Thursday 1st November

Namaste!

Greetings from the India! It seems so long ago that we gathered in the quad, taking the first of many poser shots on our cameras and we're sure you'll all be pleased to know that there are still plenty more to come. Our time in India has been filled with both highs and lows; the team experienced some of our happiest hours in the past few days, but yet faced challenges and difficulties that we had never faced before.

Today was almost a replica of our first day in Kalkaji, but instead of being greeted with garlands by the children, we were greeted by many happy faces shouting out our names; it is crazy that within such short period of time, we have formed such a strong bond with the kids.

Our busy day began with a thought for the day from Susi, who quoted Emily Dickinson's poem "If I Can Stop One Heart From Breaking";

"If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain."

which basically means that although faced with a lot of difficulties and times when our emotions seems to get ahead of us, times when we would doubt whether we were capable of making a difference, we have to take things one step at a time and realise that we are doing something special here. This brings us back to what Dr. Kiran told us last night. She said that even by being an ambassador of ASHA and generally spreading the word, we can make a difference. (This is the kind of thing we end up discussing with so many English lit students on the team...)

With painting to finish, the group rushed off to make the final touches, though some of us were strongly encouraged to paint grass instead of the delicate black outlines of murals. However, even Christine and Michael (who are artistically challenged!) outdid themselves by providing us with a steady supply of water bottles and paintbrushes.

It was satisfying for the team to finally gaze upon the finished work and sign our names on the wall. Members of the group (Emily, Susi, Han, Jenny & Hannah H) also got the opportunity to sit in the clinic for pregnant mothers, the highlight of which was definitely feeling a baby's head in the womb!

One of the most touching moments of the day was when Gayatri, the teacher in the resource centre, presented all the girls with a token of her thanks.

We left Kalkaji at noon and spent the remainder of the day shopping in Sarojini Nagar (the local market) and Dilli Haat (another local market) where we put our haggling skills to the test. It has to be said that in today's car journey the drivers really outdid themselves; not only did we get lost (again!) but we also stopped several times in the middle of the road and even ended up reversing down the motorway after missing our turn.

Tonight's team meeting gave us the chance to thank the adults who have accompanied us on the trip, giving us constant support and lots of things to laugh at (no no no... we are not talking about you Ruth). We all agreed that we are so happy with the time we have spent here and we have all got on so well together which has really helped us deal with the "flinting of our hearts", quote Jamie.

It is confusing, as although we are looking forward to the day ahead with our inauguration ceremony, we are also upset at having to say our final goodbyes to not only the kids, but also Gayatri, Jayabai, Soni, Dr. Kiran and India. Going home is going to be a challenge in itself as not only do we have to deal with the jetlag, we have to deal with the emotional pressures and contrasts.

Anyway we better head off here and make sure that we have finished packing because we both want a lie-in tomorrow...even if it is only until 9 o'clock!

Lots of love, Jessica and Emily