Heat

The sun bakes on days like this. You begin to realize that the wind blowing does nothing to cool. It scrapes along the skin wiping whatever moisture there is away leaving what feels like a sandy landscape. As you move about, your eyeballs dry out as the hot wind reaches in to suck up that liquid as well. This is the scenario of a hot day in south India. It is 37 degrees with about 80% humidity. In this heat you would expect the clothes to dry - they don't. It's a bit too humid.

By night, as the sun drops down and the humidity stays, you skin develops a coating of stickiness. A cold shower becomes delicious.

For most of the day, the power has been off so things like the internet have been elusive. But it is the fan that is lost - the chance for the movement of air from the ceiling.

Yet, it is also wonderful. In the later afternoon we hopped on our mopeds and wandered between villages. We were delighted to see Rajakumari in one village. She is an ama in our guest house - part of an incredibly hardworking cadre of women who essentially make the places work. They are jewels. Here in our guest house I have come to really enjoy them despite the fact that we each have about 8 words in the other person's language.

Our trip is nearing its conclusion - there is one more massage, three more dinners. We have been honoured by an invitation for breakfast at an Indian home on Sunday. This will be a highlight.

I have met some powerful and brave people here who believe in the rights of children. Some of what we take for granted around child protection is still only a conversation in its infancy here. But there are women and men willing to keep it going knowing that it may be generations before vast change occurs. But change is happening and these amazing people are making it happen. I have been blessed to meet them.