You must be the change you want to see in the world. Mahatma Gandi
Katie and Laaura were our energetic joggers this morning and were able to get a quick run in before our morning yoga session. Our quiet yoga teacher arrived promptly at 7:30am and led us through half an hour of stretching on the rooftop of our guesthouse. Everyone agreed that it was a pleasant way to start the day, and for Aneesh and me, it was good to stretch out sore muscles after our day at the SEAM's construction site yesterday.
After gathering around our common dining table for a breakfast of rice, curry sauce and papaya, we gathered our supplies and gear to go to our respective work sites. Aneesch and I went back to the construction site at SEAM; Laura, Katie, and Claudia also went to SEAM to do some tutoring; Joelle, Nita and Joan went to the Assisi School to play games, give lessons, and work on paper machee'; and Jana and Niki went to St. Thomas Hospital to learn more about the India health care system.
When our morning assignments were over, we once again gathered around our dining room table, this time for lunch. (Aneesh and I arrived dripping sweat from sifting sand and hauling it up to the second floor of the dormitories being constructed at SEAM in the heat and humidity. The sand is being used in making mortar for the walls.) Stephen our team leader, surprised us by providing fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and carrots to have with our lunch after Joelle's fresh vegetable request and he also provided us with a wonderful watermelon for dessert. We were able to rest awhile before we headed out early for our afternoon assignments. Our job assignments started early so that we could end earlier in order to get in a much anticipated shopping trip. Laura was very excited about the opportunity to shop for a sari.
I'm not sure where everyone went on their afternoon asignments, but Aneesh and I went to St. Thomas Hospital. We were first taken to the emergency room where we briefly talked to a dentist who told us about his children who now live in the United States. Soon after we arrived in the emergency room, Doctor Sister Rexline (no, I did not make a mistake about her title) came by and took us to her office for a visit. She is the administrator of the hospital and has overseen its development from a one room dispensary to a large multi-specialty hospital. I was impressed by her deep humility and her joy at being able to serve people in need. She said that we have only one chance to pass through this life and we should take every opportunity to help people along the way.
After we visited awhile, Dr. Sister Rexline took us to see the nursing school and instroduced us to Sister Jaya who is the nursing school's head. My impression was that she runs a tight ship, especially after she pointed out that gum chewing could be perceived as rude in some cultures as well as sitting with crossed legs; Aneesh stopped chewing his gum and I quickly put both my feet on the ground. Sister jaya did graciously take time out of her busy schedule to take us on a tour of the entire nursing school. The nursing school is a diploma type school, with all instruction being done at the school or in the hospital. The length of the program is 3 1/2 years. Applicants between the ages of 17 and 35 years of age can apply. However, Sister Jaya said that she will only accept applicants 25 years and under because it would be difficult for an older student to sit next to a younger student.
We took our leave of Sister Jaya, then went to spend some time observing in ICU. Aneesh introduced me to the male nursing student he met yesterday. Tstudent had completed a bachelor's of science degree, but needed practical time so he came to St. Thomas hospital to get this requirement completed. He seemed pleased to visit with us so that he could practice his English. I am really impressed with the amount of work the student nurses have to do in India. Not only do they have to go through nursing school which is tough in any country, but they also have to learn English as that is the language used in the hospital environment.
When our time at the hospital was over, Stephen picked up our group in the van and took us to Chennai Silks to shop for saris or churidars (a type of pant with a long top and scarf.) Several of us had fun buying fabrics and are inticipating going to a tailor and having authentic and beautiful outfits made. The Indian shopping system is a touch different than that of the United States. First, an assistant helps you pick out your item and carries it to the cash register for you. Second, you pay for it at the register. Third, another assistant wraps it up for you then carries it to the delivery window where you can finally claim it.
After spending time at Chennai Silks, about half the group wanted to go back to the guethouse, so rode back in the intrepid white van. The rest of us went shopping for gold and silver at a store Stephen recommended. The variety was overwhelming. There, you sit or stand at the counter while assistants bring you items to peruse. After purchasing the item, an assistant elaborately wraps it up for you, then puts the package in a bag, followed by flower petals. The bag is then handed to you with a bow.
Since the van was not there to take us back to the guesthouse (having taken the non-shoppers back home), Stephen hired auto-rickshaws to carry us back to the guesthouse. Riding in a tiny motorized cart with open sides speeding through traffic that makes four lanes when only two are marked on the road, is quite the adventure. However, I was glad that I was having an experience that couldn't be had in the United States. Having these new experiences is one reason I travel. (I'm extremely glad, however, we didn't have the experience of getting flattened by a bus.) Riding back home, Laura, Katie and I were talking about the amazing variety of matierial we saw at Chenai Silks. I pondered if this variety makes up for the limited amount of styles that are available in southern India. If the only clothing choices you have are saris or churidars, then perhaps the way to express your individuality is by color and print design
All made it safely back to our guesthouse. After eating a late dinner, we had fun showing off our purchases to each other. Everyone was in good spirits and while the break in our schedule was good for our mental health, I'm sure everyone is able to resume work in the morning.
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