Dec. 27, 2004

Tsunami Update

I finally was able to get away from the Tecnical Institute, to the village today. I reinjured my sprained foot. When we had to flee the flooded ashram and cross the Backwaters to the mainland, my sandles had been washed away. the water at one point was neek deep, but receeded quickly . We all went to the ashram roof and chanted prayers for an hour or so. By the time we were asked to leave with what we had with us, the water was only a few inches deep in places.

I removed my foot bandage to keep it dry so I had to walk a mile over rough terrain and through mud etc. with no support for my foot. It made my foot worse.

We are sleeping on straw mats on the floor, but we are safe and dry and fed, even chai 2x day.
David bought me new rubber sandals yesterday. What a treat to buy soap, toothbrush etc. I bought a house dress so I can wash again and actually put on something clean.

Amma is feeding all the refugees here and giving out essentials.We are in a colonial mansion, this institute and well taken care of. I feel we westerners are more trouble than we are worth. I don't want to be here if I can't be of service. There was talk of going back today, but now it seems that we will only be able to go and get some essentials. The cows were put in the temple, so there needs to be a crew to clean up that mess!

Talk later,
xoxo.
Kalavati