Stop Human Trafficking: the Odanadi Cycle

It's Been A While...!

2010-07-10T18:37:00.001-07:00

Hi, everyone!

It has been a long while since I have updated here. I just wanted to thank EVERYONE for their amazing support last year!

I sincerely regret and apologize for not being able to follow up accordingly after my life changing experience last year. I had a difficult time digesting everything I saw, learned and felt while on the cycle jatha, but today I stand and realize how amazing and powerful the women and children of Odanadi are and what they have done for a volunteer like me!

With that said, I am returning to do more volunteer work at Odanadi with a friend this year!

Please refer to www.willandsharongotoindia.blogspot.com for more information on Odanadi, Odanadi US - an arm of Odanadi, and on volunteer work in India.

<3, Sharon

It's Getting HOT IN HURR

2009-06-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

India is hot. Yes.

We are FINALLY having a rest day, which means NO CYCLING! YIPPEE!

Cycling has been fun but also really challenging. I have ultra man legs and a tan of a crazy person. BUT, I am still loving India.

We are staying at a guesthouse in some forest of some village that sounds like "Gerekere." Of course, I could be completely wrong, but that's what I hear when they say the village name. HE HE HE.

The guesthouse is super nice and has lots of shade. We did laundry in the shade today. And YES, I have learned the Indian way of doing laundry.

Squat. Sweat. Slap. Smile.

The position is squatting (as is the same for going to the toilet). You sweat while you pour water on your choice of dirty clothing and scrub your butt off with a brush. Then, you proceed to slap that piece of clothing onto whatever slab of rock you are working on. Finally, you smile a smile of relief and satisfaction (and pride -- for the foreigners only).

This experience (not the laundry..actually the laundry too..but I mean INDIA!) has been freaking amazing. Even if I wanted to write about every day of my trip here, no words can explain the relationships that have been made and the emotions that I feel every day. We travel to so many places, see so many different things and meet so many different people that it is super hard for me to keep track of everything.

Although I don't know the stories of all the Odanadi girls, they are amazing women. Whatever struggles they have had in the past has not stopped them from just being girls. Hopefully this "cycle jatha" - cycle rally - will help them to build their confidence as women living in a country where they are considered significantly less than men.

We have been cycling to villages and schools where the girls will sing songs to bring people out. They then split up and pass out pamphlets explaining what Odanadi Seva Samsthe (Odanadi Seva Trust) does. There is also a phone number for a hotline people are able to call if they are or know someone who is being abused/has been trafficked/etc.

Because the subject of human trafficking is very taboo in India, Stanly and Parashu (the founders of Odanadi) have turned to the theme of "Our Earth, Our People" in order to help spread awareness of environmental issues as well as trafficking issues. I think it's genius but I also think we need to be pushing harder to talk more openly about trafficking issues.

Okay! This entry has been all over the place, I apologize! There are just too many things going on and so many things I want to talk about that I had to write out whatever I could! (:

I hope everyone at home and abroad is doing well!

See everyone in 14 days!

<3, Sharon

THIS. IS. INDIA.

2009-06-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

"T.I.I."
- Christina Lagdameo

So we are in Arkulgud or something right now. We are sleeping in a wedding hall tonight and I snuck out with the volunteers to get some Internet time before we have to eat dinner and meet some guy.

Anyways, I've learned that in India, we have no control over anything. Whatever happens, happens. At first it was really frustrating because I never knew what was going on (actually it still is frustrating), but now I think it's gotten a little better. (:

Okay, I have to run. I have no idea what's goin on tomorrow.

All I know is that I have a super duper farmer's tan, bad hair, bad skin...

BUT I know how to eat with my right hand. (:

<3, Sharon

Seven Years in Tibet...

2009-06-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, not really. I wish.

But I've been at a Tibetan colony for the past two days. It is AMAZING here. We visited the Golden Temple with the girls yesterday and had a chance to visit a monastary. And right before we arrived at the Tibetan colony....we were trekking through a jungle with elephants, peacocks, deer and....LEECHES. IT was awesome because we got to stay at this tribal village, which can be compared to a Native American tribe in the United States. The people at this village are very poor and are living on land specifically allotted for them.

I feel so privileged because there is very limited access into the tribal village (which, by the way, took a 25 minute jeep drive into the jungle!) and foreign internationals are NOT allowed to stay over night in the Tibetan colony.

Crazy!!!

Okay, I don't have much time because we have to cycle to another village in 15 minutes so I must end it here!

All I can say is that I am falling more and more in love with the girls and India as well.

Thank you everyone for your support! I will try to update again soon.

<3, Sharon

P.S. CHAI AND BISCUITS = NEW OBSESSION

Blessed.

2009-05-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to be where I am, with the people that I am with.

I'm getting to know the volunteers and they are pretty cool, but I definitely think the Odanadi girls are much, much cooler. (:

I've learned SO much since I've been here..and it's only been like three days!

The spirit of everyone at Odanadi (which means "soulmate" in Kannada - language used here in Karnataka) is AMAZING. The girls here are so special. Seeing them laugh, take care of one another and love each other is so beautiful.

The girls living at Odanadi range anywhere from ages four to 20. Most of them are victims of trafficking (all kinds, but mostly sex), while others have mothers who are involved with pimps and can't get out because of money. Others have either been rescued off the streets and many are also orphans.

I didn't know a lot of these things before coming to Odanadi. And not knowing this and meeting these girls has made me realize the power of this healing place. No one would ever guess what these girls have been through because they seem like a regular bunch of just girls!

Putting aside what they've been through, they simply are that: JUST GIRLS! (: They are beautiful inside and out and every time I hear a: "Sister Sharon! Sister Sharon!" I can't help but smile and really feel like I am a part of the Odanadi family.

So much has been learned from the past few days that I don't have time to write about everything here, but I hope this entry has given you all just a glimpse of what I am experiencing here so far...ALL BEFORE the actual cycle!

The cycle itself begins tomorrow. We are being dropped of at an inauguration, where we are being "sent off." After the bikes are dropped off at the site, we will ride back to Odanadi, eat lunch and then tackle our first village!

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

<3, Sharon

HELLO FROM INDIA!

2009-05-22T02:45:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone!

I made it alive! I'm in India! (: (at an Internet cafe)

I am VERY jet lagged and still in super disbelief that I am in India right now.

The food is amazing, the people I met are amazing and the cycle...even though it hasn't begun yet...WILL BE AMAZING.

Today, we are just relaxing and getting ourselves organized. Tomorrow and Sunday will be orientation days. Monday, the cycle begins!

I was really pumped about updating the blog often, but it looks like I will not be bringing my lap top along with me on the cycle. Because Internet connection is not guaranteed everywhere we go, I will be taking notes by hand and updating the blog every time I get the chance to go to an Internet cafe!

Everyone that knows me...knows that I am crazy about kids! I am so ready to bring home some Indian babies! They are adorable! OKay...kidding about bringing them home....but they are so, SO SOOOOOOOOo cute!

Anyways, I will update the next chance I get!

Wish me luck, everyone!

<3, Sharon

London!

2009-05-21T04:03:00.001-07:00

I just experienced the most hilarious flight from Baltimore ever.

Getting ready to find my way to India! (:

Although I do have my lap top now, I may not be able to cycle with it!

So my blog posts will be minimal! ):

Stay tuned!

<3, Sharon

Thank Yous!

2009-05-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'd like to thank the following individuals for their sponsorships!

Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority sisters
- Stephanie F.!!! <3 SLIC(k)...THAT IS ALL <3
- Holly L. <3 thanks so much girl!
- Rita W. I
- Jessie T. LOVE
- Sy-Yu C. THE
- Rhia P. THETA
- Dilys F. THUGS

AASU Family!

- Boosaba <3!
- Phil M. <3 <3!

- Minsoo K. weeeeeh!
- Jessica Y. BFF!
- Lina C. my lil chiclet!
- Thiruvenkata P., whom I have yet to meet in life! (:
- Kim T. taeyang's wife! <3

<3, Sharon

WOAH!

2009-05-19T08:21:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I am leaving tomorrow!??!

This is almost unreal, that in only a few days, I'll be standing in INDIA. My departure is most definitely bitter sweet because I am missing everyone's graduations but I will also be getting started with the experience of my life!

I admit that I'm really nervous and almost feel unprepared for this trip in many, many ways. But it was meant to be, so I will see everyone on the other side, for sure. (:

I am bringing my lap top in order to keep everyone posted on what's going on and the progress of the cycle (aka whether I am surviving physicall! HAHA!...bad joke...yeah?), so I will try to update every time I get Internet service.

Donations and sponsorships are still being accepted, everyone! I will update on how much more I have to go to reach my goal by tonight! So stay tuned!

Also! Here's a link to an article on the ride written by a Canadian journalist who I'll get to meet in India!

http://www.calgaryherald.com/columnists/Joining+freedom+ride+southern+India/1595560/story.html

Okay, now....back to the last few paragraphs of my LAST FINAL PAPER FOR THE YEAR....

<3, Sharon

Updation to the Maximation! .... ?

2009-05-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

He he he. My title makes no sense! But you get the point (I hope?).

I'm going to take the time now to thank individually, those who have donated to my trip since the last time I gave shout outs!

Bear with me! (: I've been logging all the donations I've been receiving: in person, online, by mail, etc. So I'm 99% sure that I won't be missing anyone!

IF FOR SOME REASON I MISS YOU...please send me a mean e-mail. It's not fair that I forget someone who is willing to support me on this trip!

Here we go! (:

Thanks to these people for their AMAZING FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS!

Asian American Student Union Executive Board (AASU) FAMILY!!
- AASU Advisors DHARMZ and JEE (gee gee gee..baby baby baby)! MY ULTIMATE MOTIVATORS
- former president..NEHA S. (I LOVE U for ALWAYS LISTENING TO ME <3)
- KAREN TAN/TAR/THONG <3

Sigma Psi Zeta Alumni!!!!! <3 Thinking of me EVEN IN THE REAL WORLD!
- My BIG SISTER - Mary M.!!! <3 You are THE BEST!
- One of the most inspiring/caring --> Cathy
- My wonderful auntie CLARA!!
- Goofball lover Jocelyn!
- Super active and always putting a smile on my face- Tran!
- VA TECH sister Christina S.!!!! <3 LOVE FROM OUT OF STATE!

Sigma Psi Zeta Sisters! (:
- Amanda!!!!!!!!!! (psister, forever friend and CRONK!)
- Lillian!!! THE FIRST SISTER TO DONATE TO MY CAUSE. You melt me with your "GANBATE!"
- Dilys!! <3 Sweet child with a big heart!! <3
- Donna~~~ (: the MOST AMAZING!!!!

- AAST class buddy Donny!!!!! <3 You have given me the LARGEST DONATION YET <3 THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

- Vinny!!! My unfailing friend and wang ja.

- ALWAYS ALWAYS warm and friendly SILVY UNNI <3

Pi Delta Psi Fraternity!!! <3
-former president, Patrick L.!! (: My Jamal!!!!!
- alumnus, Shawn W. (SENIOR SNORES/CLAW), FROM ALL THE WAY IN KOREA! (:

- Dr. DAN K.!

- Thomas M.~!!! My french buddy in NYC!! <3 THANKS SO MUCH ;d

- MY BOSS WOMAN <3 <3 Rebecca B-L!!!!!!

- Mr. Park from Bethel Church!

- MY FAVORITE OPPAS -> CHAE HO OPPA AND GA RAM OPPA (:

- MY GUARDIAN ANGEL!!! JASON C. OPPA from CA! ^^V

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, the most AMAZING people who care to support someone they have never met!!!!!!!- Neelaveni S.
- Thang N.
- Kumar R.
- Hina P.
- Pai-Hsuan O.

AGAIN...Thank yoou to EVERYONE who is being SO supportive of my trip. THIS REALLY COULD NOT HAPPEN WITHOUT EVERYONE'S LOVE AND CARING!!!!

<3, Sharon

I Am Alive...I Think?

2009-05-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

13 Days.

ONLY 13 DAYS.

A part of me feels like I am not ready for this trip...but I wouldn't have come this far if I wasn't meant for it, right?

RIGHT!

Anyways, I apologize for not having updated my blog in TOO LONG. I have been very stressed with school and post-India plans and things are not getting better. Hopefully things will lighten up once I finish up with school work!

I have a LOOOOOONG list of shout outs that I want to give..but they will have to wait till my next post. But for now: THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THOSE WHO HAVE GENEROUSLY GIVEN ME WHATEVER THEY COULD DURING THESE RIDICULOUSLY TOUGH TIMES.

Honestly, I tear up every time I receive a donation. It is nice to know that there are people who care about me and care about the cause. <3

Okay, friends! I am nearly up to the $1,000 mark with raising funds! YAY!!!! But a LOT more to go! CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE WORD!!!

---

Yesterday, I started on pills for Typhoid Fever and today I received two shots for immunizations. OUCH and ughh....I've definitely been feeling the side effects.

*NAUSEOUS*

I promise to update more before I leave!

<3, Sharon

In Regards to Where Donations Go!

2009-04-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hi, again, everyone!

I want to make sure that everyone knows where their sponsorship donations are going!

My first entry highlights exactly where donations go, but I forgot to add in that donations will also go to visa fees as well as vaccination fees as both can be pricy!

<3, Sharon

Ticket Bought & 23 Days!

2009-04-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone!

You will all be SUPER annoyed with me because I will probably start off most of my blog entries THANKING everyone!

CURRENT DONATIONS RECEIVED: $425

I am SO thankful and grateful that I have been receiving donations from people all over! WORDS REALLY CANNOT EXPRESS MY FEELINGS TO MY SPONSORS!!!! THANK YOU ALL!!!!

SHOUT OUTS to...

- Sigma alumns who have GRACIOUSLY donated!
* My big sister, Mary! * Sy * Jocelyn! * Cathy!

- Jen S. (Vanilia) aka UPPER for being my motivator and encourager!!!

- Charlie from Yale University!! (YOU'VE TOUCHED MY HEART!)

- Jason oppa from Cali! (MY BIG BROTHER/ANGEL)

- Kumudha (AASU e-board), Dharma (psychobrit!), Jason (BFF) for helping spread the word on my trip through Facebook and e-mails!

I will try my best to recognize all those who have reached out with love and support!!!

~~

I've finally bought my ticket. THIS MAKES MY TRIP ULTRA OFFICIAL!

I leave on Wednesday, May 20. OH. EM. GEE.

It's a little (a LOT) scary knowing that there are only 23 more days until I leave for one of the greatest challenges of my life!

There are so many thoughts running through my head, but all I can say is that I AM GRATEFUL FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE THINKING OF ME AND WISHING ME THE BEST!

<3, Sharon

Donation Methods!

2009-04-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

Hi, everyone!

Just so people know...you need a Pay Pal account to donate online! It's not that hard to get one so proceed if you may! (:

Here's the button again!

If this is too much of a hassle for you, PLEASE E-MAIL ME FOR MY MAILING ADDRESS! I'd be more than happy to accept donations by postal mail!

e-mail: tasteofcharm@gmail.com

THANKS, EVERYONE!

<3, Sharon

Special Shout Outs!

2009-04-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

I'd like to give special shout outs to....

DHARMA NAIK! Without your push, I would not have made my decision comfortably!

HAOMIN XU! For being my motivator to commit to this awesome cause!!!!! <3

PETER OH! You're officially the first sponsor for my trip through the DONATION BUTTON!!!

RASHMI PARTHASARATHI! You have been such an encouragement! Thanks so much for helping to spread the word!

KIM-KHANH VAN! Who has also donated through mail!!!

MY TAU CHAPTER SISTERS OF SIGMA PSI ZETA SORORITY! You girls are so supportive! Thanks so much for your encouraging messages and your love!

JULIAN JUNG! THE DONATION BUTTON NOW WORKS BECAUSE OF HIM! (:

Thanks EVERYONE for their support! I really, really appreciate it and DEFINITELY NEED IT.

Less than a month to go!

<3, Sharon

Once in a Lifetime....

2009-04-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Means there's no second chance...(for those Disney nerds out there)...

Anyways.

Hi, everyone! My name is Sharon and I am a senior journalism major at the University of Maryland!

I have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to go to South India with ten other female volunteers to bicycle ride for 30 days with 20 young women survivors of Odanadi Seva Trust. Odanadi is a non-profit organization based in Mysore, India, which rescues, rehabilitates and empowers young women and children survivors of sex trafficking.

AND I HAVE DECIDED THAT I HAVE TO DO THIS!!!!!

We will be cycling for about 12.4 miles for 30 days to 60 different villages in Karnataka, India. In each village, the Odanadi women will make presentations about human trafficking and environmental justice. The girls and volunteers will plant a tree in each village as a gift from Odanadi and as a reminder about the issues discussed.

Here are some Q&As on the CYCLE itself:

Q: Is this a new program or has it been done before?

Odanadi did a similar cycle for 35 days 3 years ago. We had both Indian and foreign volunteers cycle with about a dozen of the girls. It was a huge success and there were no problems during the entire duration of the cycle.

Q: What kind of bike will the volunteers be provided with and what sort of terrain/landscape is Karnataka?

Since we will only be cycling no more than 20 kilometers each day and will be riding on relatively flat terrain, all participants will use a basic bicycle. These are the same bicycles that the women use to ride back and forth to school every day. All participants will be provided helmets, t-shirts, track suit pants and caps.

Q: What will the volunteers be doing?

The purpose of the cycle is to raise awareness about human trafficking and environmental justice. In each village, the Odanadi women will make presentations about these issues and we will plant a tree in each village as a gift from Odanadi.

I've created this blog in order to help fundraise for my trip to India as well as to keep everyone informed of any updates and happenings with the trip.

ALL EXTRA DONATIONS WILL BE DONATED TO THE ORGANIZATION. ALL SPONSORS WILL BE ABLE TO GET A TAX RECEIPT. They will receive a formal letter and receipt from Odanadi immediately.

COSTS: Each volunteer or sponsoring organization/institution will be expected to pay for the costs of the flight to and from India and pay $800 US to Odanadi for all costs, including food, accommodations, transportation and bicycle equipment.

Each participant is expected to pay for the costs of the flight to and from India and pay $800 US to Odanadi for all costs, including food, accommodations, transportation and bicycle equipment.

I have exactly a month before I will be in South India and I would GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY AMOUNT OF DONATIONS FOR THIS CAUSE!!

For more information on Odanadi, please visit: www.odandi.org, www.odanadi-uk.org

<3,

Sharon