Sunday 25 February 2018

Belgaum: Bailhongal

Today the team left the comfort of Belgaum, and set out on our next journey to Hubli.  We stopped at Bailhongal to meet 400 children and deliver their kits.  We were supported by many of the rotary, as well as a group of young volunteers from the Air force Academy.  The distribution was a success, and we saw a lot of happy children. 

We then took a small journey to visit some of the recipients homes, where we were immediately greeted by the neighborhood children.  They followed us through our entire visit.  We first stopped at a young mothers home, where she lived in two rooms with her 3 children.  Her husband had died, and she was raising her children now alone.  She was proud to have us come to visit, and excited to show her bedkit. 


Our journey then stopped at a little shop, where Jeff bought dozens of bananas to feed our little followers, he was swarmed by little children anxious to receive his treat.  We carried on, and visited another family, also living in small quarters.  Their home was shared with a mom, dad, grandmother and 3 children.  A cow, and her calf also shared their home.  Inside they had set up a small space for their animals.  The cows provide the family with milk, which can be very expensive to provide the children, and knowing they have this resource is important to the family.

While at this home, Neil came across a man riding a bicycle and carrying a cooler full of frozen snacks.  He decided to buy all the treats for the children.  Neil was surrounded by many happy faces.  The children enjoyed their frozen treats, and the man on the bicycle left thrilled that he had made all his sales for the day in one stop.


Through the journey, we played and sang with the children, I believe the team shared the joy of this walk as much as the children.

Team Belgaum 2018
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