When Phil and I were considering which country for our next service trip we read about Chennai and learned There was a Festival of Lights in November. Great, we thought, we could experience a "quaint " Indian festival while we were here. Little did we know that Diwali is a Huge national holiday, although Himdu in origin, everyone gets in on the act. Schools and businesses are closed so that everyone can don their new clothes and shoot off smokey firecrackers and sparklers from dawn through the night. Amazing to experience, definitely not quaint.
The morning brought dry skies and a return to SeaM where the boys welcomed us back with fervor. Then ensued several rounds of hokey pokey, duck duck goose and Simon Says before settling down for reading and math. Meantime Kathy and Phil painted the out door walls and started putting the boys boxes, for their belongings , together.
A quick cleanup and we were on our way to lunch at Stephen's parents home. They welcomed
Us
so graciously having prepared a traditional Indian meal for us. Their two bedroom home is quite sat to the guesthouse. As the oldest son, it will be Stephen and Sheeba's responsibility to move in and care for the elders when necessary.
After a short neighborhood walk and rest, some
Headed back to SEAM for more firecrackers with kids and some went to the other orphanage, Assisi Illam, run by a nun. With more Modern construction and facilities it looks
Like the Hilton compared to SEAM. The kids were wild and crazy with all the Diwali excitement. A crowd of preteen girls swarmed around Jane trying to teach her a few Tamil words. More sparklers, firecrackers and bubbles and we returned to the guesthouse exhausted(and coughing from the smoke) The plan to watch more from The roof was aborted when the skies opened up yet again.
During our afternoon Walk Phil and I encountered kids, young adults, older
People, dog, cows and a horse. The truly Remarkable thing was how friendly and warm everyone is. Many photos were taken and stories shared.
Happy Diwali to all of you
With love
Barbara
The morning brought dry skies and a return to SeaM where the boys welcomed us back with fervor. Then ensued several rounds of hokey pokey, duck duck goose and Simon Says before settling down for reading and math. Meantime Kathy and Phil painted the out door walls and started putting the boys boxes, for their belongings , together.
A quick cleanup and we were on our way to lunch at Stephen's parents home. They welcomed
Us
so graciously having prepared a traditional Indian meal for us. Their two bedroom home is quite sat to the guesthouse. As the oldest son, it will be Stephen and Sheeba's responsibility to move in and care for the elders when necessary.
After a short neighborhood walk and rest, some
Headed back to SEAM for more firecrackers with kids and some went to the other orphanage, Assisi Illam, run by a nun. With more Modern construction and facilities it looks
Like the Hilton compared to SEAM. The kids were wild and crazy with all the Diwali excitement. A crowd of preteen girls swarmed around Jane trying to teach her a few Tamil words. More sparklers, firecrackers and bubbles and we returned to the guesthouse exhausted(and coughing from the smoke) The plan to watch more from The roof was aborted when the skies opened up yet again.
During our afternoon Walk Phil and I encountered kids, young adults, older
People, dog, cows and a horse. The truly Remarkable thing was how friendly and warm everyone is. Many photos were taken and stories shared.
Happy Diwali to all of you
With love
Barbara
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