March 2010 Update

During March, temperatures have been above average (in the 40's) with no real rainfall over most of the district. Unfortunately the continued dry weather and heat were too much for the watermelon plants which started to wilt. Local villagers stole some of the crop and the boys ate those that could be salvaged. We've decided that while water is scarce, we'll concentrate on watering the veggie gardens and plant some areas with cow and goat fodder to ensure there is enough green vegetation to keep the animals well fed.

The cow and calf are going well, producing 14-15 litres of milk a day and generating our first income. Being able to eat the veggies from our gardens has also resulted in savings at the local produce markets. Construction work has continued on the outdoor cooking area, finishing the feeding troughs for the cows, fencing around the well and a shelter for the vehicles.

Israel's been busy with finalising the registration of the home and preparing for our first Indian Audit. A number of Government Departments dropped by for surprise inspections and were very happy with the facilities and the care given to the boys.

Once the registration and auditing are completed, and we get some decent rain, we'll buy our next two cows and calves and some more goats. Around June we aim to start our village goat rearing scheme where we will supply pairs of baby goats to poor village families. They will raise them for 6 months and then the goats will be sold. The family will keep the income from one and the income from the other will be used to buy 2 more goats for another family. So far we've been given enough money to buy our first 29 goats. Our goal is to give out 40 goats every 6 months.

The boys are busy studying for their end of year exams to be held in April. Afterwards they'll have 4 weeks holidays and will relax, help around the farm, and attend a Kid's Holiday Camp with lots of games, stories, singing and craft.


The baby goats were finally born and we now have 2 more boys to add to the number.


Looking down on the roof of the new outdoor cooking area at the rear of the kitchen building.


Fence posts in position ready to improve safety around the well.


The vehicles under the new vehicle shelter.


A large pile of straw was delivered to help feed the animals.


The boys helping to move and re-stack the straw.