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100th post

I can't believe it's the 100th post!

I'm back at work with a bang this week, but the memories of last week will stay. I've chosen two images that I think sum up the visit. We only saw the 'best of the bad' in Goa, however it was heartbreaking enough. Having taught about LEDCs and poverty for 4 and a but years I thought I was prepared, but I was very wrong. I'm very proud of the 5 boys that I took to India, and I know that what they have experienced will change the way in which they think. To quote one of them 'It's going to feel really weird when I go to Tesco's next.'

The final few days were spent visiting various outreach projects. I have huge admiration for the missionaries there. Very inspiring.
the images I have chosen all include people. Although the landscapes were incredible it is the human story that I found so compelling. My life was certainly put into perspective!


Teaching Shallom House style - making Christmas Cards during an afternoon of activity. There was no technology (apart from the various cameras that we gave to the children. I can only say that the resulting images are very interesting) and very basic materials but the response was amazing. The children really seemed excited that we were spending time with them.


This image was captured while I was filming the children of the village. I like it because it shows that just simple things, like attention and some sweets, can bring a little joy into the lives of these slum dwellers. The image is also a reminder that the adults (often high on bettlenut) are never far away keeping a watchful eye....
I love this image. It was taken during a visit of an old people home near the capital. What struck us was the high spirits of the men - and their unwillingness to accept gifts. The person on the left used to live and work in the UK as a civil servant. However, he has ended in this home - that has a budget of 3.5pence per day to feed each person - when his family turned their back. A reality check as in the UK our (all be it not so perfect) welfare system would swing into action. They boys on the trip remember these two the most for their refusal to accept gifts. All they needed was someone to talk to.
We met another volunteer in Goa and she is keeping a blog here. Also check out the boys blog. I have pointed this out before as it outlines their incredible journey that started a year ago this week! The boys have also added some thoughtful posts about their visit and some great images.

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  1. Anonymous15 November 2007 at 11:09

    What a wonderful blog, you kept that very quiet! I am very proud to have been a part of this trip and proud to know you and the five boys, you are all very special people and I know that we will all stay in touch because of the bond that was made, the emotions we shared, the good times and the times when we got to experience as close as we could "real" Goa.

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  2. Alan Parkinson18 November 2007 at 20:50

    Been a fascinating read David. Thanks for sharing - some good links - blogging strikes again !

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