Here is a direct update from Becky:

Dear Friends,

This is going to be a roughly-worded email, since I am literally speechless. Chan and I have just returned from the Sneha shelter home with 5 free birds! There were many tears at the shelter home, we have many other girls who want to join Destiny and we promised them that in time we will get them out. Also, the girls who left had to say goodbye to their friends and the home mothers.

They packed quite a lot, and Chan and I were worried there wouldn't be enough room in the flat for their things. But there is a loft that we can use once we buy a ladder.

The girls walked into their new flat with wide eyes, the sun filling the lavender rooms. They are SO happy in their new home, and are equally excited to start working. Actually, their first question was "where are the machines?"

After they moved their bags into the flat, we brought down their new puppy, Loke Chana, the black lab. They all love him so much, but then we brought down Goldie (the mom) and they were so scared of her because she's quite large and was jumping all over them. Too much fun!

Now I am sitting up in Chan's flat and the girls are downstairs unpacking. Debjani di is making lunch for us, and then we will take the girls to the market. They're going to buy their own food for the first time!

So nothing to worry about, Debjani and Chan have taken charge. Two more girls will join this freedom family tomorrow, and then perhaps another 2 in a month. Oh, and just to top it all off, today (Jan 23rd) is Netaji Bhosh's birthday. He is India's great freedom fighter - how apropos!

We cannot thank you enough for your support. The girls are thrilled with everything we bought for their new flat, especially the mattresses which are wonderfully comfortable and convenient.

In freedom,

Becky, Chan and the entire Destiny family