India

Feb 23

I don’t really understand how I can continually be amazed by these people, but I am. As we stood outside of the sewing class with my class and the women’s class I think they had an idea of what the surprise was by the painted door, but their reaction when they walked in the room seemed to suggest that they had no idea. They ewed and Awed and every one of them had a big smile on their face as the all walked in holding hands. I watched as they spun around to get a good view of the whole room. My class smiled, but I could tell they were wondering why they were called to see the room of another class. As we all sat down we begun to discuss why we had painted this room. We told them all how much we cared for their dreams and how we wanted to do anything we can to support those dreams even if it just means to make a comfortable place to learn in. We told the girls about the success of the meeting we had with their mothers and they all smiled.

I couldn’t tell you how happy this day made me. My cheeks begun to hurt from smiling and as the minutes passed by, I longed for this moment to stay just a little longer. Mala, who is the head of Vidya, came to celebrate with us and she too was so shocked. She took my camera and demanded that I get with the group for a photo, letting me really feel like I was a part of this community. As I jumped in for the picture, the children all reached out to try and put a hand on me for the photo.

The day was coming to a close and we decided it was time to inform the younger class why they had been called to join this room showing. The reason is, of course, another project. Next week we will begin another painting project on my class’s room in hopes of livening it up a bit. The class all cheered and the women smiled in excitement. The photos continued until the end of the class with the kids all begging for photos.

Before the day was over, some of the teachers took Mala around to see the area and the potential new school. To my delight, when she returned, she told us it just wasn’t good enough. “We need to do better for these kids, there needs to be more money.” We all agreed, knowing that something we’ve been saying was finally heard.

It is quite amazing the change this small room as made. Today, girls came to class and I could tell they were working much harder. Luckily the new arranged room gave a lot more open space because along with perfect attendance, new girls had come. It really strengthens the idea that a little can do a lot and that anyone can help.

I knew that the joy of the women’s reaction to the new room would fuel my energy for the next week, but my class today really decided to give me an extra boost.

When I walked in I was greeted by the normal shot of “make my day” as the children all shouted, “good morning!!!” I smiled and loudly repeated the greeting. Then it was time to work, well not really.

I decided sense we were learning about England at the moment I thought it might be fun to play a game that children in England play. After doing some searching I found one called Animal Ark. This game was perfect, because not only did they learn about the life of children in England, but also giving the children each an animal they had to know, really helped add some English words to their vocabulary. The children had a great time playing and by the end of the game we were all rolling on the ground laughing. When I finally got myself together I stood up and said, “Alright, it’s time for lunch!” Lunch is usually the time I leave so I grabbed my bags and prepared to leave when all the sudden I felt the firm grasp of little arms around my thighs. I looked down to see the black hair of one of the student pressed against my legs. Never have I ever had such a deep, touching, and spontaneous hug. I was hit with such a wave of affection I didn’t think I could feel anymore inspired, but like I said, they people always seem to one up themselves. Just as soon as I started to hug back Gorav, Rajkumar came up to me and took my hand. Looking up at me with his big brown eyes he said, “Sirji, don’t go.” This was too much; it was like straight out of a movie. What on earth did I ever do to deserve this level of care? How can these children have so little, but have so much to give? Baffled, I bent down and wrapped them both up in the biggest hug I could give. I love these boys.

I was silent all the way home for the second day in a row, but this time it was for a totally different reason. I thought about the children and how tough it will be to leave them. When I returned I told the coordinated that and he smiled. “Well, Jake Mala just called me and told me how impressed she was with your volunteering, we would definitely accept you if you wished to extend your program, at least three more months.”

I was instantly put into a dream. I could live here and work with these kids until we got them into college! It’s perfect. I quickly snapped into reality and told him I needed to get back home. “I have family and friends I couldn’t live without, but I will be back.” I told him.

I don’t know where I’ll be next- maybe here again or maybe Pakistan, but I have been planning for that day. It really felt great to say it though. To tell someone that working here now was not all I wanted to do. And as I continue to plan I still focus everything on what I’m doing now. I have enough coming up to keep me busy here anyways.

Fortunately, I will get a back on this coming long weekend. I have Monday and Tuesday off for the festival of Holi. Friday should also be exciting, because I am celebrating this holiday with PappanKalan. I won’t tell you exactly what the holiday is just yet, but I urge you to search it in google images. If the mystery alone doesn’t tempt you enough I will let you know this- I’m about to go to the market to buy paint, but the paint is not just for the other classroom. Wink Wink! Check it out!

The gang

Depak and Faruk