Monday, June 3, 2013

One "Thank You" (or "Dhonnobad") is Not Enough

As Allison and I were riding back from Shanti Dan on bus 213, we realized we were passing the Loreto School. During our first week here we had ventured there on a day off to visit the brick yards where the Loreto School travels to provide education for the children there. (I'm not sure if this has been blogged about, but it was quite the experience).
We stopped there on our way back to our hotel to get a form for a donation of $1000 that we were able to make from our fundraising. That is all thanks to you!!!
Sr. Igora sat with us to chat. She knew of Allison and was gushing with enthusiasm that they were able to meet. It is hard to describe Sr. Igora other than saying she has the most lively and adorable spirit of anyone I have ever met. She is full of love and passion for what she does. Every other sentence seemed to be one of gratitude for the donation and and expression of love for God.
She works at the Loreto School, primarily in the Sealdah location. She explained that 75% of the students who study there (who are all girls) are from very poor backgrounds, many living on the streets. Donations help pay for these girls' education that they would not have otherwise. Currently, it costs 2000 rupees or $36 for each student every month. As a girl who has gone to affluent Catholic schools her entire life, it is interresting to think about the differences and similarities.
We were fortunate to visit on the day that they received their marks for their exams. Girls stopped in to visit Sr. Igora to talk about the outcome and their future. It was nice to hear that most have big plans to continue their studies.
After speaking to one girl, Sister explained that her father had died one week before final exams. she then said that one of the teachers at the school is now sponsering her and her sister so that they can continue their education. This is a testament to how passionate the teachers are at this school. They genuinely care for these girls and will do whatever it takes to give them a better future.
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone back home for their very generous donations! Part of our journey here was fundraising and we wanted to bring as much as we could. You helped us to reach and far surpass our goal. So "THANK YOU!!!" from Allison, Linda, Jerry, Amanda, Kristen F, Walter, Nicole, Bri, Moe, Mary, and Kristen B. And of course I can't forget Sr. Igora, who desperately wanted me to pass this message along!
Kristen Beaulieu

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