Today and yesterday, we visited the schools we met with again. At them, we talked to the students, and particularly today, we taught lessons about English and held discussions about American and Indian culture and politics. We were surprised by how well we could communicate even despite the language barrier, and we're able to have shockingly in depth discussions about subjects like religion, politics, and marriages. We made a lot of friends at the schools, and when we played cricket and kickball with kids in the neighborhood. Tomorrow, we will present some of the dances and songs we have been learning and practicing for the two schools.

Nate

Today was our first day going to the schools for the ESL tutoring and going for motorized rickshaw rides. This morning was another hurry up and wait moment. We ate breakfast at 8 but didn't leave until 10. After a fast and bumpy rickshaw ride we arrived at the first school, St. Peter's Higher Secondary School (HSS). We were welcomed with various long speeches about the English language. Hopefully tomorrow we will be able to interact with the students more. After watching a couple dances and a skit they performed, we came back to the house, ate a wonderful lunch (with lots of Indian fry bread), and rested until we left to visit the next school. The second school we are tutoring is called Ithithanam Higher Secondary School. We were greeted with a warm welcome of the traditional bindis and roses. We stepped right into the ESL tutoring and talked with the students by exchanging questions and answers. Then after a quick turn around we headed off to the tutoring center in the clinic to help the neighborhood kids with their English homework. To finish the day we had our second traditional Indian dance lesson and ate a delicious dinner.

Yesterday was a busy day. After a delicious breakfast, we got on the bus to go to St. John's School. When we got off of the bus all of the elementary students were waiting to greet us. Some parents even came to meet us. All of the kids were wearing their best clothes. We got to watch multiple singing and dance performances by the kids, and even a Bollywood dance by one of the parents. While at the school we were able to inaugurate the new filtration system installed at the school with the help of Hope Charities. They showed their gratitude to us by making us a cake, which we all got a piece of and the leftover was given to the kids. We were also able to give each student a Riverdale pencil. After a few words of thanks from one of the teachers, we said goodbye.

Back at the house we ate lunch and had some time to rest. The girls got measured for their sarees. We decided that today would be a good day to go to the beach. After an hour long bus ride most of us went on a short camel ride along the beach. We sat and watched the picturesque sunset, while Tal took a timelapsed. After the sunset we went back to the house to eat dinner and have our first dance lesson. Even though we were tired from the long day we tried our best. We started with some simple steps, but after awhile we all decided to go bed. Now we are waking up and waiting to eat breakfast.

Be Well,

Paula

School Bound

It’s Monday, and that means the school week has begun! Today we had the privilege of attending of the Corporate Management of Schools Diamond Jubilee, a student-led conference consisting of over 3500 students from different schools in Kottayam.  We watched a series of two-minute presentations given by the top students of each school. Each student was given the opportunity to address what they believe are flaws within their education system. Students voiced concern over many different issues, ranging from the incorporation of technology into classrooms to the quality of bathrooms. The presentations gave us a unique perspective of the Indian education system. At then end of the presentations, we got a chance to present what we believe are the core values of the American education system. Overall, the exchange was quite the cultural experience!

Following the Jubilee, we headed in to Changacherry for some shopping. Although we didn’t find exactly what we were looking for, we did end up buying some traditional Kerala teas for our friends back home.

Tonight, there was tutoring down at the clinic. We got to play and interact with the kids, which was loads of fun! The night was full of multiple rounds of hide & go seek and ninja, and we were challenged to a game of cricket tomorrow afternoon!

Looking forward to seeing all of you soon!

XOXO

Today is the second day we’ve spent in Kerala, and it went great.  After a delicious breakfast on the terrace, we headed into Kottayam, the closest major city to the clinic, to do some shopping.  The girls all purchased beautiful saris, and the boys got munds; both traditional formal Indian clothing.  We plan to wear these the last few days here, and we were all talking about wearing them at prom.

Next we headed to lunch at a local hotel.  The food was a little different than what we’ve had in Northern India, but it was delicious.  After lunch, we enjoyed an afternoon on the backwaters of Kottayam on a beautiful houseboat.  After an interesting discussion of education systems around the world, which helped us with topics to debate and discuss at the Indian schools, we spent the afternoon relaxing on the river.  We read, napped, and played cards while watching an intense rainstorm outside the boat.

 We are now back at the house; about to practice what we will be performing at the school tomorrow.  We are all really excited to visit the schools and miss everyone at home!

Holly