some pictures around the Ashram and Pen

Here are a few pictures of the Ashram and the village of Pen. (where I am writing this blog from) The road is just outside the Ashram gate and the trucks, cars, ox carts and Rickshaw taxis all blast along here (horns blasting that is) day and night. The ashram has an office and living area for the manager and her family, a room for the volunteers, a large girls room with bathroom area and a large boys room with bathrrom area. There is a kicthen separating the two rooms and a large outdoor area with a garden and play area. The children do homework either inside in the boys room or on the front veranda. The laundry is hung on the fence each day and the climber overlooks the garden and also the valley and river below.

The bus the children are getting on is one of the government buses. That's the type I rode to Penvel on one of my outtings. Old and very basic but cheap and they run often. 5 rupees to town (12 cents)

Tomorrow is a holiday, "Shiva" festival. Lots of festivals here, one day each month is a holiday for the Marathi school children for "Genesha" day. (the elephant god and friend to all)

Hope everyone is well and warm. Love and hugs Beth