Typing through tears

So it's all over. Just under an hour ago, Celia and I said teary goodbyes to everyone at DUF before hopping into the car with her family (who arrived Saturday night) and coming into Manali. They've given me some time to go to the post office and write this etc, and then we're all having lunch together before I leave for my 15hour bus ride at 3:30.





Last night we had our farewell party, which consisted of the kids singing and dancing, and making mini speeches about what we'd done for them and how they'd miss us. It was quite emotional, but we managed to get through it without actually letting any tears fall. Although Mummy Cayzer wasn't quite so successful!!!



There was no power before the ceremony started and we were upset because we'd wanted to show photos with Wayne's projector, but luckily it came back just as we were going to start, and after some mishaps with 2 laptops and discs (both laptops managed to give me an electric shock), we got it sorted. They loved the photos and it was really good to see them up on the wall so big.

We were also given presents - small beautiful rugs - and Auntie and Mami both expressed their gratitude to us. It was a really nice evening. Afterwardsw, Celia and I stayed up until mignight doing not a lot, as we'd already done all the packing and cleaning, writing gift tags etc, and then we got up at 5:30 this morning to face our last morning.



I think we made it until about 9am before we cried, and then a goodbye letter from one of the kids almost had us bawling! We took a group photo with the school, and then waited until 11 to leave. The whole school came to say goodbye and shake our hands - even those that didn't know us at all, and we were both crying and only got worse when one of our favourite boys cried as well! I think it's a good thing we had Celia's family there or we'd never have managed to drag ourselves away.



So now I'm going to be on my own until Saturday when I'll meet up with the Cayzers again in Jaipur; between now and them I am visiting Amritsar and Chandigarh. I will do my best to keep you updated at every place I visit, and will be back in the country in just 15 days!!!



TTFN xxx