Helen Mulcrow
We were surprisingly awoken at 5.15am by loud Indian music, on further inspection we realized this was the wake-up call for sunrise- several loud speakers outside of the hotel. Rae and I jumped out of bed and eagerly awaited sunrise, passing the time watching locals brushing their teeth down below us, one woman did this for half an hour! After a beautiful sunrise we went straight back to sleep before checking out of the hotel and meeting the rest of the now depleted Team 63 for breakfast.
Well fed, we walked down to the pier to catch a boat over to Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial. This grand tribute is on one of twin rocks about 200 meters offshore. Before he went abroad as a leading religious crusader of India, Swami Vivekananda came down to Kanyakumari in 1892 and sat on the rock in meditation for a couple of days. The memorial was built in 1970. Our favorite thing was the beautiful carvings inside which were white designs on shiny black stone – Larry wisely informs me you call this ‘black temple stone’. Then we took the same rickety old boat over to the Thiruvalluvar Statue, installed by the Tamil Nadu government in memory of the famous writer. Rae got a great shot of his toe from the viewing platform!
Back on dry land we headed to the actual tip of India and dipped our toes in the water. The three seas, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, meet here and bathing in their confluence is considered holy. Then we crossed through the markets to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. Larry and Rae both generously paid the watchman for the same piece of information- the memorial was designed so that on the 2nd October, Gandhi’s birthday, the sun’s rays come through the roof and fall on the spot where his ashes were placed for the public to see them before immersion.
Hot and exhausted, it was time for another good lunch followed by the choice of refreshments in the hotel bar or shopping. Marge and Peter hit the shops, each buying an item of women’s clothing! After a quick wash and change for some, we made our way to the station for our 5.15 departure. Once aboard, we are like old pros at this now, we settled in and had our usual 7 o’clock dinner of crisps, biscuits and bananas. Marge got the shock of her life when leaving the toilet- a train food seller belched so loudly in her face that Rae heard it in the next carriage. It was decided that he had been sampling too many of his own produce.
As we all climbed into our bunks to sleep, thoughts turned to our final week, sadly we will embark on it without Eula, Birgit and Jenifer. A new special team of volunteers awaits us at Porur, hopefully they will be new friends before the week is out.
Quote for the day
Thou hast made me known to friends whom I knew not. Thou hast given me seats in homes not my own. Thou hast brought the distant near and made a brother of a stranger.
Rabindranath Tagore, Gitanjali
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Rae
The six remaining from Team 63 arrived at about 7:30 AM in Kanyakumari, the “Lands End” of the Indian subcontinent, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. From our train window we saw a surreal landscape of wind farms, fields of banana trees and gorgeous mountains.
Kanyakumari has a great spiritual significance for Hindus and is dedicated to the goddess Devi Kanya, an incarnation of Parvati. Pilgrims come here to visit the temple and bath in the sacred waters.
Larry, Marge, Peter, Anne, Helen and Rae were very well rested after their first Indian “sleepover” train ride and after checking into the Hotel Seaview, our first order of business was a hot shower and a hot breakfast. After breakfast we piled into a colorful burgundy Toyota SUV that had a wild jungle print on red velveteen upholstery that even covered the ceiling of the car. Our driver took us to the Suchindrum Temple, a 200 year old temple that required all men to remove their shirts before entering. Some of the highlights of the tour were an 18 ft. stone Hanuman statue, musical stone pillars, and seeing Peter and Larry without their shirts.
On the way into the Temple Anne bought a garland of roses that she planned on enjoying the aroma for the day. Anne found out during our tour that she was expected to leave the garland as an offering to Ganesch, which she graciously did.
Our temple guide was a very interesting fellow who kept saying “come on” as he quickly shuffled us through the 1000 pillar temple. We all had one of those “personal growth moments” when the guide told us at the end of the tour how much we were to pay him! Our tourist lesson of the day was to be sure we ask how much before we start the guided tour!
The driver then took us on a scenic route to our next sight, the Padmanabhapuram Palace. With several large lumberyards worth of carved ceilings and polished teak beams, this palace is considered to be the best example of traditional Keralan architecture today. The palace is situated in a way that has parts of it in Tamil Nadu and parts in the state of Keralan. Dating back to 1550, the 127 room structure it is the largest wooden palace complex in Asia. The entrance room had 90 uniquely flowers carved into the ceiling and a beautiful hanging brass horseman lamp that was 300 years old. Fourteen generations of Kings of Travancore made the palace complex their home. The Kings were very generous as they fed 2,000 Brahams every day for free in the huge dining hall. Chinese influence is evident in parts of the palace and the dining hall has large clay Chinese pots used to store pickles. Our bare feet felt so good walking on the highly polished, smooth black floor that was made from egg whites, limestone, sand, coconut and sugars. Our palace guide was absolutely the best as he made us feel like we living there in the 16th century and simply walking through our magnificent palace home. A very special building for us was the Thaikottarum, which was the oldest building in the palace complex and had 63 carvings on the ceiling. 63 for Team 63!
We were really hungry and especially thirsty so we headed out to find a place for lunch. As we went into a family restaurant called ASHAYATA , we were somewhat leery as we saw most of the patrons eating their food off of a banana tree leaf, but to our delight we had a delicious lunch!
Our jungle-mobile continued to head back towards Kanyakumari to make our last tourist stop at Vattakotthal, a circular shaped fort that was built by the Dutch in the 18th century. The fort overlooked the sea and we enjoyed the view of the distant windmills, the blue water and felt the ocean breeze cool our faces.
We headed back to the hotel for a little relaxation and refreshments before going to the beach in time for the sunset. Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, is the southern most tip of India and is famous for it’s sunrises and sunsets. In April on full moon day there is a simultaneous sunset and moonrise over the ocean. Peter, Helen and Rae took a cab to Sunset Point to secure a good viewing place on the beach of the Arabian Sea. The sky was a bit cloudy so the sunset was not real clear, but the clouds made some beautiful shapes and colors.
Marge and Larry did some window shopping in the shops along the way back from the sunset watching. Peter found an antique store where the owner, who was Italian, told him all about most of the treasures in the shop.
Earlier in the day Helen made arrangements for herself, Anne and Rae to get a 90 minute Auruvedic massage at 7:30 Saturday night. As much as they were looking forward to it, they decided to cancel it due to the late time and wanting to have dinner with their team. Helen forced Rae to be the one to tell the man at the desk that they were canceling their appointment. Helen’s logic for this was that it would be a good personal growth experience for Rae! Helen will pay big time for that one!
Although we may not have seen the perfect sunset that day, the remaining six from Team 63 had a perfect day which will be remembered when they make the time in their busy lives to stop and watch the sun set wherever they are.
Quote for the day
The stalk of a lotus blossom grows long enough to protect the pretty flower out of water, so too a man’s level of greatness is determined by his own will.
The Kural # 595
The six remaining from Team 63 arrived at about 7:30 AM in Kanyakumari, the “Lands End” of the Indian subcontinent, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. From our train window we saw a surreal landscape of wind farms, fields of banana trees and gorgeous mountains.
Kanyakumari has a great spiritual significance for Hindus and is dedicated to the goddess Devi Kanya, an incarnation of Parvati. Pilgrims come here to visit the temple and bath in the sacred waters.
Larry, Marge, Peter, Anne, Helen and Rae were very well rested after their first Indian “sleepover” train ride and after checking into the Hotel Seaview, our first order of business was a hot shower and a hot breakfast. After breakfast we piled into a colorful burgundy Toyota SUV that had a wild jungle print on red velveteen upholstery that even covered the ceiling of the car. Our driver took us to the Suchindrum Temple, a 200 year old temple that required all men to remove their shirts before entering. Some of the highlights of the tour were an 18 ft. stone Hanuman statue, musical stone pillars, and seeing Peter and Larry without their shirts.
On the way into the Temple Anne bought a garland of roses that she planned on enjoying the aroma for the day. Anne found out during our tour that she was expected to leave the garland as an offering to Ganesch, which she graciously did.
Our temple guide was a very interesting fellow who kept saying “come on” as he quickly shuffled us through the 1000 pillar temple. We all had one of those “personal growth moments” when the guide told us at the end of the tour how much we were to pay him! Our tourist lesson of the day was to be sure we ask how much before we start the guided tour!
The driver then took us on a scenic route to our next sight, the Padmanabhapuram Palace. With several large lumberyards worth of carved ceilings and polished teak beams, this palace is considered to be the best example of traditional Keralan architecture today. The palace is situated in a way that has parts of it in Tamil Nadu and parts in the state of Keralan. Dating back to 1550, the 127 room structure it is the largest wooden palace complex in Asia. The entrance room had 90 uniquely flowers carved into the ceiling and a beautiful hanging brass horseman lamp that was 300 years old. Fourteen generations of Kings of Travancore made the palace complex their home. The Kings were very generous as they fed 2,000 Brahams every day for free in the huge dining hall. Chinese influence is evident in parts of the palace and the dining hall has large clay Chinese pots used to store pickles. Our bare feet felt so good walking on the highly polished, smooth black floor that was made from egg whites, limestone, sand, coconut and sugars. Our palace guide was absolutely the best as he made us feel like we living there in the 16th century and simply walking through our magnificent palace home. A very special building for us was the Thaikottarum, which was the oldest building in the palace complex and had 63 carvings on the ceiling. 63 for Team 63!
We were really hungry and especially thirsty so we headed out to find a place for lunch. As we went into a family restaurant called ASHAYATA , we were somewhat leery as we saw most of the patrons eating their food off of a banana tree leaf, but to our delight we had a delicious lunch!
Our jungle-mobile continued to head back towards Kanyakumari to make our last tourist stop at Vattakotthal, a circular shaped fort that was built by the Dutch in the 18th century. The fort overlooked the sea and we enjoyed the view of the distant windmills, the blue water and felt the ocean breeze cool our faces.
We headed back to the hotel for a little relaxation and refreshments before going to the beach in time for the sunset. Kanyakumari, also known as Cape Comorin, is the southern most tip of India and is famous for it’s sunrises and sunsets. In April on full moon day there is a simultaneous sunset and moonrise over the ocean. Peter, Helen and Rae took a cab to Sunset Point to secure a good viewing place on the beach of the Arabian Sea. The sky was a bit cloudy so the sunset was not real clear, but the clouds made some beautiful shapes and colors.
Marge and Larry did some window shopping in the shops along the way back from the sunset watching. Peter found an antique store where the owner, who was Italian, told him all about most of the treasures in the shop.
Earlier in the day Helen made arrangements for herself, Anne and Rae to get a 90 minute Auruvedic massage at 7:30 Saturday night. As much as they were looking forward to it, they decided to cancel it due to the late time and wanting to have dinner with their team. Helen forced Rae to be the one to tell the man at the desk that they were canceling their appointment. Helen’s logic for this was that it would be a good personal growth experience for Rae! Helen will pay big time for that one!
Although we may not have seen the perfect sunset that day, the remaining six from Team 63 had a perfect day which will be remembered when they make the time in their busy lives to stop and watch the sun set wherever they are.
Quote for the day
The stalk of a lotus blossom grows long enough to protect the pretty flower out of water, so too a man’s level of greatness is determined by his own will.
The Kural # 595
Friday, February 29, 2008
Anne Daftary
Today is the last day of the two week program and we will be saying goodbye to our precious “aunties”. Birgit will be going home to Seattle, Wa loaded with gifts for friends and family and to teach her grandchildren Indian manners! Eula returns to Tucson, Az to the residents of her long term care facility to continue her loving care and Jenifer flys on to China for a two week tour before returning home to Hyannis, Mass.
Breakfast was a happy and melancholy affair as we took a look back at the last two weeks to reflect on our successes and near misses. E mail addresses were exchanged with promises of sharing some of the wonderful photos taken. A tearful Jenifer read her journal and the rest of us started tearing up. Stephen went over the itinerary for those of us remaining for the third week and who are embarking on an overnight train trip to Kanyakumari on the southernmost tip of India.
Off to work, the four aunties did numbers and ABCs and played a Nursery Rhyme DVD for all the children. Helen and Peter finished up painting the gates at St. Josephs, Margery class thought she must be sick because she was leaving to take a rail trip. After two weeks, Rae is starting to lose her voice, maybe because she started doing ten little monkeys instead of five.
Our final good byes to Eula, Birgit and Jenifer made, we were off to the train station with Stephen. He saw us onto the correct train compartment and advised us in Indian train etiquette. Then, left on our own, we settled in for the trip. Dinner consisted of chips and an occasional peanut butter and jelly sandwich and oranges. Larry offered Biscuits to his fellow Indian travelers and of course they all refused. Could he be the infamous “American Biscuit Bandit”? After some interesting acrobatics we all settled into our lofty bunks. Peter had to swap for a middle because the air conditioning was too intense. Lights out and Kanykumari here we come.
Quote for the Day: “ Be the change you want to see.” Mahatma Gandhi
Today is the last day of the two week program and we will be saying goodbye to our precious “aunties”. Birgit will be going home to Seattle, Wa loaded with gifts for friends and family and to teach her grandchildren Indian manners! Eula returns to Tucson, Az to the residents of her long term care facility to continue her loving care and Jenifer flys on to China for a two week tour before returning home to Hyannis, Mass.
Breakfast was a happy and melancholy affair as we took a look back at the last two weeks to reflect on our successes and near misses. E mail addresses were exchanged with promises of sharing some of the wonderful photos taken. A tearful Jenifer read her journal and the rest of us started tearing up. Stephen went over the itinerary for those of us remaining for the third week and who are embarking on an overnight train trip to Kanyakumari on the southernmost tip of India.
Off to work, the four aunties did numbers and ABCs and played a Nursery Rhyme DVD for all the children. Helen and Peter finished up painting the gates at St. Josephs, Margery class thought she must be sick because she was leaving to take a rail trip. After two weeks, Rae is starting to lose her voice, maybe because she started doing ten little monkeys instead of five.
Our final good byes to Eula, Birgit and Jenifer made, we were off to the train station with Stephen. He saw us onto the correct train compartment and advised us in Indian train etiquette. Then, left on our own, we settled in for the trip. Dinner consisted of chips and an occasional peanut butter and jelly sandwich and oranges. Larry offered Biscuits to his fellow Indian travelers and of course they all refused. Could he be the infamous “American Biscuit Bandit”? After some interesting acrobatics we all settled into our lofty bunks. Peter had to swap for a middle because the air conditioning was too intense. Lights out and Kanykumari here we come.
Quote for the Day: “ Be the change you want to see.” Mahatma Gandhi
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Jennifer
The four ‘aunties had a good day at Assisi, doing numbers, letters, stories, leggo blocks, songs and games. We’ve learned that we can’t control the chaos that 3,4, and 5 year olds often create, and instead to just go With the flow. Peter and Helen started their day completing the black fence painting and finished with gold-
Helen getting an Indian pedicure in the process. Larry tried to use his vocal chords a bit less in the classroom,Due to laryngitis. Rae continued on numbers in the classroom and thrilled them with a DVD in the afternoon. On her walk to the bidi store she was rescued from an ensuing dog by a courageous man who stopped
And got off his motorcycle to help her. After another satisfying day of teaching Margery too had an Indian Adventure. Becoming lost on her walk home she was led to safety across a busy thoroughfare by an elderly Woman. At SEAMS we focused on reading skills. Prabu and Mukesh seemed more motivated, which was Gratifying. We then donned our Indian garb with bidis from Rae, and were joined by Emily, Ann marie,and Fr.Paul for a sumptuous feast at a downtown hotel. It was a perfect last evening celebration. I too, thank Stephen, Sheba, Rani, Stephen I ,and Barnabus for their hard work and caring to help make our Experience successful and gratifying. I have enjoyed getting to know and working with all the team members And would like to stay in touch and hear about future travels and volunteering. A friend was right when she Said this work is life-changing. We are doubly blessed to be able to make friends and help others and ex-Perience the rich culture that is India.
The high destiny of the individual is to serve rather than rule. Albert Einstein
The four ‘aunties had a good day at Assisi, doing numbers, letters, stories, leggo blocks, songs and games. We’ve learned that we can’t control the chaos that 3,4, and 5 year olds often create, and instead to just go With the flow. Peter and Helen started their day completing the black fence painting and finished with gold-
Helen getting an Indian pedicure in the process. Larry tried to use his vocal chords a bit less in the classroom,Due to laryngitis. Rae continued on numbers in the classroom and thrilled them with a DVD in the afternoon. On her walk to the bidi store she was rescued from an ensuing dog by a courageous man who stopped
And got off his motorcycle to help her. After another satisfying day of teaching Margery too had an Indian Adventure. Becoming lost on her walk home she was led to safety across a busy thoroughfare by an elderly Woman. At SEAMS we focused on reading skills. Prabu and Mukesh seemed more motivated, which was Gratifying. We then donned our Indian garb with bidis from Rae, and were joined by Emily, Ann marie,and Fr.Paul for a sumptuous feast at a downtown hotel. It was a perfect last evening celebration. I too, thank Stephen, Sheba, Rani, Stephen I ,and Barnabus for their hard work and caring to help make our Experience successful and gratifying. I have enjoyed getting to know and working with all the team members And would like to stay in touch and hear about future travels and volunteering. A friend was right when she Said this work is life-changing. We are doubly blessed to be able to make friends and help others and ex-Perience the rich culture that is India.
The high destiny of the individual is to serve rather than rule. Albert Einstein
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Eula
I also would like to express my appreciation to all of the Global Volunteers Team Stephen II, Sheba, Stephen I, Rani, Barnabas and Dhas.
Team 63, in my opinion, could not have been better if I had hand picked it myself. I have so enjoyed meeting each and every one of you. Hopefully, our paths will cross in the near future.
Margery had an interesting day. A couple came in with their 4 year old son and a sleeping baby with an agenda of some kind with the teachers and the director. This meeting of 5 teachers was held outside Margery’s classroom, disrupting her class. The 5 teachers left their class unattended so their children were in disarray and out of control. Always something of interest is going on around Margery.
Painting was a bit of a bust today, no biscuits with coffee at break. Peter and Helen were showed the can of 24 karat gold to be used in the painting, but were not allowed to touch the can, professionals will be brought in for that painting.
All but Larry and Rae were off early today. We went to the government store to shop. Success and fun was had by all. We made a quick stop by the cake shop and then home again for a quick cleanup before we were off to the wonderful dinner at Stephen’s parents home. Great food, wonderful friends and lots of enjoyment was had by all. After visiting the neighborhood and lots of pictures we were back on the bus for a good nights rest.
“The world is so constructed that if you wish to enjoy its pleasures, you must also endure its pains. Whether you like it or not, you cannot have one without the other” by Swami Brahmamanda.
I also would like to express my appreciation to all of the Global Volunteers Team Stephen II, Sheba, Stephen I, Rani, Barnabas and Dhas.
Team 63, in my opinion, could not have been better if I had hand picked it myself. I have so enjoyed meeting each and every one of you. Hopefully, our paths will cross in the near future.
Margery had an interesting day. A couple came in with their 4 year old son and a sleeping baby with an agenda of some kind with the teachers and the director. This meeting of 5 teachers was held outside Margery’s classroom, disrupting her class. The 5 teachers left their class unattended so their children were in disarray and out of control. Always something of interest is going on around Margery.
Painting was a bit of a bust today, no biscuits with coffee at break. Peter and Helen were showed the can of 24 karat gold to be used in the painting, but were not allowed to touch the can, professionals will be brought in for that painting.
All but Larry and Rae were off early today. We went to the government store to shop. Success and fun was had by all. We made a quick stop by the cake shop and then home again for a quick cleanup before we were off to the wonderful dinner at Stephen’s parents home. Great food, wonderful friends and lots of enjoyment was had by all. After visiting the neighborhood and lots of pictures we were back on the bus for a good nights rest.
“The world is so constructed that if you wish to enjoy its pleasures, you must also endure its pains. Whether you like it or not, you cannot have one without the other” by Swami Brahmamanda.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Tuesday,February 26, 2008
Birgit Povlsen
Since this is my last opportunity to write in the journal, before I start with the events of the day I want to express how extraordinarily fortunate I feel to be a part of this fabulous team. In the almost two weeks since our arrival I haven’t witnessed so much as a cross word. I have found only support and humor---both in abundance. In a short time we have evolved from a group of strangers to a group of friends. I echo Larry when he said he would happily go on another Global adventure with this team----so where to next?
Of course nothing would have been possible without our team leader Stephen, and his wife Sheba. They have done everything possible to make our volunteer experience a successful one, and our time in India memorable, and fun. With them at the helm I think we managed to achieve most of the goals we set for ourselves on our first day as Team 63. Thank you Stephen and Sheba for your dedication and hard work.
Working at Asissi, and Seams has been both a challenge and a priviledge. The openness and warmth of the children would melt any heart. I know they have melted mine.
Jennifer, Eula, Anne and Birgit arrived at Assisi today, and were greeted by the usual exuberance of the children. We then divided into our groups of five children each, and began the hard work of ABC, counting and learning new words for as long as they would tolerate it. Then we brought out our new project of stringing sago noodles---a big hit. After the children finished, the noodles were collected by Sister Rose, and much to our surprise, and delight became a part of our lunch---very tasty. The afternoon was leisurely. We folded clothes and cuddled the little ones.
On our van ride home Peter and Helen reported on their grueling day of gate painting, and watching soap operas. Actually, their soap operas were interrupted by the lady from Scotland, and entertaining her became perhaps the most grueling part of the day.
Larry didn’t have anything special to report, but was satisfied at the way the day went. I am sure the children are thriving under his tutelage----how could they not?!
Rae had a surprise when she returned to her class after lunch to find not only her class, but also the ninth grade class. She was excited at first, thinking they had come to help, but then came to find out they were actually being punished. Since they insisted on responding in Tamil instead of in English, as they were supposed to in the class, as a punishment they were sent to the kindergarten to learn English. This whole exercise turned out to be a far greater punishment for Rae however then it was for the rebellious 9th graders.
Margery was having a good day in her classroom until a peddler came by and insisted she needed to buy some of his wares. No matter what she did she could not convince him that she was busy with her students, and not interested, It was not until the principal came to her aid that the peddler gave up and she was able to continue.
We all gathered at Seams before dinner for an evening of reading with the children as mosquitoes consumes us.
Our evening ended with good food and good conversation among friends. Stephen gave us another informative talk, this time about some of the other religions found in India such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Then we gradually drifted away from the table to prepare for tomorrow.
Quote: You never achieve real success unless you like what you are doing.
Since this is my last opportunity to write in the journal, before I start with the events of the day I want to express how extraordinarily fortunate I feel to be a part of this fabulous team. In the almost two weeks since our arrival I haven’t witnessed so much as a cross word. I have found only support and humor---both in abundance. In a short time we have evolved from a group of strangers to a group of friends. I echo Larry when he said he would happily go on another Global adventure with this team----so where to next?
Of course nothing would have been possible without our team leader Stephen, and his wife Sheba. They have done everything possible to make our volunteer experience a successful one, and our time in India memorable, and fun. With them at the helm I think we managed to achieve most of the goals we set for ourselves on our first day as Team 63. Thank you Stephen and Sheba for your dedication and hard work.
Working at Asissi, and Seams has been both a challenge and a priviledge. The openness and warmth of the children would melt any heart. I know they have melted mine.
Jennifer, Eula, Anne and Birgit arrived at Assisi today, and were greeted by the usual exuberance of the children. We then divided into our groups of five children each, and began the hard work of ABC, counting and learning new words for as long as they would tolerate it. Then we brought out our new project of stringing sago noodles---a big hit. After the children finished, the noodles were collected by Sister Rose, and much to our surprise, and delight became a part of our lunch---very tasty. The afternoon was leisurely. We folded clothes and cuddled the little ones.
On our van ride home Peter and Helen reported on their grueling day of gate painting, and watching soap operas. Actually, their soap operas were interrupted by the lady from Scotland, and entertaining her became perhaps the most grueling part of the day.
Larry didn’t have anything special to report, but was satisfied at the way the day went. I am sure the children are thriving under his tutelage----how could they not?!
Rae had a surprise when she returned to her class after lunch to find not only her class, but also the ninth grade class. She was excited at first, thinking they had come to help, but then came to find out they were actually being punished. Since they insisted on responding in Tamil instead of in English, as they were supposed to in the class, as a punishment they were sent to the kindergarten to learn English. This whole exercise turned out to be a far greater punishment for Rae however then it was for the rebellious 9th graders.
Margery was having a good day in her classroom until a peddler came by and insisted she needed to buy some of his wares. No matter what she did she could not convince him that she was busy with her students, and not interested, It was not until the principal came to her aid that the peddler gave up and she was able to continue.
We all gathered at Seams before dinner for an evening of reading with the children as mosquitoes consumes us.
Our evening ended with good food and good conversation among friends. Stephen gave us another informative talk, this time about some of the other religions found in India such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Then we gradually drifted away from the table to prepare for tomorrow.
Quote: You never achieve real success unless you like what you are doing.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Jenifer
We were all a bit subdued at Monday’s breakfast after our exciting weekend venture south to Mammalapurum and
Pondicherry, yet eager to begin our second week’s work with Global Volunteers. I looked forward to my first day
At Assissi Illam and felt fortunate to be working with the now experienced Anne, Eula, and Birgit. With babies in
their arms and children all about, the sisters greeted us. We were quickly grouped with a group of 3-5 year olds,
and for the next several hours did our best to entertain and educate them. Letters, numbers, animals, colors, parts
of the body, were named and repeated, with constant effort to hold their attention. After an hour their interest was
waning and it was time for songs and games. We gathered into a large group for this. From London Bridge to Old
McDonald, we conjured up every childhood song we could. Then it was time for cleanup and lunch. We wound
down in the afternoon and played with the young ones. After Assissi we went in search of some of that wonderful
Indian fabric to be made into salwar kameezes. Then another busy evening at SEAMS where we devoted the time
To ABC’s and numbers for the younger children and some math for the older ones, followed by candy and balloons.
After another of Rani’s good Indian dinners, Stephen guided us in reassessing our four main goals, and we agreed
That we indeed were: 1) Having fun meeting new people
2) Helping others
3)Experiencing Indian culture
4) and personal growth
We were all a bit subdued at Monday’s breakfast after our exciting weekend venture south to Mammalapurum and
Pondicherry, yet eager to begin our second week’s work with Global Volunteers. I looked forward to my first day
At Assissi Illam and felt fortunate to be working with the now experienced Anne, Eula, and Birgit. With babies in
their arms and children all about, the sisters greeted us. We were quickly grouped with a group of 3-5 year olds,
and for the next several hours did our best to entertain and educate them. Letters, numbers, animals, colors, parts
of the body, were named and repeated, with constant effort to hold their attention. After an hour their interest was
waning and it was time for songs and games. We gathered into a large group for this. From London Bridge to Old
McDonald, we conjured up every childhood song we could. Then it was time for cleanup and lunch. We wound
down in the afternoon and played with the young ones. After Assissi we went in search of some of that wonderful
Indian fabric to be made into salwar kameezes. Then another busy evening at SEAMS where we devoted the time
To ABC’s and numbers for the younger children and some math for the older ones, followed by candy and balloons.
After another of Rani’s good Indian dinners, Stephen guided us in reassessing our four main goals, and we agreed
That we indeed were: 1) Having fun meeting new people
2) Helping others
3)Experiencing Indian culture
4) and personal growth
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