Remember Track & Field Day back when you were in school?  Well, Sooch Village just held Sports Day for the children who attend the on-site school Sardarni Tej Kaur Memorial. Over 300 people attended, including the student participants, the other children of Sooch, and nearby neighbors. The opening ceremony kicked off at 9:30 in the morning with a welcome song and pledge by the students. This was followed by the flag hosting and official opening blessing by the District Education Officer  who was the Chief Guest.  There were sporting events for children in all age groups, including Biscuits Race (Nursery),  Saving the Ballon (Class II), Threading the Needle (Class III), Spoon and Marble Race (Class IV), Sack Race (Class V), Dressing the Little Kids (Class VI), and 50 and 100 meter races for the Junior and Senior boys and girls. Ending at 3:45 that afternoon, the day was a HUGE success and a GRAND time was had by all!

Photos of some of the highlights are included below:

Sports Day Schedule

Taking the Pledge

Acrobats

Chief Guest declaring "Sports Day" officially open

Group Dance

Long Jump

High Jump

Sack Race

Fancy Dance

Guests and Children Enjoying Sports Day

The Winners

Posted on November 30th, 2011 by TMF
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by Rosa Gutierrez

Things started very early on Saturday morning, October 1, at The Miracle Foundation office. By 7 a.m., the kitchen was set up with delicious snacks (including Jim’s favorite donuts), volunteers were arriving, children were playing, grownups were greeting each other, and the staff was ready with all the fun activities planned for the day. This was the beginning of the “2011 Be the Change National Day of Service” happening all over Austin (and the nation) in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quotation, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

As the “Be the Change” website states, “Be the Change Rise Up to Service” is an annual national day of service coordinated by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) to inspire and foster civic engagement through volunteerism and community service.

Things got underway at our office by showing the volunteers a video about The Miracle Foundation and our mission. Then it was time to get busy!

• The younger kids made cards and drew pictures for the children in India. Their excitement was apparent, and they had so many wonderfully creative ideas. One young girl used stickers to tell a story and wrote that she wanted to be a surgeon when she grew up, so she could help others.
• Most of the adults wrote and decorated letters of appreciation to our Housemothers in India. They loved the activity, as it brought their creativity to life. One woman had brought her 4-year-old grandson. As she wrote letters, he sat beside her drawing pictures and asking her questions, such as where did these children live and why were they writing letters to them. With her thoughtful answers, it was clear to see how change can happen through even the smallest of actions. Not only was she thanking the Housemothers for all their hard work and loving dedication, but, more importantly, she was instilling the importance of “giving back” in her grandson. It was an inspiring moment and made it very clear to everyone there that change is possible.
• Then there was the young man who decided he wanted to work outside. He did a tremendous job and actually filled up 10 large bags with leaves and twigs — all by himself!

Throughout the day, it was clear that everyone felt the joy of giving back. This was true both at The Miracle Foundation office and throughout Austin. Following the event, the “Be the Change” website stated, “WE DID IT AUSTIN!!! 1,000+ volunteers from ages 5 to 50+ rose up in service and showed all of Austin how we all could BE THE CHANGE!!”

Everyone at TMF extends our sincere thanks to all of the “Be the Change” volunteers. Because of their desire to give of their time, effort, and creativity, our yard is free of leaves and our children and Housemothers will all receive beautifully handwritten and decorated cards, letting them know that people on the other side of the world are carrying them in their hearts. There is nothing more meaningful than that! Thanks for “Being the Change.”

http://bethechangeaustin.org/

Posted on November 30th, 2011 by TMF
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by Allie, TMF Ambassador

DAY 6: Inauguration Day – 18 September
Today began early, again, with a beautiful rickshaw ride to the Tirunelveli countryside. After a quick pick-me-up from a local chaiwalla, we continued on further into the more rural areas of the city. From the rickshaw, we were able to see several different kinds of birds, including the kingfisher, and also many lily pads and lotus flowers floating on the pond. When we arrived back at Sunrise Village, the kids were already up and about, enjoying their beautiful new playground. Before lunch, Sister G spoke a little about her crafts and everyone was blown away, not only by her beautiful crafts (mostly quilts, bags and aprons) but by her contagious positive attitude and smile as well. After another incredible lunch provided by the Sunrise staff, we headed back to our rooms to pack up and get ready for the inauguration of the playground. Since we had a little time before it all began, Rob set up a make-shift drum set using pans, pots and buckets and the boys had a blast creating some of their own tunes, Kaylee was popular with the girls, showing them how to make friendship bracelets and the rest of the staff was off playing on the playground with the kids.

Jam Session

The inauguration began and what a beautiful ceremony it was. It began with some opening remarks from Father X and finally, Joy (WPF’s Executive Partnership Development and Internal Programs Director) did the honors and cut the ribbon, officially inaugurating the playground. Next, the team members planted a small tree in the center of the playground and took turns watering it. As if the evening couldn’t get any better, we were all in for a huge treat. The children had prepared several dances and songs. Though they were all incredible, the dance performed by three little boys was definitely a crowd pleaser and their dance moves had everyone’s heads bobbing along. ThenTMF”s Program Director Jasdeep led the girls in her famous dance routine to “Jai Ho.” We ended this perfect evening with hot tea, several snacks and more than a few teary goodbyes. Though it was sad to say goodbye to this amazing community at Sunrise Village, we know the experience and children’s smiles will exist forever in our minds.

DAY 7: Trivandrum – 19 September
After an early train ride, we arrived in the beautiful state of Kerala. With its lush terrain and incredible coconut and palm trees, we all thought we had arrived in paradise. When we exited the train station, we realized that we were hearing a very unfamiliar sound: silence. The usual hustle and bustle throughout the streets of India and the constant horns blowing from the rickshaw drivers were nowhere to be heard. It was then we realized there was a strike. As we made our way to the hotel, it felt eerie being one of the only cars on the road, but also a relief not to have other cars and rickshaws weaving in and out of traffic. Because of the strike, we were essentially forced to relax, with some members heading to the pool and others adventuring out into town for a walk. Later in the afternoon, the newest members of our group (Whole Foods Market Partners) joined us, and we ended the day with a beautiful poolside dinner and presentations from both Joy (from WPF) and Barbara (from TMF), further explaining the missions and the partnership of the two organizations and showing photos of the newly installed playground to the newest members of the group.

Finished Playground

Completed Mural

DAY 8: Trivandrum – 20 September
After a relaxing first day in Trivandrum, we made up for it the next day with a fun-filled day of learning and exploration. We began the day on a tour with Jai Raj of a local vegetable market. It was interesting to learn about the vegetables here and many of the team members were excited to be able to purchase spices and other grains to bring home with them. From the market, we continued on to a more rural area of town to visit the women receiving micro loans from Whole Planet Foundation. We were able to sit in on one of their meetings and visit their homes to see the looms and goats they bought with their micro loans. This experience was just another example of how extremely hospitable the people here are. All of the women were so proud and excited to demonstrate their talents and the team members were equally excited to be able to purchase beautiful white and gold sarees and dhotis from the women. After this, we headed east to Kovalum Beach and were completely blown away by the beautiful Arabian Sea and miles and miles of coconut trees. We enjoyed a beachside lunch and then went our separate ways to explore the beach, temples and do a little shopping back in Trivandrum.

Mission Complete!

Posted on September 21st, 2011 by TMF
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DAY 4
by Kelly, WFM Team Member and TMF Ambassador

We had a good breeze last night, so it seemed everyone slept well, rising early to start our day with the sun. The giant wall mural was the focus of the work today and we started with a white primer, which was a vast improvement over the dingy paint that had been there. Some of the team began digging the holes for planting trees and bushes around the playground. We all excitedly waited for 10:30 a.m., because we play games with the smallest children in the village school then. They really love crawling on the taller guys in our group and being swung around by anyone that has the energy. This was a really touching part of the day for me. I picked up one of the tiniest girls with the biggest, sweetest eyes and she collapsed on my shoulder like a rag doll, loving to be carried around and hugged. When Father left and waved goodbye to her she waved back, indicating it was fine for him to leave as long as I stayed behind. She closed her eyes and stayed on my shoulder for most of the break — heart melting.

Lunch was next and our group seems to love to eat more than anything else. The food is phenomenal and our adorable cooks Ann and Rita never disappoint with coconut curry and vegetable biryani and raita.

After a lunch break, the latex paint arrived and part of the team began painting the mural on the wall. Everyone else went on a rickshaw ride through the small town and out into the country, stopping at a river dam for a dip. We really enjoyed the ride as it gave us a chance to see everyday life. The rickshaw group returned to Sunrise Village to find a nearly finished mural, we all broke out into screams and whoops, it was beautiful to see the wall come to life.

Child's contribution to mural

Finished Wall Mural

The special treat of the day was a walk through a Shiva temple in the middle of town. Most of us haven’t experienced anything like that and the sheer size was awe inspiring. We were blessed by the priest during our long walk in the granite halls, and as we rounded the corner to exit, we were greeted by an elephant who blesses you as you leave. The painted elephant takes the rupees from your hand then pats you on the head with his trunk. The photos are really funny.

We ended the night with a celebratory dinner to welcome Joy and Genie to our group, sharing traditional Indian dishes in a restaurant in town. It was all amazing, but the highlight was the cauliflower and butter chicken. I am guessing some folks napped on the way back to the village, it was a full and enlightening day.

Posted on September 16th, 2011 by TMF
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DAY 3:
by Dot, WFM Team Member and TMF Ambassador

Today was our third day at Sunrise Village, and it was filled with love and laughter, delicious food, wonderful people, and hard work, including some blood, LOTS of sweat, and even a few tears (of joy)!

My roommate Kelly and I rose before the sun and stumbled down to the kitchen for some fruit and tea before heading outside to start building the main attraction of the playground: the slide. The largest and most labor-intensive piece of the playground, the slide required work from every member of our team to get it going. We started by carrying all the pieces of the slide out to the playground, and, boy, were they heavy! It took about 12 of us to lift and carry the slide to its new home. Once construction was underway, we split into groups, with most working on the slide. Other groups included Kaylie and Crystal painting the swing set with a happy color scheme of yellow and pink, JaiRash and Pam laying the lines for the badminton court, while Gale, Tim and I started the long and messy task of cleaning the wall in preparation for the mural we’re going to paint with the kids. It took Gale, Tim and I all morning to clean that wall. We gleefully attacked it with wire brushes and tried with all our might to sweep away the dirt and grime to let the white paint shine through. Despite some scarped knuckles, blistered palms and being covered head to toe in white dust, I would say we were victorious! After lunch PushPeroe, Barbara and Kaylie took over and finished scrubbing the wall down with water. All the while, we all watched with fascination as the slide took shape one bolt at a time!

Slide Progress

I had lots of fun experiences today! Rob and I took tips from the local masons when they wrapped our heads in the traditional scarf used to cushion the stones and gave us some light loads to carry. I tried to mimic their graceful posture and glide across the playground with rocks perfectly balanced on top of my head, but I couldn’t quite pull of the no-hands saunter!

Although the whole day was filled with special moments there was one half hour that stood out above all others. There are about 25 toddlers who attend preschool lessons during the day, and just before lunch, we got to play with them. I had just come down from rinsing all the white dust off and joined the group mid-round of the Hokey-Pokey. The children were wide-eyed and rather skeptical as we jumped around and sang the Hokey Pokey song at the top of our lungs. However, after a few rounds, they began to get the hang of it and tentatively shook a right hand or a left foot. Some even turned themselves around! We then moved into a very successful game of Duck, Duck, Goose! The children’s eyes lit up as they began to understand the game and they even took turns being the goose and running around the outside of the circle. We also played London Bridge is Falling Down, did a group Rain Clap, and finished with one last round of Hokey-Pokey. I will always remember their beautiful smiling faces and the love that poured out of them like rays of golden sunshine warming my heart.

Playing games with the children

London Bridges

After work a bit more in the afternoon, followed by a quick shopping excursion into town, we finished the day off with an awesome game of football (soccer) with the kids. I was slightly surprised and very pleased by the skill in our group (both the kids and the volunteers). One of the volunteers brought two small pop-up goals and we set them up on either end of the field. We had such a blast that we continued to play until the sun went down and the kids had to go in to study.

I feel like we crammed as much fun and hard work as possible into every moment of the day. Now, my tired, achy mussels are yelling at me to go to bed. And, as much as I am looking forward to falling asleep to the cicadas chirping outside my window, I am looking forward to the morning even more. I’m excited to make more progress on the playground, to see the kids smiling faces, to hug them until they are infused with love to the core, and to wish them a lovely school day filled with knowledge gained, as well as the pure unadulterated happiness that every child has a right to each and every day.

Posted on September 16th, 2011 by TMF
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DAY 1 & 2:
by Barbara Joubert, TMF Travel Coordinator

The Miracle Foundation is thrilled to announce that our newest Ambassadors—a group of 10 team members from Whole Foods Market—have arrived in India and our long-awaited partnership with Whole Foods Market and Whole Planet Foundation is officially underway!

Earlier this year, Whole Foods Market (WFM) and Whole Planet Foundation (WPF) generously donated funds for the purchase a fully refurbished playground. Then, earlier this week, they sent 10 WFM team members to India to install the playground at Sunrise Village in Tamil Nadu. Home to 50 orphaned children, Sunrise Village has been associated with The Miracle Foundation since 2006, when TMF helped with the initial design and construction of the children’s home.

Read further to learn all about the WFM team members first two days in India!

DAY 1
After a 14-hour flight, the Whole Foods Market team members landed in Mumbai, arriving during the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi, which celebrates Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom, prosperity, and protection.  It was thrilling for the group to experience such an incredible celebration, immediately upon landing in Mumbai!

With only about 5 hours sleep, the Ambassadors boarded a second flight and traveled to Tirunelveli, a large town in Southeast India. While onboard, they met Sivamani, one of India’s most famous percussionists. He was interested to learn they were on their way to volunteer at a children’s home and quickly showed them pictures of a children’s home where he had recently performed, stating that he hopes to have the opportunity to perform for our children some day. He then gave each ambassador a set of wireless earphones, with 2,500 songs pre-loaded in each one. He ended his visit by playing bongos—in the middle of the baggage claim area. All the Ambassadors were thrilled to have such a warm welcome to India—not to mention such a unique experience—before they’d even left the airport!

Upon arrival in Tirunelveli, the travelers enjoyed a typical southern Indian lunch of thali. As is custom, everyone did their best to eat using only their right hand. Afterwards, the travelers ventured to the nearby market, as well as a huge department store (the Macy’s of Tirunelveli), where they shopped for saris in every color and pattern imaginable. They even got to see how sari fabric is woven on a traditional, man-powered loom.

Finally, that evening, after landing in country more than ten hours earlier, TMF’s newest Ambassadors arrived at their destination. As they passed through the gates of the children’s home, they received a traditional welcome from 50 beautiful children, their loving housemothers, and the dedicated staff of Sunrise Village.  Suddenly, their jet lag vanished, and everyone was completely rejuvenated by the energy and enthusiasm of the children. After touring Sunrise Village and settling into their accommodations, the Ambassadors enjoyed yet another amazing meal. After a very exhilarating (and very long) 19-hour day, everyone fell into bed with full bellies and full hearts.

DAY 2:

The first full day started early, with an amazing breakfast of Idily, followed by escorting the children to their bus stop.  After seeing the kids off to school, the group met with the playground installation supervisor, who will help to guide them through the building of the playground. He carefully explained the task at hand and everyone joked about how nice it was to have an actual person to guide the process, as opposed to an incomprehensible instruction manual, à la Ikea! The Whole Foods team members proved themselves to be not only quick learners, but also efficient workers. Before the sun set that evening, they had built not one, not two, but three playground components, marked out the regulation-sized badminton court, filled holes, and even gave a fresh coat of paint to a recycled swing set!

Whole Planet member Tim planting trees

Whole Planet member Pam leveling ground for a badminton court

Exhausted, yet ready for more fun, the Ambassadors then created unique and individualized nametags from Popsicle sticks, beads, and duct tape. After that, they spent the rest of the afternoon sitting on the porch, enjoying the company of the children and the housemothers. That is, until it was time for the kids to do their schoolwork. Finals are coming up soon and they needed to study!

For dinner, the cooks Anne and Rita made yet another amazing meal. This time, it was masala dosa. Everyone did their part to eat everything on their plate, ensuring that nothing went to waste.  After dinner, the Ambassadors joined the children at a short prayer service and participated in the birthday celebration of one of the older girls. The evening ended with everyone joining together to watch a beautiful procession put on by the local church in celebration of its 25th Anniversary.

Stay tuned . . . the WFM team members still a lot of work to do, sites to see and experiences to have before they head home and we’ll be blogging about it all. Also, we hope to be able to include illustrative photos soon. Slow Internet service at the children’s home made it impossible for the Ambassadors to e-mail their photographs. We hope this situation can be rectified in the days ahead, so our readers can see all the amazing things that the Ambassadors are experiencing!

———-

Inspired by Whole Planet Foundation (WPF), Whole Foods Market (WFM) supports its team members in volunteering abroad in communities where WPF is funding poverty alleviation. Since 2007, over 100 WFM team members have provided community service in Costa Rica and Guatemala, teaching literacy skills, digging water trenches, reforestation, providing 80,000 meals and building carbon-efficient stoves. In 2011, over 60 team members will volunteer in Guatemala, Kenya, Peru, and India. For more information on Whole Planet Foundation and the Whole Foods Market Team Member Volunteer Program, visit http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org/get-involved/team-member-volunteer/.

Posted on September 14th, 2011 by TMF
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India—the world’s largest democracy—celebrated its 64^th day of independence on August 15, 2011. The children of Sooch Village honored this special occasion by inviting the principal of Chalagi School to be their special guest. He hoisted the flag, while the children saluted, marched, and performed patriotic dances and reenactments.

Boys Marching

Girls Marching

Girls perform a patriotic dance

Boys reenact a patriotic drama

Saluting the flag

Posted on August 19th, 2011 by TMF
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All over the world, celebrations and festivals bring families together. This is especially true of the Indian celebration of Raksha Bandhan, which means “bond of protection,“ and is a day set aside to highlight the importance of the bond between brothers and sisters.

On this special day, siblings throughout India pray for each other’s wellbeing and wish each other happiness and goodwill. Tradition calls for sisters to tie a silk thread, called a Rakhi, around their brother’s wrist and to pray for his wellbeing, while brothers make a lifelong promise to protect their sisters from all harm.

This year, Raksha Bandhan fell on August 13 and the children of Sooch Village celebrated in a very special way. After performing the Rakhi tying ritual with their siblings at Sooch Village, twenty children, two Housemothers and two staff members traveled to meet His Excellency the Governor of Jharkhand at Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House) in nearby Ranchi. While visiting His Excellency, the children were served snacks and were especially honored to have the opportunity to tie a Rakhi around his wrist. Needless to say, everyone was very happy to have had such an exciting and special day!

Posted on August 19th, 2011 by TMF
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Sooch Village Housemothers watching a video about female empowerment

Housemother Training: A regular continuing education program was recently established for the Housemothers at Sooch Village. Through this new monthly program, the Housemothers’ are receiving additional training to further enhance their skills, knowledge base, and self-image. All so they can continue to give the children the love and care they need to thrive. In the July session, the Housemothers reviewed the stages of child development and learned about the importance of female empowerment.

Children’s Talent Show: A talent show was held for the children. They participated in the competition by dancing and singing. Prizes were given out to the winners.

Medical: The monthly medical review included a blood test for every child, as well as the regular monthly documentation of their height and weight measurements.

Posted on August 19th, 2011 by TMF
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It may be exceptionally hot and dry in Texas, but it’s monsoon season in India and that means rain and milder temperatures — a great time to plant trees!

The staff at Sooch Village took this opportunity to teach the children the important role trees play in our lives. By creating tree-related art projects and planting 40 fruit trees on the grounds of Sooch Village, the children learned that trees provide: beauty and shade, shelter for animals and birds, delicious fruits and nuts, and clean air.

As you’ll see in the photos, following all their hard work, the children also found time to do some gymnastics on the soccer field!

Posted on July 22nd, 2011 by TMF
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