Saturday, March 13^th, 6 am
My first trip to India and as everyone told me, it is truly a place of contradictions! Unbelievable beauty, juxtaposed with abject poverty and despair. Beautiful natural vistas, littered with trash. Saris and turbans made with cloth of stunningly vibrant colors, which seem to be made brighter when viewed against the grayish backdrop of the dirt, grime, and smog that is ever present. Then there is the fact that pretty much everyone speaks English; yet, the cultural divide can still make communication rather difficult. It seems that they often say “yes” even if the answer is really “no.”  Or they say “yes” and “no” at exactly the same time. Of course, all the contradictions just make this experience that much more interesting. I’m absolutely fascinated by it all.

After spending a few days in Rishikesh with my friend Laura (from Washington DC), we made our way to Agra, where we were joined by Barbara and four other Voluntourists: Leitia and Ruckus (a couple from New Zealand), as well as Caroline and Megan (a mother and her teenage daughter from Austin).

Meaghan and Caroline

On Friday morning we all set off for Fatehpur Sikri. The trip was fascinating. First, there is simply the experience of the drive. Everyone speeds along, with no apparent concern for the mundane rules of the road, like staying in their lane. They simply honk and then accelerate, weaving in and out, driving fearlessly towards the oncoming traffic in an attempt to pass the cars, motorcycles, buses, and trucks which are blocking their way. All the while, the drivers are also dodging the cows and dogs, which all seem to make their way into the middle of the traffic as well. I’m convinced that Indian drivers must have the best spatial relations of anyone in the world. Somehow they are able to instinctually judge, within an instant and at high speed, which areas they can squeeze their cars through and which are too tight. It is truly an amazing talent!

As we made our way through Agra, we witnessed the daily routines unfolding on the side of the road: men having a morning shave in an open air barber shop, a man on a small carpet bowing and praying to a shrine, men sleeping in their bicycle rickshaws while waiting for a fare, women in stunningly colored saris carrying their infants, merchants selling their wares, entire families on motorcycles, and beautiful children in clean, pressed uniforms heading to school. Outside of the city, we began to see many people carrying red and gold flags and wearing sparkling red and gold headbands as they walked along the road. Our driver explained that they were Hindu devotees on a pilgrimage to pay homage to a goddess. They walk 4 to 5 days to reach the temple destination, some even walk barefooted in order to show their devotion. Along the way, we also saw a motorcycle carrying two goats, and, as we arrived in Fatehpur Sikri, we even saw a camel pulling a cart. It was definitely one of the more amazing drives I’ve ever been on.

Built by the Emperor Akbar in the 1560s, Fatehpur Sikri is a remarkable well-preserved palace located approximately one hour outside of Agra. We learned all about Emperor Akbar, who ruled from 1556 to 1605 and was an amazingly enlightened man. Although he was a devoted Muslim, he believed in and promoted religious freedom during his reign. He had three wives: one was Muslim, one was Christian, and one was Hindu. Akbar was the grandfather of Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife of 19 years, who died giving birth to their 13^th child.

After touring Fatehpur Sikri, we were dusty and tired from our excursion into ancient history and returned to our hotel in the afternoon for a bit of a rest by the swimming pool. At 5:30, Kumar, our driver, took us to a small rooftop restaurant with an amazing view of the Taj Mahal. As we watched the sun set, we enjoyed a nice Indian dinner and Kumar regaled us with his experience as a location scout for Slumdog Millionaire and working with Brad and Angelina.

All of us on the rooftop restaurant

It’s now Saturday morning. Barbara, Laura and I have already visited the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, so we are staying back at the hotel while the rest of our group head off with Kumar to see those two amazing sites. Following lunch, we will head off to Delhi, where the rest of our fellow travelers will join us: a group of 15 students and 2 chaperones from the UT Catholic Center. Tomorrow we head to The Miracle Foundation’s Children’s Homes and the real reason for our trip begins!

Posted on March 17th, 2010 by admin
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As we prepare for our first trip of the year, we are happy to announce that all our children in the orphanages will receive correspondence from the States! Thank you to all of our sponsors for working so hard to get your letters and packages ready to go!

Also, we would like to thank Andrea Burrell, her daughter, Sydney, and some of her daughter’s friends at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School for writing letters to the children who don’t have sponsors, or who haven’t received mail in a while.

The Burrells have been volunteering with The Miracle Foundation since 2006, and for the past 2 ½ years, Sydney has recruited her friends, teachers, and family members to write to The Miracle Foundation kids! Sydney has even mentioned that she will continue with this effort even after she is off at college next year. What dedication! Their letters were beautiful and creative, and the children will light up when they see them (see a picture below of their amazing work).

We would also like to say a special thanks to Laura Erickson, and Mrs. Powell’s 5^th grade and Ms. Lee’s second grade classes at Bridgepoint Elementary. Laura is a volunteer for TMF and her son attends Bridgepoint, so she had the great idea of getting his school involved by writing letters to the MF children. Both Ms. Powell and Ms. Lee had their students write letters to the orphans about their favorite foods, pets, family members, and things they are learning in school.  The students even included a photo of themselves with the letters.

Laura also had a “letter writing party” for some of the kids in her neighborhood. Laura said, “I was touched by the enthusiasm that these children showed in doing this project. They asked lots of questions and were amazed at how happy the children seemed to be in the videos despite their circumstances.” We know the children of The Miracle Foundation will really appreciate being able to connect with other kids their age.

Everyone at TMF is truly grateful to all of you who have worked so hard to make parentless children feel so loved!!!

Laura’s Neighborhood Kids Hard at Work

Sydney Burrell and Friend’s Amazing Art Work

Posted on March 15th, 2010 by admin
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Yoga is a broad term referring to the physical and mental disciplines that originated in India. The most common religions in India, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, have their own meditative practices, which resulted in the many types of yoga we see today. Some of the first records of the practice have been found from the Indus Valley civilization, dating from 3300 to 1700 BC, and depict figures in poses resembling the positions in modern yoga. Since then, yoga has become a daily tradition. Even our orphans enjoy sukhasana in the morning!

Bikram Yoga, while not a historical strain of the custom, originated at the Yoga College of India, where Bikram Chodhury synthesized the traditional techniques to facilitate deeper stretches and injury prevention and maximize the relief of stress and tension. It is a 90 minute session of forming asanas, or poses, aimed at delivering fresh oxygen to your body, combined with concentrating on breathing and stretching your muscles, even the ones you didn’t know you had! All of this is done in 105° heat and 40% humidity.

Barbara, our travel coordinator, embarked on a 66 day Bikram yoga experience to raise money for TMF. With only one week left to go, Barbara has already raised $810 and attended 52 classes. Just as the instructors warned, the process has been one of mental and physical exploration for Barbara. She says she has learned how to extend the focus she creates in class to all parts of her daily life.

Interested in starting your own yoga challenge? Barbara cannot say enough good things about the team at BYD Downtown, so you might consider them to be your challenge platform! The link to their website is posted below.

http://www.bydaustin.com/

Posted on March 5th, 2010 by TMF
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The Miracle Foundation’s Ambassador Travel Program is an integral part of our foundation and a great way for people to see first-hand the work we do. Those who have traveled to India with us, often come home with plenty of life-changing stories. For some, the poverty in India may come as a shock, especially in comparison to the comfortable lifestyles we lead in the United States. Thanks to our generous donors, board of directors, sponsors, volunteers, staff members, and ambassadors the children of The Miracle Foundation family are in a far better environment than the millions of abandoned or orphaned children who might never receive such care.

Our first travel trip of the year will begin on March 12^th. Seventeen students from UT will make the long journey to Delhi, India and have their own unique experiences with the children of The Miracle Foundation. Michelle Goodwin, of the University Catholic Center, contacted TMF explaining that a large group of students were interested in spending their spring breaks on a voluntourism trip. Several students filled out applications to be a part of the March Ambassador group, but only seventeen of them were selected.

Barbara, our travel director, has been happily busy filling them in on the details. During their 10 days in India, they will visit Sooch Village and Rourkela orphanages.  Barbara and her assistant Anna have been tirelessly preparing travel itineraries and brochures, processing visas, and even held a travel orientation for the students to learn about what to expect in India and cultural differences.

No doubt the University Catholic Center students are in for unforgettable experience that will allow them to share their love and compassion with our adorable kids!

We have three more trips planned this year, but space is limited. We only have about 6 spots available in the May and June trips. The dates are:

• March 19-28
• May 24- June 8
• June 20- July 8

There is another trip in October that is open to medical professionals, as well as individuals and groups willing to act as support staff while the medical professionals take care of any health-related issues.

Traveling to India with TMF is a fantastic way to see the world while caring for some of the most deserving children. We hope you will consider the opportunity!

All the ins and outs about the tours can be found on our website at www.miraclefoundation.org. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns!

Posted on March 1st, 2010 by TMF
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March 1^st begins the Festival of Colors, a widely celebrated holiday in northeastern India (including our orphanages!), as well as the countries to the north of India, like Nepal and Bangladesh. It is a Hindu spring holiday, accompanied with throwing colored powder, called abir, and colored water. Its origins lie in the delight Krishna had in painting the face of Radha, the energy that drives the world, and other gopi, which are the cow-herding girls in Vaishnava theology. Krishna’s prank on Radha inspired the tradition of playing pranks that is observed today, typically by children.

In Orissa, the students dress in uniforms the color of saffron, wear garlands of fresh flowers and join the rest of the community in singing and dancing. The idol of Jagannath is placed on a palanquin (common in traditional Indian weddings, as well), which is taken throughout the streets, similar to a parade in the States. Then the women of the community sing devotional songs, while the men continue spraying colored water and abir.

The weather changes that occur in the spring season are believed to bring about illnesses like fevers and the common cold. The abir has a medicinal effect because the colors are derived from herbs thought to treat those illnesses.

The foods eaten during this time also have bold colors and flavors. Traditionally, the communities drink Thandai, made of rosewater, anise, almonds and watermelon. Other traditional dishes include Kesar Chawal, a rice dish with raisins, cashews, cinnamon, cardamom, saffron and bay leaves, Dahi Bhalle, which is made with yogurt, ginger and green chilies.

One of the most popular choices is Aloo Chaat (shown above). Try making it yourself! Here’s a recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 Potatoes, peeled
• 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin Powder, roasted
• 1 tsp Chaat Masala
• Tamarind Chutney
• Mint Chutney
• Chopped Coriander Leaves for garnish
• Optional garnish – Chopped Onion, Tomato Julienne, Fresh Pomegranate Seeds
• Oil for frying

Method

• Dice potatoes into a fairly large dice – 3/4 to 1 inch cubes.
• Heat oil in a wok and deep fry potatoes, till golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper.
• In a bowl, place the fried potatoes and toss with red chilli powder, cumin powder, chaat masala
• Add mint chutney, tamarind chutney according to taste and toss to coat evenly.
• Serve, with toothpicks, in individual bowls, garnished with coriander leaves. You can also additionally garnish with chopped onion, tomato julienne or pomegranate

(from iloveindia.com)

Posted on February 26th, 2010 by TMF
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Mark your calendars for yoga at Sacred Streams! 50% of the proceeds from the 2:00-3:30 dharma class on February 27 will benefit The Miracle Foundation.

Opening the heart to compassion is one of the core tenets of yoga. In an effort to embrace compassion, the center of enlightenment, Sacred Streams Yoga strives to perpetuate our intrinsic, innate need for love.

To learn more or reserve your spot, visit the Sacred Streams website at www.SacredStreamsYoga.com

Posted on February 22nd, 2010 by TMF
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Our very own Elizabeth Davis is finally home from her trip to India! She made the long journey to hire two new directors to manage our orphanages. Suresh Mehta will be living at Sooch Village, and Subash Koul will oversee Rourkela and Bhawani. Their focuses will be to further the implement the standards and programs necessary to ensure that our children are receiving the best in terms of education, health and support.

Elizabeth tells us that Mr. Mehta is very much a grandfather-figure, with all the love and wisdom that comes along with it. He has two daughters and one of them has adopted two daughters herself. He tutors his children and grandchildren, as well as other children in his community. He attended the India School of Mines and has 50 years of administrative and managerial experience.

Mr. Koul has held positions at the National Human Rights Association India and the SOS Children’s Villages of India, which is an extension of an international organization that began after World War Two to house orphaned children in Austria. The MF orphanages are very much adhere to the SOS model, but with small changes to meet the needs and focus of our children in India. Mr. Koul has degrees in engineering, business management, business administration and psychological counseling.

Both Mr. Mehta and Mr. Koul will start on March 1^st and we are so excited to have them! What great additions to the TMF team!

Elizabeth also pointed out how excellent the nurse and social worker are at Sooch. We love hearing updates like that and making sure our children are receiving the highest quality of care.

While at Sooch Village, Elizabeth and Katelyn worked on various projects together, like updating the photos for the TMF database. Elizabeth also snapped some photos of Katelyn (our intern) mowing a running path along the side of the village. The mower was just a “spinning blade”, as Katelyn puts it, so the task was somewhat labor-intensive! No problem for a former marathon runner, though.

The housemothers dressed up in the uniforms – yellow and orange saris – and waited patiently for Katelyn to take their pictures. Some of the candid shots of the mothers and the children are particularly heart-rending. There’s so much love in their faces!

On her last day there, Elizabeth, Katelyn and Suresh (from Sooch Village, not to be confused with Mr. Mehta!) were treated to a meal at a hotel buffet. Elizabeth was especially excited that meat was on the menu! And now Elizabeth is back in Austin, safe and sound, with pictures to share and a pile of work beaconing her.

Posted on February 19th, 2010 by TMF
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The Daily Texan published an article in the February 11 issue about Caroline’s amazing experience in India, which led to the creation of the Miracle Foundation.

Here’s the link:

http://www.dailytexanonline.com/life-arts/foundation-transforms-lives-1.2149042

Posted on February 19th, 2010 by TMF
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Posted on February 19th, 2010 by TMF
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A few months ago, a young woman named Katelyn Meyers contacted us requesting information on the possibility of interning in India. She told us of her previous experience volunteering with elementary and junior high school students in Kenya and how eager she was to work with our children in India. Needless to say, we were extremely impressed with Katelyn’s enthusiasm and we felt that it was an excellent opportunity for both Katelyn and TMF.

We’re thrilled to say that Katelyn is now serving as our first intern in India! She headed over in early January and will be calling Sooch Village home for the next six months. During her internship she will work with our stateside sponsorship coordinator Jasdeep to update all of our children’s records, while also taking photographs and making videos of the kids to send back to their sponsors.

Although she’s only been there a few short weeks, she is already making a place for herself with the staff and children. Upon her arrival, she stayed at the home of our Country Manager Manjeet and his family in Delhi. And, as soon as she made her way to Sooch Village, she was invited into the kitchen to help the housemothers make chapatis (traditional Indian snacks which are very much like tortillas!). As you can see from this picture, she seems to be fitting in quite well, especially with the children.

Katelyn will be returning to Texas at the end of July, with plenty of stories to share. Until then you can follow her daily experiences and her heartfelt impressions by reading her blog. Just follow this link: http://katelyngoestoindia.tumblr.com

Posted on February 10th, 2010 by admin
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