Day 16 - 28Jul2012
I slept in this morning and took time to reflect on who I am and who I want to be. I have never been so sure of myself and yet so unsure of myself. I know that doesn't really make sense, but it means that because I am so sure of myself, I have never been more acutely aware of where I am lacking and what my flaws are. I guess I needed to come to India to learn that...
Today is Saturday and I have the weekends off, but today was a special day. The children still had school and although I didn't wake up intending to tutor them today, that is what I did. I headed over after recess and tutored during the last two class periods. Reading and math. My first student did NOT want to read today. I wouldn't want to be in school on a Saturday either. My second student was a boy from Basha's house...so what did he call me? Yup, Lady Grinch. I don't think I'll break away from that nickname anytime soon.
Today is special because the Marriott came out to host lunch and a cricket game with the kids. The lunch was a little different than normal...it was NOT curry! I ate in the dining hall with all the kids and I decided that today, being a special day....I would eat with my hands! Yup, no utensils for this one. I made sure my hands were clean first. :) It was...an experience that's for sure! The kids laughed at me like they usually do when I try to be like them. And they corrected me when I ate with both hands. You should only eat with your right hand here in India. I didn't know that, but I do now! I talked with Mymonisha and Jayanthi. A few days ago they asked me to bring back "so many chocolates" for them from Mamallapuram. And sure enough, they asked me if I had fulfilled my promise. I did. :) I gave the chocolates to one of the coordinators to put in the Star Store. The Star Store is based on a point system. Each student gets star points for doing well in school and behaving in the hostels. Once they have enough stars, they can purchase different things from the Star Store (like candies or toys). This helps the children understand that they need to work for what they want. Hopefully this will aid in breaking the cycle of begging that most of them are familiar with.
I slept in this morning and took time to reflect on who I am and who I want to be. I have never been so sure of myself and yet so unsure of myself. I know that doesn't really make sense, but it means that because I am so sure of myself, I have never been more acutely aware of where I am lacking and what my flaws are. I guess I needed to come to India to learn that...
Today is Saturday and I have the weekends off, but today was a special day. The children still had school and although I didn't wake up intending to tutor them today, that is what I did. I headed over after recess and tutored during the last two class periods. Reading and math. My first student did NOT want to read today. I wouldn't want to be in school on a Saturday either. My second student was a boy from Basha's house...so what did he call me? Yup, Lady Grinch. I don't think I'll break away from that nickname anytime soon.
Today is special because the Marriott came out to host lunch and a cricket game with the kids. The lunch was a little different than normal...it was NOT curry! I ate in the dining hall with all the kids and I decided that today, being a special day....I would eat with my hands! Yup, no utensils for this one. I made sure my hands were clean first. :) It was...an experience that's for sure! The kids laughed at me like they usually do when I try to be like them. And they corrected me when I ate with both hands. You should only eat with your right hand here in India. I didn't know that, but I do now! I talked with Mymonisha and Jayanthi. A few days ago they asked me to bring back "so many chocolates" for them from Mamallapuram. And sure enough, they asked me if I had fulfilled my promise. I did. :) I gave the chocolates to one of the coordinators to put in the Star Store. The Star Store is based on a point system. Each student gets star points for doing well in school and behaving in the hostels. Once they have enough stars, they can purchase different things from the Star Store (like candies or toys). This helps the children understand that they need to work for what they want. Hopefully this will aid in breaking the cycle of begging that most of them are familiar with.  |
| M. Nisha
After lunch, our boys' cricket team faced off with the adult Marriott players. It was obvious how much the kids enjoy this yearly event. The excitement was in the air! M. Nisha found me and sat on my lap for a long time. Nisha is the albino Indian. She has such a sweet personality. We talked about her sponsors and I learned that she wants to be a scientist. I told her that I was kind of a scientist in America and she was really excited about that. I don't think she can see very well, but it doesn't stop her.
I didn't eat much at lunch so I was starving by dinner. We had chapati (Indian flatbread). It was delicious and my banana leaf was as clean as could be by the time I was done. Because it is Saturday, it was movie night tonight. I watched "Cars 2" with the smaller kids. Jayanthi wasn't there because she was being punished for doing something earlier in the day. Mymonisha was there though. I followed Mymonisha to her hostel to say hello to Jayanthi for a few minutes and to ask a house mother to wrap me in my sari for church tomorrow. I have to wake up super early to let them beautify me before church. So it is off to bed!
Day 16 - Complete
Firsts/Realizations: I did the "ok" head bob today without thinking about it.
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