Seeing my Manoja!

Namaste everybody!
Today I got to go and meet in person my precious Manoja Santhoshappa. We got picked up at 7am and driven out to his village which was an hour away. We were in the backseat of a small car and the bumpiest road in the world with the world's worst driver. Needless to say those who know me well know that I was pretty sick the whole ride. Once we pulled up to the projuect in manoja's village it all disappeared. All the 240 kids of the Compassion project of that village were lined up ready to sing to us and throw flowers at our feet. Talk about feeling special. We received wonderful smelling garlands around our necks and they all cheered and a band played, it was like a little parade in our honor. We got to go inside and hear all about the project and the children. Then the moment arrived where I would see him. He walked into the room and he is so cute!! I thought for sure he would look so different but there he was still this precious boy with the biggest eyes I had ever seen. It took everything in my power to not run over and give him a huge hug (which would have been severely inappropriate here). We chatted a little, but he and I have so much in common.....he is terribly shy, he lost his father last year, and he loves to sing.
They took us into the chapel and the kids screamed and started singing a beautiful worship song in English. We got introduced and some girls did a dance for us. We sang a worship song and then Manoja sang a song to me!!! It was one of the greatest moments in the world. We got up to say encouraging words to the kids and I prayed for all of them in front of everyone.
Next we went to see Manoja's house and neighborhood. He lives in a one room hut with two beds and meager possessions. They did have a small tv though which suprised me!
They fed us cake and gave us tons of exotic fruits. I got excited over having a pommegranite and everyone thought that was funny.
We were asked so many questions about America and our families. I asked lots on what they do for fun and how old they were. I gave Manoja his presents and he loved the bubble gum (props mom and john) and he looked so happy. I found out that I was the first person in the whole project to visit their sponsored child! They took so many pictures of me and of Emily that we were dizzy.
Seeing him and being able to talk to him gave me so much joy that I want to do more. I want him to reach his dream of becoming a teacher and helping others. I am so emotional!!!!
Lastly we ate a delicous authentic South Indian meal made by the village women (we could be paying for that later) and said our goodbyes and I said one last prayer for Manoja and his family and the project.
It has been such a beautiful day to be alive!Now we fly to Chennai to see the sights and maybe find Emily's boy.
I love you and miss you all very much!
~Michelle