Never a dull moment...
Every Saturday the students come to school and participate in the dance and drawing program. To jazz things up this past Saturday I thought we would do a craft. Unfortunately, we don’t have classroom scissors, glue, paint, loose leaf paper, or markers, therefore; my crafting options are limited. “Hum” I thought. “How about paper mache masks? All I need is balloons, newspapers, water, flour, and paints”. On Saturday I woke up early to prepare for the lesson. I asked Manoj, one of the servants, if I could have a bowl of white cooking flour. A few minutes later, I found him outside picking white flowers off of a tree. “No, no, no, Manoj, not that kind of flower – I need cooking flour.” Prior to Saturday, I asked the other teacher, Rakesh, if we had balloons, “Yes, yes, yes” he responded. To my dismay, we didn’t have any balloons. As time progresses, I am realizing that Indians will frequently say “yes” to a question, with the intention of not wanting to disappoint by saying “no”. My blood pressure rose and I tried to stay calm. While gathering newspapers together, I began cutting them into pieces. By accident, I cut the first section of the Saturday’s newspaper. Once Nitya’s 75 year old grandfather realized what I had done, he began frantically pacing back and forth. I apologized profusely, but it was too late, I broke the man’s daily routine – he was extremely disappointed. Fortunately, once I bought the balloons, arrived at school, and the kids completed their craft - I sat down, and took a breathe. Phewww... It was a success. 
After the lesson, I asked the teacher could you please buy some paint and paintbrushes for Monday’s class, “Yes, yes, yes” he responded. Monday, I went to school to find that he bought paints – which expired 4 years ago - and ONE paintbrush. “Rakesh, we have 27 students, one paint brush is not enough.” Luckily, there are shops beside the school and one of the students ran downstairs to buy 5 more paintbrushes. The students took turns carefully painting their masks, and the day quickly came to an end. Ironically, when it did come time to leave, I couldn’t leave the building since two bulls were fighting head to head outside of the doorway. Dust flew into the air, the bulls grunted, while I tapped my foot waiting patiently for them to finish.
The school is located in a very poor area of town. Here's a picture of the neighborhood. The streets are full of garbage and foul smells.
Here's a picture of the school's toilet. Unfortunately, we rarely have running water and have an issue with plumbing. This toilet is right outside of the classroom, consequently, the classroom frequently smells like feesses. Trust me when I say, the sent is not pleasant when it is 35°C in the classroom.
After the lesson, I asked the teacher could you please buy some paint and paintbrushes for Monday’s class, “Yes, yes, yes” he responded. Monday, I went to school to find that he bought paints – which expired 4 years ago - and ONE paintbrush. “Rakesh, we have 27 students, one paint brush is not enough.” Luckily, there are shops beside the school and one of the students ran downstairs to buy 5 more paintbrushes. The students took turns carefully painting their masks, and the day quickly came to an end. Ironically, when it did come time to leave, I couldn’t leave the building since two bulls were fighting head to head outside of the doorway. Dust flew into the air, the bulls grunted, while I tapped my foot waiting patiently for them to finish. 
The school is located in a very poor area of town. Here's a picture of the neighborhood. The streets are full of garbage and foul smells.
Here's a picture of the school's toilet. Unfortunately, we rarely have running water and have an issue with plumbing. This toilet is right outside of the classroom, consequently, the classroom frequently smells like feesses. Trust me when I say, the sent is not pleasant when it is 35°C in the classroom.
1 comment:
Wowwy Heidi!! You look amazing!!
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