I have made it through my second week and I think I am finally getting in a routine. My body has adjusted to the time change and the altitude level so that I am able to get up early, go for a run, and engage in some personal devotion time before my day gets started.
Last week was a big deal for the school I'm teaching at as they were preparing for what is called "Sports Day." This is a day where the children compete amongst each other in various track and field events. The children are split between four different groups or houses, each having their own set of team captains, event athletes and cheers. Parents, teachers and dignitaries came out to support. It was pretty exciting!
The evening meetings at the hostel have been going well so far. My only challenge is the boys groups. I struggle with finding ways to peak their interest. What do boys want to talk about? Do they even want to talk? What are the issues they face? My time with the girls comes so naturally for the obvious reasons, but when preparing for my time with the boys, I find it a little difficult. Needless to say, a little extra prayer is said for these meetings.
Sunday church service was good. It was first Sunday so we had communion and then a community lunch following service. I had a chance to talk and get to know some other church members. It felt good to just laugh. Following that, I tagged along with a few members to another member's house. Apparently, he lives in what is described as the "Beverly Hills" of Coonoor. It was beautiful! So much land, organic gardens, beautiful flowers and landscape, art decorated walls, big bedrooms and bathrooms, flat screen t.v.s and etc. However, what I liked best was that the living room did not have a t.v. So what did we do?? Talked, laughed, shared, and everything else people in community do. Imagine that! Life without being entertained by the t.v. for a change. It felt so comfortable and genuine. I got to ask my numerous "foreigner" questions about India and discuss Indian politics, culture and society. It truly was a good time. I can't wait to do it again next Sunday.
Last week was a big deal for the school I'm teaching at as they were preparing for what is called "Sports Day." This is a day where the children compete amongst each other in various track and field events. The children are split between four different groups or houses, each having their own set of team captains, event athletes and cheers. Parents, teachers and dignitaries came out to support. It was pretty exciting!
The evening meetings at the hostel have been going well so far. My only challenge is the boys groups. I struggle with finding ways to peak their interest. What do boys want to talk about? Do they even want to talk? What are the issues they face? My time with the girls comes so naturally for the obvious reasons, but when preparing for my time with the boys, I find it a little difficult. Needless to say, a little extra prayer is said for these meetings.
Sunday church service was good. It was first Sunday so we had communion and then a community lunch following service. I had a chance to talk and get to know some other church members. It felt good to just laugh. Following that, I tagged along with a few members to another member's house. Apparently, he lives in what is described as the "Beverly Hills" of Coonoor. It was beautiful! So much land, organic gardens, beautiful flowers and landscape, art decorated walls, big bedrooms and bathrooms, flat screen t.v.s and etc. However, what I liked best was that the living room did not have a t.v. So what did we do?? Talked, laughed, shared, and everything else people in community do. Imagine that! Life without being entertained by the t.v. for a change. It felt so comfortable and genuine. I got to ask my numerous "foreigner" questions about India and discuss Indian politics, culture and society. It truly was a good time. I can't wait to do it again next Sunday.
What do boys talk about...lol...I would imagine the same type of things girls talk about: relationships, sports, academics, girls, social pressures...have you offered the same question box to the boy's class?
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