Richard H. Experiencing the girls as you described must make your efforts even more meaningful. Thanks for providing a glimpse of their lives. Hope there is even more info. about them to come when you all return home.

Richard H. These blog entries are terrific - they help me be there in spirit. Hope there are photos of some of you in the tuk-tuks.

Richard H. Interesting day - thanks for providing a nice sense of what it was like.

Richard H. The highs and the lows of the human condition - a rich experience to say the least. Helen thanks for this blog - it has whetted all our appetites for more info. about your trip.

Richard H. Wonderful entry - gave me a good feel for your experience. See you soon. Love.

Richard Kruse Wow! That's a heart wrenching voyage from exhilarating opportunity being supported by your heroic Ohio Women to the heartbreak of a despot wrecking havoc on innocents. I guess this range of emotion makes us human and you have traveled in one day from the highlands of hope to the hellish depths of despair. May it open your eyes without damaging your spirit. Thanks for your insights and, of course, for your generosity on behalf of "your girls," Richard Kruse. As you can see, I sign these formally since they won't allow me to call myself Dick!

Susan Roxburgh Thanks so much for sharing - this was very moving.

Ed Schmidtke Helen, I look forward to living your experiences vicariously!

Jance Lentz Hatch It all sounds just wonderful, wish I were there with you all!

Jance Lentz Hatch It sounds lovely and I would be going crazy trying to draw all the scenery. How special! Stay safe you guys.

Richard Another wonderful day for you and your group. I keyed into your last line - some of what you see and feel seems to be a mixture of beauty, magic and privation. I'm glad you are taking it all in from both sides- makes for the richest experience. Love you.

Richard Kruse I bet Stanford won the award for most authentic carved swan. Meanwhile, why do I suspect that Helen was in the middle of the belly laughter. Me thinks a Meercat is in your mist or is that midst?

Richard Hirschman Sounds like a glorious day but I'm tired just reading about it. :-) I hope you all have a photo party with a narrator. I would love it.

Martha Ward Wonderful reading, What a fascinating country, your descriptions bring up memories of old movies, news and television shows. It is crazy great you are there. Enjoy, thanks for sharing, what memories for you to savor forever. Love, Martha