Week 2 Begins with....

The second of three work weeks officially started yesterday, which meant trying something new, which is both scary and exiting. Linda and I switched with Ann and Ginny such that we are now working at Assisi, the daycare/orphanage, in the morning, and they are doing construction. In some ways, I like the construction. For one, we clearly see the fruits of our labor, and second, we get exercise. Hatha yoga (a more relaxed style) and walks in the heat are not cutting it - especially given all the food we are eating! (Last night we learned to make Poori, a puffy bread.)

Assisi is quite an interesting place, where 40 kids between ages 2 to 5 spend their day there while mom and dad work (18 are orphaned residents). While the sisters love the children, they have a disciplinary style that I am not quite used to. Sister X's disciplinary method is a ruler, which she seems to like because every time she gets near a wall or post, she taps her ruler. (Luckily, I did not see her using it on any kids!) Sister Y's disciplinary method is a towel, which she tends to use when the kids are watching a movie because there are a few who like to bite, chase, or steal undies! Maybe I am not used to this disciplinary style but it is impressive how obedient the kids are when the sisters are present.

For those parents reading my blog, get this - the kids are pottie trained by the time they are walking! It is the most amazing thing to witness. Imagine a cute little baby wearing shorts walking up to you, pulling on your skirt as if to say, "It is time." This could mean "walk me to the toilet" or "I already went, so please wash me." Washing consists of taking the child's naked bottom and rinsing it with a hose. Then the child hands you its undies so you can put it on, or they put it on themselves. (By the way, another thing India is doing to help the environment - they use cloth diapers.)

I learned a new trick today - the instant face-wiper, where the kids wander around with an attached hankie. This tiny, colorful cloth is pinned to their shirts with a safety pin, which allows you to wipe their runny noses or dirty mouths in an instant.

Trying to teach these kids was its own entertainment. We had a little instigator in our group so every time he did something, the other kids would follow, except for the shy ones who just stood next to us in sheer terror. Remember, these are young kids who don't know English and everyone who speaks to them, except for us, speaks Tamil. As a result, half the battle is their age while the other is the language barrier, so we are quite forgiving (and confused).

For my sanity, I consider each small win a success. George, who I have met once before, finally walked up to me at the end of the day and allowed me to pick him up. The first group of kids we attempted to teach English to finally sat still for more that 20 seconds when we 1) taught them "Duck, Duck, Goose" and 2) let them draw on the chalkboard. I had them tracing their hands and feet, writing numbers on each finger and toe. Their favorite was copying my smiley faces.

A few of us ventured out for a brief walk today. I went to the grocery store to get more detergent. Upon arrival, I was stalked by a clerk. At this point, I am on "people overload" in this crowded city and any part of me that believes in a philosophy of acceptance similar to Buddhists is dissipating! I looked at her and requested she stop following me.

Then there was the checkout process. My detergent cost 8 Rupees, which is the equivalent of 20 US Cents, but it took three people to take care of me. The first girl rings me up and tells me to go to the girl behind me to pay. Girl #2 gives me a stamped receipt and tells me to turn around to give it to the first girl who stamps it again. Then, a guy bags my stuff. I walk out completely confused. Is this system due to boredom, lack of jobs, or something I can't possibly understand? I tell myself, "Yoga breathing. Yoga breathing." (This is my calling to l-e-t i-t g-o!)

On a very positive note, I went to the tailor who measured me for my beautiful sari. So if you know of any Indian weddings coming up, can I be your date?

I neglected to mention that on our weekend getaway, we went to an astrology reading. There is a lovely old man who sits on a blanket in the vicinity of the 7th and 8th century rock carvings with his cards and parrot. We all had an astrology reading, and mine was certainly fitting. Katie had us laughing because she tuned out our readings after the guy told her she was getting married, and she is not even dating anyone.

How does this reading work? First, you need a translator, which we had. Then, you sit down and tell the guy your name. The parrot comes out of its cage and selects cards, one of which is given to the reader. The parrot goes back into his cage and the reading begins. Note: If the reader gives the parrot seeds, that means the parrot is trained to pick certain cards so your reading is rigged. Thankfully, this was not the case for us.

If you are interested in Global Volunteers, check out our team blog. This will help you get another perspective. http://indiateamjournal.blogspot.com/