John's World...Jeevarathni Run



 This morning we made our way over to Jeevarathni to participate in their annual 5K run.  We couldn’t have asked for a better morning.
  
It all started with the attitude of the kids when they woke up.  They couldn’t wait to do it.  Since we have been here, there has been a bit of sibling jealousy.  As it turns out, Ashram took home a medal from Indus School for winning the mat race with his friend Larissa.  This leaving the Tahiliani Brother Medal Count at 1-0 Ashram.  James woke up wanting to outright cream his brother.  Ashram, as it turned out, was also excited about the race and a chance to have a big South Indian breakfast afterwards. 

The race itself couldn’t have been more enjoyable.  The sun stayed behind clouds that hinted to rain later.  Thankfully, we had no rain during our time there.  The foundation is located in a high altitude section of Tamil Nadu, so we weren’t feeling the heat. 

As the race started, James sprinted the first kilometer or so with Ashram and most of the kids in a pack.  The adults…well…we were a bit slow at the start.  By kilometer two, we picked up Ashram, and Brinda walked with him while I jogged with some of the kids.  By kilometer four, I found James waiting for me.  We raced the rest of the way.  Loser gets the other’s medal. 

Ashram making friends during the race

This guy making friends with my cell phone camera

I lost.


Finish line with Auntie

The Tahiliani Brother Medal Count now stands at 2-2 (Ashram got a medal for running the race).
We all had fun and the kids and family of Jeevarathni couldn’t have been more welcoming.

who needs a medal when this is your reward

After the race, Rahul and I checked out the hop farm we planted a month ago.  Peeking out of the ground was one hop plant.  Now you might think.  “Oh.  Too bad.”  However, this is great news.  We now know they are growing.  One month and they are popping out.  One for now.  I am sure the others will follow. 

It was something for me to show the foundation farmer Raju a picture of the seeding.  Only an inch high but it brought such a wide smile to his face. 

progress

The foundation, the race, a tied medal count, and botanical progress.  Couldn’t have asked for a better start to June.

jeevarathni.org

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