>
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Everyday, I wake up and run in the park outside our community or do yoga in the park in the center of our community. </div>
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Everyday, I see a rat run from the kitchen to my bedroom and into the bathroom (yeah and we saw the rat on our counter...gross).</div>
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Everyday, I walk past a homeless man by the overpass, seated by his shrine as he begs for money.</div>
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Everyday (almost), we buy a treat from the little market by our office.</div>
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This is my everyday. My beautiful, interesting, <i>simple</i> life in India.</div>
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That's one thing I've learned about India...how to <i>simplify. </i>But I'm still kind of working on it... (hence the reason I have <b>3 bags</b> to fly home!)</div>
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I have the most amazing intellectual, spiritual, mental, etc. conversations with my roommates.</div>
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I love love love my life here in India! Here are a few of our everyday moments from the last little while...</div>
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This is the park where I run/jog/lung/jump jacks every morning...love my little park.</div>
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And this is what I see everyday on my walk to work...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little market by our organization.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The alleyways to work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our favorite upstairs markets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another little market..I could get almost a million bags of Lays chips on my way to work alone!</td></tr>
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This is a neighborhood (Sector 13 Anant Ram Dairy) birth ceremony as they marched around the sector playing their drums and with an altar...quite fascinating! We've seen quite a few birth, death, and wedding ceremonies around the neighborhoods in the past few months!</div>
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And then we've had a couple of "everyday" (or rather, too often) little hospital mishaps...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie got caught in the hospital for a few days...poor girl! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping cats on a couch :)</td></tr>
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We loved our LDS branch in New Delhi!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarees at Church :) Love it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpWcc7_4uds/TsPZ441WG_I/AAAAAAAAEp4/AKbrkSGnoJ4/s1600/IMG_1879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpWcc7_4uds/TsPZ441WG_I/AAAAAAAAEp4/AKbrkSGnoJ4/s320/IMG_1879.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love love love the branch here - all of the members are incredible!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iYSlH9xpag/TsPaB9kxjrI/AAAAAAAAEqA/qO_mCNGrzWs/s1600/IMG_1886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5iYSlH9xpag/TsPaB9kxjrI/AAAAAAAAEqA/qO_mCNGrzWs/s320/IMG_1886.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The young woman in our branch are the sweetest girls I have ever met! I love each one of them. They are all so beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-_kdWdbLxI/TsPaKje3oxI/AAAAAAAAEqI/aKBJzAyXygY/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-_kdWdbLxI/TsPaKje3oxI/AAAAAAAAEqI/aKBJzAyXygY/s320/IMG_1896.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pose it, girls!</td></tr>
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Halloween in India...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRf0_MJaZ8c/TsPahb1P54I/AAAAAAAAEqY/ytirXmPukyo/s1600/IMG_2573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRf0_MJaZ8c/TsPahb1P54I/AAAAAAAAEqY/ytirXmPukyo/s320/IMG_2573.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Witches hats from the local market...we were just happy to have <u>something!</u></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPiGKXB21JA/TsPauI_ddmI/AAAAAAAAEqk/Nvy5viAVFVA/s1600/IMG_2574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CPiGKXB21JA/TsPauI_ddmI/AAAAAAAAEqk/Nvy5viAVFVA/s320/IMG_2574.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a couple of sweets from the Surpeme bakery (pretty yummy...not like home, though).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MojU9IG4XBQ/TsPa7bxa4aI/AAAAAAAAEqs/1sZy3rbji6k/s1600/IMG_2576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MojU9IG4XBQ/TsPa7bxa4aI/AAAAAAAAEqs/1sZy3rbji6k/s320/IMG_2576.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And an attempt at a Halloween costume.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1vWx6Ypakh4/TsPbLFS7mPI/AAAAAAAAEq0/X_ey4uDHUDk/s1600/IMG_2579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1vWx6Ypakh4/TsPbLFS7mPI/AAAAAAAAEq0/X_ey4uDHUDk/s320/IMG_2579.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh and you can't forget the street-infested candy bars!</td></tr>
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Random runs to the market for lunch...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwLc7T5lr9M/TsPbtFvedgI/AAAAAAAAErI/Kzt6pIMUVtY/s1600/IMG_2586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwLc7T5lr9M/TsPbtFvedgI/AAAAAAAAErI/Kzt6pIMUVtY/s320/IMG_2586.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah got a cake for the market...they thought it was her birthday. Love the language barrier! haha</td></tr>
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Lots of little parties at the office...usually go-away parties... :/</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKDGaOYZFEw/TsPb9MTnxoI/AAAAAAAAErQ/KZxWxPBegDQ/s1600/IMG_2655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKDGaOYZFEw/TsPb9MTnxoI/AAAAAAAAErQ/KZxWxPBegDQ/s320/IMG_2655.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coworkers coming and going from the office...this is the sweet teacher that teaches the children<br />
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downstairs and she was leaving to go to Bangalore.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-36rbZDNRzXQ/TsPd73mup9I/AAAAAAAAEsQ/lW17wFDNiSY/s320/IMG_4661.JPG" style="cursor: move; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The day one of our good friends, Ameen, left the office. We missed him!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnSgRKVSGBs/TsPd_1b9vzI/AAAAAAAAEsY/QoTa300a0P0/s1600/IMG_4662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fnSgRKVSGBs/TsPd_1b9vzI/AAAAAAAAEsY/QoTa300a0P0/s320/IMG_4662.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Katie and Ameen - best friends!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTDWhKcXCWQ/TsPeEZ5BC6I/AAAAAAAAEsg/zZitPMkb2G4/s1600/IMG_4665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTDWhKcXCWQ/TsPeEZ5BC6I/AAAAAAAAEsg/zZitPMkb2G4/s320/IMG_4665.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Interns with Ameen...we got along almost too well. So much fun together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Maitri coworkers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Bp2r45Jx6g/Tsptzn0FGuI/AAAAAAAAFIA/82f4F6VfE8k/s1600/DSC01494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Bp2r45Jx6g/Tsptzn0FGuI/AAAAAAAAFIA/82f4F6VfE8k/s320/DSC01494.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Celebration for Mr. Mathur's birthday!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And just beautiful, simple everyday life :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-7MyqEUvPM/TsPcKqUELoI/AAAAAAAAErY/UOzj1aVSae4/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c-7MyqEUvPM/TsPcKqUELoI/AAAAAAAAErY/UOzj1aVSae4/s320/IMG_2661.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah got postcards from Finland! We love mail!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9ICXKvPZYI/TsPceF71q1I/AAAAAAAAErg/2JJQy-XwvZo/s1600/IMG_2667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9ICXKvPZYI/TsPceF71q1I/AAAAAAAAErg/2JJQy-XwvZo/s320/IMG_2667.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with our sweet Laxmi-ji - she looked <u>so</u> pregnant this day so we had to get some photos! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hF7mUAmRDFU/TsPc2hsCMQI/AAAAAAAAErs/cBXID0DkWFA/s1600/IMG_2673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hF7mUAmRDFU/TsPc2hsCMQI/AAAAAAAAErs/cBXID0DkWFA/s320/IMG_2673.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how cute my mommy is :) I LOVE this woman!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCEawX1DukY/TsPdPkFyl1I/AAAAAAAAEr0/_NvnqtAvqcA/s1600/IMG_2674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VCEawX1DukY/TsPdPkFyl1I/AAAAAAAAEr0/_NvnqtAvqcA/s320/IMG_2674.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dominos pizza parties...our favorite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5ub1Ib1Xk8/TsPdh30AnvI/AAAAAAAAEr8/i3P25_UiDmQ/s1600/IMG_2767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5ub1Ib1Xk8/TsPdh30AnvI/AAAAAAAAEr8/i3P25_UiDmQ/s320/IMG_2767.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hippo treats...these are an Indian thing...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kV7OYD048QA/TsPd3r5CybI/AAAAAAAAEsI/LeCmve1va3I/s1600/IMG_2768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kV7OYD048QA/TsPd3r5CybI/AAAAAAAAEsI/LeCmve1va3I/s320/IMG_2768.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even cooler, the Hippo treats help fight hunger by donating some of their funds to a good cause! Pretty cool, right? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aK7KLxcI4AY/TsptfWF_QCI/AAAAAAAAFH4/FvTJN-JkZgo/s1600/DSC01492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aK7KLxcI4AY/TsptfWF_QCI/AAAAAAAAFH4/FvTJN-JkZgo/s320/DSC01492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWuTrhwPkZM/TsPeI6SpZZI/AAAAAAAAEsw/l442xaRkB7Q/s1600/Photo+on+11-15-11+at+12.16+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWuTrhwPkZM/TsPeI6SpZZI/AAAAAAAAEsw/l442xaRkB7Q/s320/Photo+on+11-15-11+at+12.16+PM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A package from Katie's best friend...with CLEAN, AMERICAN-SMELLING clothes!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGS6UwbN-i0/TspuLaIqjmI/AAAAAAAAFII/buqiXYztqXU/s1600/DSC01495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BGS6UwbN-i0/TspuLaIqjmI/AAAAAAAAFII/buqiXYztqXU/s320/DSC01495.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freakout sesh :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdOBW3VzXns/TsPmFsJ-3BI/AAAAAAAAEvI/lmKvPsUexlU/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdOBW3VzXns/TsPmFsJ-3BI/AAAAAAAAEvI/lmKvPsUexlU/s320/IMG_1728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, we try to buy our plane tickets at the same time so we all get seats by each other :) This is us purchasing our airfare to Goa and Mumbai...too fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBJqByhKCgU/TspuY9d2mpI/AAAAAAAAFIU/Z1t1JpdWl_Q/s1600/IMG_3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rBJqByhKCgU/TspuY9d2mpI/AAAAAAAAFIU/Z1t1JpdWl_Q/s320/IMG_3751.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we found GOOD Kit-Kats :) They didn't taste like the street!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUjEcAJ8uw4/Tuq-BBHVLOI/AAAAAAAAFgc/hULtYghf15I/s1600/DSC01510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUjEcAJ8uw4/Tuq-BBHVLOI/AAAAAAAAFgc/hULtYghf15I/s320/DSC01510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes, we go the movies... :) Like Breaking Dawn - we just HAD to see it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CSU8KgdIIE/Tuq--MftkqI/AAAAAAAAFhA/GCHOksCeVuQ/s1600/IMG_4580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CSU8KgdIIE/Tuq--MftkqI/AAAAAAAAFhA/GCHOksCeVuQ/s320/IMG_4580.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday primary program with the cute little Indian kids :) BEST.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6px4Zy3zLk/TusTpUc3liI/AAAAAAAAFyY/GwUDLTQha5I/s1600/IMG_4941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6px4Zy3zLk/TusTpUc3liI/AAAAAAAAFyY/GwUDLTQha5I/s320/IMG_4941.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I met up with Elder Randall at the church one day...we went to high school together - how fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7dqf0Almog/TusWGcbMXcI/AAAAAAAAFzA/unjZZC8zpSk/s1600/IMG_4943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7dqf0Almog/TusWGcbMXcI/AAAAAAAAFzA/unjZZC8zpSk/s320/IMG_4943.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church in a saree is the best, most modest way to go :) (As long as you wear something to cover your stomach haha)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUjNgo36cLg/TusXLpoCz_I/AAAAAAAAFzU/fqKJZofmLHc/s1600/IMG_4946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iUjNgo36cLg/TusXLpoCz_I/AAAAAAAAFzU/fqKJZofmLHc/s320/IMG_4946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how they decorate their cars for weddings in India...isn't it pretty? Why <u>in the world</u> do we destroy cars when people are married in America?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7_eJDEfZU8/TusYUawAY-I/AAAAAAAAFzs/Pgx5-u9afvc/s1600/IMG_4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7_eJDEfZU8/TusYUawAY-I/AAAAAAAAFzs/Pgx5-u9afvc/s320/IMG_4951.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laxmi is from Kolkutta (Eastern India) and they have a tradition with this red dye called "Sindhu" or "Alta" where they decorate women's feet like this (see below) when they're married - interesting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came across a Hindu temple in the local market...crazy! They're everywhere but we were surprised to see one in the middle of the market.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0bA4RpF8Dw/TusbJ-cFkAI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/EnaPcuUpXDA/s1600/IMG_4957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0bA4RpF8Dw/TusbJ-cFkAI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/EnaPcuUpXDA/s320/IMG_4957.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are beautiful, traditional Indian flowers :) Often people give these flowers to the Gods in the temples or the Gods give flowers like these to people or people use them to welcome people to India, etc. They're just pretty :) I love marigolds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXsBbd0haBY/Turap15wsRI/AAAAAAAAFks/W3-e648IRnE/s1600/IMG_4607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QXsBbd0haBY/Turap15wsRI/AAAAAAAAFks/W3-e648IRnE/s320/IMG_4607.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once upon a time, we found an American-like, yummy Crepe restaurant - better than France? Not really but close!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JBMpyUIiQU/TurcKkd-QLI/AAAAAAAAFlY/gWuz2UshIug/s1600/IMG_4610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9JBMpyUIiQU/TurcKkd-QLI/AAAAAAAAFlY/gWuz2UshIug/s320/IMG_4610.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy chocolate banana crepe :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVBJX1eMqAU/TusDWjtagAI/AAAAAAAAFt4/jYSuS1a8Keo/s1600/IMG_4870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVBJX1eMqAU/TusDWjtagAI/AAAAAAAAFt4/jYSuS1a8Keo/s320/IMG_4870.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping for cloth for a salwar kameez (Indian suit) at the local market - crazy shopping day! Indian has such an incredible variety of fabrics and colors!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xIcPS4QKqA/TusLuJONb8I/AAAAAAAAFv8/OuaP5Ld6Bs4/s1600/IMG_4923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--xIcPS4QKqA/TusLuJONb8I/AAAAAAAAFv8/OuaP5Ld6Bs4/s320/IMG_4923.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had to place these little guys (statues) by our bathroom door, that leads to the balcony, in front of the towel so that the mice/rats couldn't run back and forth between the balcony in the bathroom and the kitchen...oh boy! Living with a family of rats was an adventure. I don't miss them.</td></tr>
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One day, we went to a very touristy, beautiful, clean market called Dilli Haat. It was a celebration day for West Bengal!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYxMoIiatGk/TusFaI6MuhI/AAAAAAAAFuc/-ZSLsJtWa-0/s1600/IMG_4874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oYxMoIiatGk/TusFaI6MuhI/AAAAAAAAFuc/-ZSLsJtWa-0/s320/IMG_4874.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the market...Indians sure know how to create art!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVEW7Kjr6JU/TusHuNmT9iI/AAAAAAAAFu4/kh-hB-yEiHY/s1600/IMG_4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVEW7Kjr6JU/TusHuNmT9iI/AAAAAAAAFu4/kh-hB-yEiHY/s320/IMG_4882.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these little Elephants...my favorite gift to bring home :) Beautiful! Hand-painted and everything.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Et10fLqKpDM/TusJsju4zAI/AAAAAAAAFvg/iDRyoR1_L5k/s1600/IMG_4886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Et10fLqKpDM/TusJsju4zAI/AAAAAAAAFvg/iDRyoR1_L5k/s320/IMG_4886.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we saw lots of traditional Indian dancing at the market that day! I love traditional Indian dance and music.</td></tr>
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Often, we take little adventures to our friend's homes to have dinner and enjoy some good, Indian company :) </div>
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On this particular adventure, Katie and I (Sarah was sick) took a bus to the metro, then rode the metro 14 STOPS (it was an hour long ride standing with lots of heavy baggage...) to our friend, Shika's, house. It was a fun night! Her family spoiled us! They watched us, took pictures, and filmed as we ate and relished their food (it was so yummy!) and looked through wedding albums, etc.</div>
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It was a fun night!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NA-PDLhTXyU/Tspuxz57KFI/AAAAAAAAFIc/fjPJvBuFmMg/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NA-PDLhTXyU/Tspuxz57KFI/AAAAAAAAFIc/fjPJvBuFmMg/s320/IMG_3756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZEWK93tfBI/TspvKRtKsyI/AAAAAAAAFIk/fWUwNKLIIv0/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZEWK93tfBI/TspvKRtKsyI/AAAAAAAAFIk/fWUwNKLIIv0/s320/IMG_3763.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shika's family - they loved us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shikha's father!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNoYlHaBA9w/TspwSqWStEI/AAAAAAAAFJA/eB6dNgvPzyU/s1600/IMG_3789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNoYlHaBA9w/TspwSqWStEI/AAAAAAAAFJA/eB6dNgvPzyU/s320/IMG_3789.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the best food...BEST. Okay, there was a lot of BEST food nights :)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S57LWZzOe_E/TspwsqlFktI/AAAAAAAAFJM/uoOpZQqocs4/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S57LWZzOe_E/TspwsqlFktI/AAAAAAAAFJM/uoOpZQqocs4/s320/IMG_3796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn_rTYyUEyM/TspxFbEYkRI/AAAAAAAAFJU/NSFl-Q1bJVc/s1600/IMG_3807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn_rTYyUEyM/TspxFbEYkRI/AAAAAAAAFJU/NSFl-Q1bJVc/s320/IMG_3807.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shikha pretty much lives in a mansion...her home is so nice! Beautiful!</td></tr>
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We invited ourselves over on a Sunday evening to one of our best friend's, Shyam's, home. It was so much fun! We love his little brother&hero, Rakshit (yes, it's said rock-shit hahaha we felt awkward saying it at first ;))</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6VHNOzoONw/Tuq_-Hc9gsI/AAAAAAAAFhs/pnLmi8EVqQE/s1600/IMG_4586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6VHNOzoONw/Tuq_-Hc9gsI/AAAAAAAAFhs/pnLmi8EVqQE/s320/IMG_4586.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is little Rakshit...he's so darling! Love him as my own.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6h2PtWv_vw/TurYKn9b5UI/AAAAAAAAFjg/IVFrevLq74c/s1600/IMG_4591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--6h2PtWv_vw/TurYKn9b5UI/AAAAAAAAFjg/IVFrevLq74c/s320/IMG_4591.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little group - Shyam, Rajni (good friend from ward :)), Me, Sarah, Rakshit, Katie, Shyam's mom, and in front, his two gorgeous little sisters - I love his family!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYMD1yUCrEY/TurZpNC8JYI/AAAAAAAAFkM/WQaID4-F13g/s1600/IMG_4594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYMD1yUCrEY/TurZpNC8JYI/AAAAAAAAFkM/WQaID4-F13g/s320/IMG_4594.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Shyam's home. He is a humble, sweet guy. </td></tr>
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Then, one time, we visited a friend's emporium...but a beautiful one at that! We usually stay away from bazars and emporiums but, we were invited for a <i>free</i> lunch and the guy that owns the emporium, we met him at Maitri's Golf Tournament and he was so nice to us. So we went. And it was gooooood.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrUdliSJyh4/Tuq9hyv5PJI/AAAAAAAAFgM/OGR4OZW2CbY/s1600/340156_10150408727737736_515197735_8736316_302536331_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrUdliSJyh4/Tuq9hyv5PJI/AAAAAAAAFgM/OGR4OZW2CbY/s320/340156_10150408727737736_515197735_8736316_302536331_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found us some magic carpets! :) Photo courtesy of SarahSioux</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8uDEUwGCSY/TurvZj_RreI/AAAAAAAAFpk/g7VSXje1FuY/s1600/IMG_4747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8uDEUwGCSY/TurvZj_RreI/AAAAAAAAFpk/g7VSXje1FuY/s320/IMG_4747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpets all around...handmade - they're so beautiful! We were captivated.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64bv4DGtLcA/TuryqIt1O0I/AAAAAAAAFqI/Os4UqgqCuNs/s1600/IMG_4754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64bv4DGtLcA/TuryqIt1O0I/AAAAAAAAFqI/Os4UqgqCuNs/s320/IMG_4754.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is kind of how they make carpets...one little string at a time and as they tie and add the strings, they push the strings down hard with this little tool - it's insane!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pedJ7uUUY4/Tur4zhgZzZI/AAAAAAAAFrM/ksz4QG_tbBE/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pedJ7uUUY4/Tur4zhgZzZI/AAAAAAAAFrM/ksz4QG_tbBE/s320/IMG_4758.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided to buy one for my mom for Christmas...it was so hard to decide! These are the ones I chose from - I ended up buying the one on the top left. It's Kashmiri Silk and of the Tree of Life :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5k0spdoFF4/Tur7V2hE_2I/AAAAAAAAFr4/vn66oEV-kMQ/s1600/IMG_4760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5k0spdoFF4/Tur7V2hE_2I/AAAAAAAAFr4/vn66oEV-kMQ/s320/IMG_4760.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most amaaaazing Kashmiri food and Indian food we ate in India (we say that every time) - so yummy! And we got some chicken and mutton. We missed meat - <i>real</i> protein.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hoe-8wYbCG0/Tur-AHayCsI/AAAAAAAAFsc/mLJKFi-h_wo/s1600/IMG_4762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hoe-8wYbCG0/Tur-AHayCsI/AAAAAAAAFsc/mLJKFi-h_wo/s320/IMG_4762.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy has sold rugs to Clinton and decorated his home. He met Hilary Clinton too. Each year he provides thousands of rugs for U.S. Embassies around the world...amazing!</td></tr>
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We also made a fun visit to our Branch President's home, the Cleggs. It felt like we were in AMERICA again. Chili, Christmas trees, clean floors (or rather, a floor that wasnt dirt), a normal good-sized kitchen, sweet, white people, etc. Don't get me wrong, we LOVE India but...it was a fun diversion from our everyday reality. We also spent some fun time with their adorable little girls - barbies, jumping on the tramp, playing with their doggie, etc. They made us feel at home again. It was the best night.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHJwqiOTNPE/Tusbw8IUBxI/AAAAAAAAF2E/YwAqlFqVQmo/s1600/IMG_4958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHJwqiOTNPE/Tusbw8IUBxI/AAAAAAAAF2E/YwAqlFqVQmo/s320/IMG_4958.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their adorable little girl, Mia, look at those eyes!!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2vht8vn_kzE/TuscKCl6KkI/AAAAAAAAF2M/qg3QLYSQ398/s1600/IMG_4986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2vht8vn_kzE/TuscKCl6KkI/AAAAAAAAF2M/qg3QLYSQ398/s320/IMG_4986.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging with the Cleggs...finally felt like Christmas! Sarah, me, Davvy Clegg, President Clegg and his sweet wife, Lora.</td></tr>
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We love our very blessed, beautiful, everyday life here in India :)</div>
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</div>Elisabeth Jessophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01171875095277358044noreply@blogger.com1