Kolkata, India, April 2009. She's not learning karate for kicks; she's learning it to defend herself. On first glance in the last picture, it looks like she's wearing a ring; it's actually a glowing ember. Compassion International's holistic approach to child development is all about providing for the spiritual, economic, emotional, and in this case, physical, needs of the children they serve. What that looks like differs from country to country, project to project.
Please read more about our India trip and click here for video footage on YouTube.
My son is a red belt, he’s been doing karate for a few months now. He’s doing great.
I loved the pictures, very well done.
Happy WW!
Whoa! That’s some cool stuff right there!
ouch for the ember.
I wonder how it works for them … success?
wow!that’s pretty tough 🙂
one tough kiddo:) that’s quite admirable..
My WW is up too.
Thanks for sharing these pictures and for spreading the word about Compassion International! We used to sponsor kids through World Vision and Compassion International for years until we changed a few years ago to sponsor kids and native missionaries through Gospel for Asia.
It says “Please read more”, but clicking the link only takes me back to the post with no more added. I want to read more!
My son is a black belt but I’m glad he never tried that!
Um, ouch.
Welcome back, Robin! I’ve been reading along on the trip & it was amazing. Congrats on the press by Ree, that was fun. 🙂
Great display. A lot of patience involved Also a lot of practice.Great pictures.
Wow, how fascinating! I haven’t been keeping up with your trip, but I will make time to do so soon.
It’s a remarkable paradigm shift for any parent on this side of the pond who has traditionally viewed pursuits like Karate as simple after-school activities. Seeing it practiced in a milieu where it is often a need-to-have and not a nice-to-have is an eye-opener for a parent whose main goal to date has been facilitating development and easing the way for his/her kids.
Hard to imagine what it must be like in a society where the edges are that much sharper, and the weight falls more squarely on the shoulders of the child.
Robin,
I’m really enjoying this series about your trip. Our church does a lot of work in India and we have all grown to love the people there so much. Thank you for sharing.
I also just wanted to let you know that I left you an award on my blog. I totally understand if you are too busy to accept it. Just wanted to let you know that I think you are an awesome blogger. Will you be going to She Speaks this year? I hope so!
Thanks again,
Becky A.