We just arrived in Madurai about 2 hours ago.  We had a LONG day–up and on the bus at 6am and finally arrived here at 7pm. We broke it up by stopping at a spice plantation and then at enjoyed a lovely lunch in the hill station of Thekkady.  Upon arrival at our hotel in Madurai we were greeted by children from the SEED center (an educational institution in a Madurai slum) with jasmine flowers for everyone. Dinner was buffet style tonight and everyone quickly retreated to their rooms after a long journey. Tomorrow we will visit the Meenakshi Temple of Madurai and explore the city before our evening dance class.  Here are the shout outs the students wrote at dinner tonight:

“Yesterday we went to the Home of Hope girls orphanage. I made friends with many of the girls and it was an overall awesome experience.” –Josh

“The orphanage was such a rewarding experience. The kids are so appreciative of everything and their hospitality is amazing. It was great to know that by making that visit to Home of Hope, we made some difference. Hearing the kids future goals and aspirations were so inspirational. Thats just what we all needed.” –Shawn

“I love the kids were meeting.” –Chris

“The girls of the Home of Hope orphanage were some of the happiest I’ve ever seen.” –Jeremy

“Hey guys! In Madurai for awhile! 10 hour van ride…It wasn’t that fun. But last night we went to the orphanage and I had a blast with a little 12 year old girl named Sandihya. I will keep in contact with her and send her our pictures. I wish I could take her back with me! I love and miss you all! Peace!” –Amy

“Hey, I miss you all a lot. I will call when I can. We are now in Madurai-just finished a 10 hour bus ride.” –Love, Molly

“Hello everyone! Yesterday 07-14-08, we went to Home of Hope and we play with the little girls and some people donated toys and other things :). Today 07-15-08: We went to a garden “Spice plantation” and we saw different plants and spices that were exciting! Well I thin thats all. I love you Mom.” –Ana

“We have been having such a great time, the people, the land and the food are all wonderful. We experienced climbing up 500 steps at a temple when staying at Sangam. Once reaching the temple, we were able to relax and enjoy the temple! Everyone has been great!” –Valeria

“We took a backwaters boat tour and had a traditional banana leaf lunch. It was a great experience and seriously beautiful. Love you mom!” –Althea

“The visit to the shravanabelagola temple was quite adventurous. We encountered a 500 step climb to the top. Even though the heat was unbearable, we worked through it and became victorious. One feels much better when they take the hard way. The enormous statue was magnificent. Our experiences were some of the best.” –Teebo

“Going to Home of Hope was awesome! The girls were so much fun and so sweet. I wish we could go back! I’ve been a little homesick, but I’m still having a great time! Our hotel in Madurai is really snazzy! I love you mom! See you in 13 days!” –Beth

“We’ve stayed VERY busy! Cochin is a very friendly city on the coast of the Arabian Sea. We enjoyed a banana leaf dinner and took a canoe-like boat through the backwaters of Kerala. Today we left for Madurai. We drove over the mountains and through the tea and spice plantations. We were introduced to Aryuvedic remedies. On our way to Tamil Nadu we saw fields of pineapples, rice, palms, sugar cane and peanuts. All for now! Much love to all.” –April