Could it be magic?

There are lots of moments at Amala that could be described as magical, but today something rather unusual happened that could only be described in this way. Today we had a visit from a one armed Priest/magician and his sister, Doris. They performed a wonderful magic show for all of the students at the school. However, this was not an ordinary magic show, it carried a message of Christian ethics throughout. Emphasising the importance of respect, truth, justice, love, prayer and service.

The soundtrack of the show deserves a special mention, songs such as the Lambada, Rasputin, Tequila and the Macarena were all merged in to one very interesting performance. It certainly caused a great deal of amusement amongst us, especially when the Priest informed the pupils that they could only make noise when he said so and that only then were they permitted to clap four times.To describe the event as surreal would be a massive understatement.

We have been in India now for well over a week, and we are definitely into the swing of things. However, we are also missing home and our comforts. The food conversation has sprung up repeatedly, what we would choose to eat if we could have anything. Although Victoria's cooking is fantastic, having a completely South Indian diet is a huge shock to us, who normally have so many different cuisines to choose from. Chinese, MacDonalds and roast dinners have all proved to be popular choices, whereas some are simply craving a Costa Coffee.

As well as missing food, some of us are missing loved ones. Whilst we can text and call them it isn't quite the same as being in their company. These emotions pale into comparison to the ones that a lot of the children at the home must feel. Whilst some of the children are orphans, many will have some living relatives that cannot afford to care for them. So they are brought to the home for a better life, away from their family members. Fortunately for us we will be back in the UK soon enough, eating Chinese food and enjoying the company of our loved ones, hopefully thankful that we have such a privileged lifestyle.