Longitude Blog

Here are some pictures of the houses in various stages of completion in Gummallapadu Village, India. [gallery] From April 2009 Rick Mickelson Longitude Director of International Volunteering

India is an assault on the senses. From the putrid aromas wafting from rivers of human effluence and fields of smoldering garbage to the cacophony of car horns, shrill screams and construction machinery to the serenely beautiful landscapes juxtaposed against crumbling, half-built infrastructure, there is seemingly enough to confound and delight one’s soul for eternity in India. The greatest assault to the senses, however, would have to be on common sense. Rather, on a Western understanding of common sense.

Waylaid by a quick bout with the infamous Delhi Belly, we are now a day behind schedule...actually, we had a contingency plan for just such an occasion.  I was planning to fly back south to catch my flight home, but Ravi canceled that and then booked two train tickets for us, so that we can WORK up until the last minute I leave.  What a thoughtful guy!  Ravi arranged a couple doses of medicine to speed my recovery so we could get back to work, I thought, but actually because he cares so much for everyone around him.

...getting to India was an adventure in and of itself. How could a simple 30 hour transcontinental journey get any more exciting? Well, before leaving Dallas the ground crew packed someones dogs in the wrong luggage compartment, so we had to turn back from the runway before takeoff and return to the gate, where it took over 2 and a half hours to repack the pooches.

My name is Vishal Jani and I just returned from the March 2009 ARV project in GP Village, AP. My colleagues have written comprehensive blogs that tell of emotions, appreciation and thanks that are identical to mine. I also realize that current and future volunteers are a primary group that will read this blog.

Hello,

My name is Joel Post and I was recently a volunteer on the March 20-29 trip to GP village in India. Here is a quick blog entry I wrote after returning yesterday.

Snow

When one thinks about southern India, snow doesn't usually come to mind, but there it was all around me: snow drifts, avalanches, snow cones…but I am getting ahead of myself.

Dear Longitude Supporters,

Mr. Rick Mickelson who has been providing tremendous services to the Longitude International and ARV to uplift the Untouchables in India, designed a logo of "Building Communities" to spread the message.

So here we are in the middle of our third day at the work camp. This morning, we successfully moved an enormous pile of bricks assembly line style. It was a fun group effort. I for one believe that singing and dancing make the work go faster. And I also think it entertains some of the villagers as they curiously and anxiously watch our every move.

anonymous's blog

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