Thursday, January 10, 2008

Global Volunteers India - IND0801a1

Day 3 January 8th, 2008 by Richard Burgio

Second day on the job painting at St. Joseph’s starts out on s high note. Joann and I are greeted like rock stars by the children when we pop in to visit before heading to work. As we enter the room, a loud roar builds to a deafening pitch as the kids shout greetings and rush to shake hands with us. Not wanting to wear out our welcome or incur the wrath of the sister in the corner waving the ruler we head up to the dining room to continue our painting. After completing a section of the room, I ask Ravi, one of our local painters if my work is okay. After inspecting it, he gives us the Indian head wag, which could mean “Good Job” or “I will repaint it after you leave”. On our lunch break Joann and I walk around the area and meet a worker digging a water tank who gestures to us to take his photo. After posing for shots with each of us, he pulls out pictures that had been taken on the site previously and with a series of hand gestures between all three of us, it is communicated that he would like to be sent prints for his collection. We promise to do our best.
Our evening visit to SEAM starts out a bit rocky when the unfamiliar concept of 3 legged races results in some scraped knees and crying children. Stephen quickly gets things back on track by suggesting games the children know such as hop scotch Indian style, and dodge ball. George had everyone in a game of “Simon Says”, which might still be going this morning if we did not call it, as there were some very sharp players in the group. Stephen has a treat of ice cream for us at dinner. Ginny asks personal questions of Stephen and Sheeba.
Excuse me I have to answer the doorbell. Joann’s lost bag has finally arrived. Please compliment her on her new attire.
“I get by with a little help from my friends.”

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