Rain pounded and lashed again all night. I tried the mantra " lucky team" to keep my attitude positive. Facing our last day as another rain day for PRS school was daunting: we had so looked forward to return to the kids for more classes and photos. The monsoon rains in the morning prevented that opportunity. All schools closed again for rain. No worries we headed to SEAM, this time walking through ankle deep water to get there. The boys, as usual, happy and cheerful to have us. Puzzles, flash cards, coloring and games ensued. Kathy, Phil and the older
Boys worked steadily on finishing 9 out of 10 boxes. Lots of excitement as the boys learned how to wield screwdrivers and drills.
The evening brought our final celebration and goodbyes with the boys. I donned my sari for the event. Thank yous, dances, cards and songs(as well as a few tears) with earnest requests by the boys for our return next year. A final restaurant dinner and we find ourselves packed and ready for an early morning departure.
Southern India is not quaint or easy to understand. For some on the team, the poverty, lifestyle, and filth have been intolerable. Others have found hope in the happiness and contentment of the children and adults, despite what many from the West might find intolerable conditions. Some have found Chennai to be a big, busy, impersonal city. Others have found our neighborhood to be filled with interesting nooks and crannies, and now familiar and friendly faces.
I have found a bit of everything:
Boys worked steadily on finishing 9 out of 10 boxes. Lots of excitement as the boys learned how to wield screwdrivers and drills.
The evening brought our final celebration and goodbyes with the boys. I donned my sari for the event. Thank yous, dances, cards and songs(as well as a few tears) with earnest requests by the boys for our return next year. A final restaurant dinner and we find ourselves packed and ready for an early morning departure.
Southern India is not quaint or easy to understand. For some on the team, the poverty, lifestyle, and filth have been intolerable. Others have found hope in the happiness and contentment of the children and adults, despite what many from the West might find intolerable conditions. Some have found Chennai to be a big, busy, impersonal city. Others have found our neighborhood to be filled with interesting nooks and crannies, and now familiar and friendly faces.
I have found a bit of everything:
- amazement at the overwhelming sensory displays of colors, smells,sights and sounds
- Gratitude for Stephen and Sheeba who are the heart and soul of the program, it has been an honor to serve under their leadership
- Fellowship and friendship with the rest of the team, new friends and old
- Fondness for our local neighborhood and now familiar routes through the streets of Chennai
- Satisfaction with a job well done teaching (and playing)
- And.....most importantly, great affection for the children at PRS and the boys at SEAM(guess who was crying?)
As always I am so grateful to everyone at home and at work, carrying on while I am away. I am deeply appreciative.
Next stop Hong Kong, for a few days of relaxation before our return to the States. More from there,
With love from Chennai
Barbara
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