India // Tuesday

Surprise! Annie and I found out today that we will be teaching english to children and young adults at the Women's Center. Surprise again! I have never taught english. Or anything for that matter. When we came here we were under the impression that we would be doing various tasks around the center, but there is a sliver in me that is so thrilled to teach and learn from these eager students.

We strolled to the Center with Diane, a woman who has been volunteering there for the past few weeks. She has been very ill so the first session of the day entailed sitting on the mat with the kids. Once again- Indians are blunt. They asked Annie and I "ma'am.. do you (giggle giggle) have a boyfriend? What is your baby's name?". "No, I do not have a boyfriend right now" Their grins melted off their face and they replied with "Oh, hmm" Contemplative. We followed two of the girls Joti, and another who I can remember the name, to dance class. These "little" girls looked like they were 10 or 12… but surprised us when they said they were both almost 19. WHAT! no way.

Dancing here is soo intriguing, and difficult. Very difficult.

I was drawn to a little boy with slicked back hair and a shy demeanor. His name is Mukesh Kumar. He doesn't know much english, and refuses to talk to most people. He is 12, but looks 6. I taught him how to play Tic Tac Toe, and he smiled every time I let him win. Is it odd I wanted to just squeeze him and tell him he was awesome? What a sweet kid…

Diane took us to lunch and still was feeling under the weather so she went back home. What does that mean? We were on our own once again. We started out the second half of our day without a lesson plan. Solid start, eh? Heck, we didn't even know we would be doing this until we stepped foot in the center at 11 am. One thing I have learned in my many years of leadership positions and classes is the ability to think on my feet.

"Name a word that starts with 'T'" As little faces star back at us I begin to write this on the small chalkboard. Answers begin to be shouted towards us. Annie chimes in "Okay, name a word that starts with 'To'" More words fill the empty spaces and lists begin to form. All of a sudden my hand is working faster than anticipated. 20 plus words pervaded the small board. Wow. Okay, next task. The following lesson consisted of teaching nouns, verbs, and adjectives. We made columns and questioned the students "What words are nouns? Adjectives?" etc. After these columns were filled and they copied them down on their flimsy paper, we made fill in the blank statements.

"I like to_____" (verb)

"I am _______" (Adj.)

"I want to visit _________"

Their answers ultimately differed, yet the "I am" statements consisted of:

"I am smart."

"I am intelligent."

"I am funny."

The piece of my heart that was previously broken off has been restored. Seeing these little ones believe in themselves is fantastic. That is exactly what we are here to do- empower these children. YES. What a grand moment.

After our lesson we taught them how to play hangman. A little game never hurt any one! The students were so competitive and rowdy. Annie kept telling them to "please be quiet and raise your hand" But I was marveling in the fact they were so joyous and passionate about playing this spelling game. The cheers echoed throughout the room when they guessed the correct words. Inquiring stares from other groups in the room were directed towards our class. I felt the most simple joy.

Now I am constantly questioning whether this will affirm my constant thought of becoming a teacher… We shall see, wont we?

After our lesson ended, Annie and I walked out of the center and instantly grinned at each other, and competed the moment with a high five. We did it! OUr first day is done.

I walked in the door of our house and jumped in the shower. Ahhh cool water is so refreshing in 100 degree weather… Although 5 minutes later the beads of sweat haunt my face again. Sigh.

Dinner is served at 6:00 and quickly after, I found myself lying in my bed aching to be home in the arms of my friends. But, my great friend Bryce reminded me that "I should enjoy my time here before I go home" Simple, but SO true. 3 days went by so fast.

The power surged and the house was flooded. Last night was marked the largest amount of rain in 24 hours, for the past 4 years... Dang. All 12 of us gathered in the common room and started chatting away in the blinking lights. Chloe, Laurie, Annie, and I decided we were going to take a trip to the Hard Rock Cafe to enjoy some burgers and steaks tomorrow evening. Me, I just want a fresh salad. So excited to bit into fresh veggies for the first time in a week. I set out an Airborne vitamin tablet (that you dissolve in water) on the table and then I went to retrieve a glass of water. 2 minutes later I came back to the tablet fizzing and starting to dissolve. That is how strong the humidity is here. Ick.

Well, it is wednesday morning here and I can here bodies wiggling in their beds waking up for breakfast. I better go fill my belly before another day of work.

Namaste, Friends!! Thanks for reading abbot my adventures.

I treasure every ounce of your support.