Home & Country Newsletters (Stoney Creek, ON), Winter 2014, page 5

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India 2013 For the eleven of us who were fortunate to travel to India together, our 'Mysteries of India’ tour was a memorable experience. Our guide, Aditya Singh tried his best to educate us about India’s history and geography during our twoâ€" week tour. India seemed to be a land of contrasts. The chaotic streets were jammed with modern cars, buses and motorcycles that wove in and out sharing the road with pedal rickshaws, oxen carts, horse carts, bicycles, camels, many cows and even the odd elephant. Outside, we heard the constant cacophony of beeping horns, wilted in the heat and humidity, were jostled along by the crowds of people and hassled by the street vendors. But, inside our luxurious airâ€"conditioned hotels, we were welcomed by smiles, formal greetings and a quiet serenity. The magnificent beauty of the Taj Mahal, the intricate carvings and art work preserved in the many temples, tombs, mosques, castles and forts were awe inspiring. Their opulence was in sharp contrast to the refugee encampments and rural villages. While century old techniques were still being used, cell phones abounded even/where. Despite the many evidences of poverty, the smiling school children emerged in clean crisp uniforms and the women walked elegantly in their beautiful saris. We tried many Indian dishes (even a rooftop meal hosted by a local family), traveled on numerous modes of transportation and saw many ancient crafts demonstrated (always with the option to purchase!) We journeyed on to Chennai to attend the 27th ACWW Triennial Conference hosted by the DMI (Daughters of Mary Immaculate) Society who welcomed us warmly and took great care in ensuring our safety and wellâ€"being. The diverse cultures of India were displayed with the pipes and drums welcoming us to the conference and many song and dance performances throughout the program. Indian school children visited to receive the many schoolbooks and supplies that were donated by the delegates. “a... M... l"a@‘1ޢh\£‘l“ ‘ ' (lth Wu" "T. .w- - The business of the conference consisting of reports, resolutions and elections was ably chaired by World President May Kidd. Speakers told about the progress of local projects and delegates attended workshops explaining the many aspects of ACWW committees. Buses took delegates to villages where wevisited local women and projects to see the practical help and encouragement the women have received from DMI and ACWW. Congratulations to Ruth Shanks from Australia who was elected the new World President; Margaret Yetman from Newfoundland who was elected ACWW Deputy President; and Sheila Needham from Quebec who was elected ACWW Canada Area President. Evelyn Peck, F WIO President

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