I had heard about CPT a few years ago, only through word-of-mouth, and learned about this lovely American couple who had sacrificed their lives for under-privileged village children. This was a great inspiration for me, especially after witnessing the conditions under which homeless families live on the streets of India.

In December of 2008 I first came in contact with CPT's founder, Michael Galligan and, at that moment, felt a distinct sense of great Love and Wisdom while in his presence. Over this last year, I visited the school, assisting on the farm, teaching the children a little bit of music and walking over the beautiful land with Michael, listening to his vision for CPT. The place was filled with Love. Over time he and I became friends and I gained a greater understanding of what the Project could mean for all who would come in contact with it. I saw how Love expanded in me and in others as a result of contact with the children. Not only the children, but all who choose to come and share in this Love benefit from such a combining of energies and efforts, and cannot help but grow spiritually.

Currently my role in the Project is assisting Michael in whatever way possible in all the business, construction and on-site management functions. Through listening to him I have come to share in the vision of what I think will become a glorious manifestation of Love in Action, a great and innovative spiritual instrument that will bring many blessings to the surrounding community and to the country of India itself. I feel CPT will eventually be recognized globally as a self-sustaining project that engenders Peace, Love, Truth and human understanding.

When I first came to India in 2006 from the U.S., I had a desire to work in an orphanage and to live in a spiritual community somewhere in India. Today, just before I sat to write this, I shared this idea with Michael and Aleli, telling them that this desire or dream for my life's purpose has actually come to be through The Children's Project. I just had no idea that it would be this grand.

As for the children, they all shine so brightly, full of Love and self-confidence. I love to make them laugh. That brings me great joy.

There is definitely divine guidance playing its hand in this project. Through the wisdom of the unknowing and the knowing, I am enthusiastic for the glory that will be bestowed upon this worthy endeavor. It will undoubtedly bear far greater fruit that we can ever imagine.

I heard about CPT from two very devoted friends of the project. They told me the story of Michael and Aleli's love, devotion and self-sacrifice and it resonated deep within my heart. After meeting them, I was given permission to move to Coorg to join the "family" in July 2008.

My experiences here with Michael, Aleli, the children and all the animals have been the most rich, challenging and profound of
my life. Over the course of a year I have played the role of administrative assistant, project organizer, cook, nurse, teacher, cow doctor, dog midwife, counselor, disciplinarian, leader, etc. All of this and so much more has made my life meaningful and fulfilling. I am so grateful for this great gift of having the opportunity to play a part in the unfoldment of this divine and most beautiful play.

With Michael's love and vision, Aleli's devotion and tenacity and Swami's Grace, CPT is destined to grow and flourish far into the future. Continued success is guaranteed as Swami's blessings flow over us daily. His Presence here is always palpable.

A beloved friend had a dream to live at the school in Coorg, serving the children and CPT family as a teacher and guide. When he introduced me to the project and to Michael and Aleli in 2008, I immediately felt the transformative power of the love and wisdom that permeates the children, the school and the people. I knew I was meant to be a part of it. My friend and I envisioned a time when we would live and work there together. He has now left this earth - but his dream, his love and his guidance continue.

Currently I coordinate the creative media program, the website and the newsletter as well as teach and develop classes in the various language and technical skills required to manage these projects. Children with an interest and ability in these areas will be trained to take over. We eventually foresee a computer and media center with vocational training run by graduates of the school. Most of the children's parents are illiterate, so to watch the children work on computers with such a focused intensity, knowing they will have these universal skills, literally fills me with bliss.

I count it the great privileges of my life to serve what I know is just the beginning of an extraordinary manifestation of true human life on earth. That is, a life lived "loving all, serving all" and "helping ever, hurting never," as Sai Baba says. Somehow the children of CPT, born with what in a worldly sense is so 'little', effortlessly give so 'much' in the way of acceptance, enthusiasm, creativity and love. There is an 'attitude of gratitude' that permeates the place and the people. The children have helped me to realize that we own nothing but the love and awareness we bring to each moment - all of life is just a gift.

They are happy children and it makes me happy to be with them. They have well mastered the universal language of the heart and keep us all in touch with the love and light inside. I've heard them sing a number of songs about the light. One of my favorites is a simple round:


And people do receive them. Like the children, the founders of CPT, Michael and Aleli, are also conduits for Divine Love, so this radiates through all our daily activities - giving us strength for the challenges and respect for the blessings. When I'm with the children, it is easy to realize that "Life Is A Game" as Sai Baba says, and to enjoy being one of the players.