Day 5 January 10, 2008 by Jan Webster
The six of us on the first floor of the Guest House begin our morning “dance” between 6:30 and 7:30. Things run smoothly and efficiently. No one seems to linger in the washroom facilities. Cool, some say cold, water makes for a quick in-and-out.
After a great breakfast, Ruth, Ginny and I headed for St. Joseph’s School. It was our first morning walking alone but Stephen had coached us well. We dodged the ubiquitous motorcycles, bikes and cars, nodded to the neighborhood cows, shook hands with passing students and still made it to school with time to spare. Forty three smiling four year olds greet me each day with a chorus of “Good morning, Miss” as soon as I cross the threshold of the Lower Kindergarten classroom. Their teacher is young, well-trained and dedicated to providing the very best education possible to these youngsters. Teaching materials are more easily made than bought in this part of the world. My trusty teammates worked assembly-line fashion to help finish some supplies today.
Evening brought the highlight of our day. Stephen’s parents had invited us to their home for dinner. As we arrived in the car, we were greeted warmly by each member of the family. We gathered around the family table looking at wedding pictures of Stephen and Sheeba, as well as Stephen’s brother (the REAL Stephen) and his wife. Laughter, stories, oohs and ahhhs filled the room. There is a warmth, pride and closeness that permeates this family. They genuinely care for one another and welcomed us to share this bond.
Dinner was as beautiful as it was bountiful and delicious. The mixtures of flavors, textures and color treated our eyes as well as our palettes. Sheeba graciously offered to hold a cooking class next week so we can learn to make some of our favorite dishes. After dinner, Stephen’s sister-in-law drew a gorgeous kollum on the back porch. With just a bit of encouragement, Anne, George, Elyse, Joann and Lucy provided some beautiful additions. When Stephen brings the stone powder, a kollum will decorate the Guest house path, for sure. As we left Stephen’s home it became clear that, in the wonder that is India, we have, in this short time, moved from acquaintances to friends to family.
Thought for the day: If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you’ve never been in bed with a mosquito.
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