Mark has been a regular supporter of India Direct for the past 8 years. He has been a trustee for the past 2 years, and was recently able to visit the two homes as part of his medical elective.
This trip was entirely funded by Mark, and it was great that he was able to take some photos of his trip. One of his colleagues, Becky, also joined him on the trip.
We hope you like his photos!
On arrival at Chennai airport we found more baggage trollies than anybody could need (surely?).
Our first meal consisted of thali and dosa. All for the pricey sum of 54p.
Chennai city.
It was Easter when we arrived at New Bethel, so we'd brought some Easter eggs along as gifts.
Before some more music, songs, dancing and drama!
Easter eggs are somewhat rare in India, but the children got the idea of tasty c!hocolate rather quickly
It was Becky's first trip to India.
The boys had created a 'mime' show for us.
A visit to Bethel wouldn't be fun without some singing!
Meeting old friends!
Annie always makes the Trustees give a speech. No matter what!
He donates the profits to India Direct.
Next up was a visit to Omega's pig farm!
The pigs were rather noisy!
Mark and Becky, with Omega, his children (Sharon and Alpha) and Simon (Martin and Annie's son).
One of the 452 pictures of us drinking sweet lime juice. It is rather good!
Indian Starbucks is an important stop-off when you've been running around Chennai for 14 hours the previous day and need to be up early!
The office for our partner charity, LCCT.
A brief stop in Pondicherry for a breather!
And a wild Tuk-Tuk ride!
A welcome here!
Then onto Joy Home!
And the newish Boy's Home at Joy.
With some Poynton High School history.
Including their play park!
And PIP the cow!
Some more sweeties!
The schedule at Joy sounds quite strict and busy!
And our new goat!
But at least Becky found some time to try out the children's food!
Before we headed back to Chennai for a trip on the metro (a long-standing ambition of many of the India Direct trustees)...
Mainly because the Chennai metro has been being built for almost as long as India Direct has been a charity!