I'm completely exhausted! I even woke up tired! I think it's the heat yesterday and today. I've grown accustomed to the temperature and humidity. In fact, I rather enjoy it. I'm thinking I probably just need more water. All day Long I kept giving myself a pep talk. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming :-) (any Finding Nemo fans out there?)... And I did.
The day started with UKG. They are so much fun! We started in the dining hall singing songs. Popcorn Popping, Once There Was a Snowman, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old MacDonald Had a Farm (elephants, tigers, snakes, crocodiles, lions, turtles, fish -- apparently, Old MacDonald moved to India! Who knew?!), Baby Shark, The Princess Pat, Our Father, and to finish, Banana! Krishna snuggled up to me the whole time while Moosa nestled into Annie. I just want to take them home with me! I'm really going to miss these kids and this place. It has become a part of me in ways I didn't expect. It has become a part of me. Two weeks aren't nearly enough! So sad to be leaving Friday morning. Can't believe it's almost over.
We followed UKG to the computer room and helped them with shapes and colors programs. They did really well. I helped Krishna. He's a wiggly little guy, but he knew what he was doing. They were soaking it all up like sponges! Especially the praise they received when they succeeded. You've seriously never seen such huge smiles!
Then on to 1st Standard where spent time with three different kids, one at a time in twenty minute intervals. They could choose to read (we had chosen four different books from the library to share), color, and/or make shapes with Popsicle sticks. One little guy switched names with a friend on me. He couldn't do it for long, though, and had to come clean. Lots of fun.
On to the library where we did more of the same with 2nd Standard. Again, just delightful! (Still telling myself to keep swimming ;-)) It was a warm day in the school, and there are fans, but no AC. But again, didn't really feel it except for the exhaustion.
4th Standard was next. They either wanted to play chess. Now, Daddy tried to teach me how to play chess, but it just went over my head. I'm learning how to play chess in India from 10 year olds! Crazy. We broke for lunch -- a much needed re-fueling.
We had about 40 minutes, and then back to the library for 8th Standard. My friend Devi was in that class, and she taught me how to play chess in a very simple and succinct way. I understand it now. My strategy isn't the best, but that will come with time. She was so patient. A very good teacher. As she walked out, she reminded me of our 3:00 appointment for our dance class.
Finally, 6th Standard made their way to the library. More chess with Monica. She beat me soundly. More beautiful smiles, and school was over. Long, gratifying day.
But no rest for the wicked. Dance lessons! We stretched and moved and caught some new girls up on the dance steps. They asked me if i could do the splits. they said, "All?" i said, "Yes." they said, "Show!" So i did, and they all broke into hysterical laughter. I asked them what was so funny, and they were chattering in Tamil. Nagesh translated and said, "We cant believe a Grandma can do splits!" I got a kick out of that! They then said, "You dance full!" They watched wide-eyed. Not sure if they were impressed or horrified. Perhaps a little of both? We danced until 6:00, and it was Prayer Time. I was in Boys 2. We're talking about humility this week. Interesting subject for kids who really are very humble. And I'm not talking about living circumstances per se, but real honest to goodness humility. They watch out for each other. They are, for the most part, kind and gentle with each other. When I asked them what a humble person would do, words like respectful, kind, friendly, grateful, and happy. I had an opportunity to talk with Vijay. He is one of the older boys. He had an FHE lesson book of all things, and had it open to Humility. It talked about not being self-deprecating. We talked about what that was, and that it was alright to honestly assess yourself and just say thank you if someone complimented you. Honesty is important. It was interesting. I think he understood.
We walkedeveryone to the dining hall where we exchanged our goodbyes until tomorrow. We made our way to the Elephant House, carried the evening meal to the covered rooftop. No sooner did we make it under the cover of the roof, than the sky seemed to drop a bag of marbles on top of the roof. Seriously! Out of nowhere -- a huge rainstorm that brought wind and rain for about ten minutes. India. What a remarkable place!
The day started with UKG. They are so much fun! We started in the dining hall singing songs. Popcorn Popping, Once There Was a Snowman, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old MacDonald Had a Farm (elephants, tigers, snakes, crocodiles, lions, turtles, fish -- apparently, Old MacDonald moved to India! Who knew?!), Baby Shark, The Princess Pat, Our Father, and to finish, Banana! Krishna snuggled up to me the whole time while Moosa nestled into Annie. I just want to take them home with me! I'm really going to miss these kids and this place. It has become a part of me in ways I didn't expect. It has become a part of me. Two weeks aren't nearly enough! So sad to be leaving Friday morning. Can't believe it's almost over.
We followed UKG to the computer room and helped them with shapes and colors programs. They did really well. I helped Krishna. He's a wiggly little guy, but he knew what he was doing. They were soaking it all up like sponges! Especially the praise they received when they succeeded. You've seriously never seen such huge smiles!
Then on to 1st Standard where spent time with three different kids, one at a time in twenty minute intervals. They could choose to read (we had chosen four different books from the library to share), color, and/or make shapes with Popsicle sticks. One little guy switched names with a friend on me. He couldn't do it for long, though, and had to come clean. Lots of fun.
On to the library where we did more of the same with 2nd Standard. Again, just delightful! (Still telling myself to keep swimming ;-)) It was a warm day in the school, and there are fans, but no AC. But again, didn't really feel it except for the exhaustion.
4th Standard was next. They either wanted to play chess. Now, Daddy tried to teach me how to play chess, but it just went over my head. I'm learning how to play chess in India from 10 year olds! Crazy. We broke for lunch -- a much needed re-fueling.
We had about 40 minutes, and then back to the library for 8th Standard. My friend Devi was in that class, and she taught me how to play chess in a very simple and succinct way. I understand it now. My strategy isn't the best, but that will come with time. She was so patient. A very good teacher. As she walked out, she reminded me of our 3:00 appointment for our dance class.
Finally, 6th Standard made their way to the library. More chess with Monica. She beat me soundly. More beautiful smiles, and school was over. Long, gratifying day.
But no rest for the wicked. Dance lessons! We stretched and moved and caught some new girls up on the dance steps. They asked me if i could do the splits. they said, "All?" i said, "Yes." they said, "Show!" So i did, and they all broke into hysterical laughter. I asked them what was so funny, and they were chattering in Tamil. Nagesh translated and said, "We cant believe a Grandma can do splits!" I got a kick out of that! They then said, "You dance full!" They watched wide-eyed. Not sure if they were impressed or horrified. Perhaps a little of both? We danced until 6:00, and it was Prayer Time. I was in Boys 2. We're talking about humility this week. Interesting subject for kids who really are very humble. And I'm not talking about living circumstances per se, but real honest to goodness humility. They watch out for each other. They are, for the most part, kind and gentle with each other. When I asked them what a humble person would do, words like respectful, kind, friendly, grateful, and happy. I had an opportunity to talk with Vijay. He is one of the older boys. He had an FHE lesson book of all things, and had it open to Humility. It talked about not being self-deprecating. We talked about what that was, and that it was alright to honestly assess yourself and just say thank you if someone complimented you. Honesty is important. It was interesting. I think he understood.
We walkedeveryone to the dining hall where we exchanged our goodbyes until tomorrow. We made our way to the Elephant House, carried the evening meal to the covered rooftop. No sooner did we make it under the cover of the roof, than the sky seemed to drop a bag of marbles on top of the roof. Seriously! Out of nowhere -- a huge rainstorm that brought wind and rain for about ten minutes. India. What a remarkable place!
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