On Thursday we visited St. Michael's School which is next to the diocesan center. It is a school of 3000+ students grades k-12. Being a private school, families who send their children here are mainly middle class and above. In recent years the school has created scholarships for children of the hostel at the diocesan center. The principle lead us through many classrooms and to a Physical Training Class (our P.E.). Students have PTC every day. I observed no overweight children here.

In the afternoon we were back at the hostel with the children in their various classes and the after school program. A highlight of the evening was a presentation of knitted shawls which knitters from St. Phillip's Brevard had made for each of the children who live in the hostel. While knitting the shawls the knitters prayed for the child who would receive it. Each child came forward one by one to receive their shawl. They would immediately wrap themselves in it and flash a large smile to their fellow students.

Two our our group went to a micro enterprise work supported by Episcopal Relief and Development. Sallie Hart, one of the visitors will be bloginging about this visit.

Today part of the group joined the clergy from Durgapur for a clergy retreat. We talked about prayer ministry, The Order of St. Luke and remaining fresh in our ministries. These are amazing clergy with deep passion for what they do.

The others in our group toured various neighborhoods of Durgapur.

The Companion Diocese Committee of Durgapur invited us to their regular meeting this evening. Each of us was invited to reflect both on our visit and our relationship as companions. Comments both by folks from WNC and from Durgapur were very moving. This relationship has grown over the six years to be one of mutual respect and learning. The level of works being done by this diocese in schools, new churches, health and economic support is strong. We are heartened by what we are seeing and learning from our companions here.

We continue to appreciate your prayers.

Todd Donatelli