This past week has been Christmas vacation at Rising Star, which means the campus is just about dead. With the departure of the kids, as well as the other long-term volunteers either going back to America or going on vacation, the campus was just left with about a dozen people as opposed to the usual 200+. Over this break I took some time to organize, finish grading papers, chill with Venilla, and catch up on some movie watching (this dominated most of my nights). It has been a very relaxing break and a great time to reflect on everything that has gone on these past 7 months at Rising Star.
One thing I was able to do over break that I don't get to do very often is go out with the medical team and work in the colonies washing and bandaging ulcers for the leprosy-afflicted. I got to go out Thursday and Friday with the medical team and it was so great to be able to work with with medical staff and see the people in the colonies. Double-bonus of going to the colonies over break...the kids are home in the colonies.
We went to the Bhadallapuram colony and did medical as usual but a noteworthy event that happened was that the founder of the Bindu art school was in the colony just for that day, so myself, Lyndsey, and the other volunteers had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife. He is a lovely Austrian artist who literally helped turn the whole colony around with the starting of the art school
After finishing up medical in the Bhadallapuram colony we went to neighboring Bethel Nagar to see some of the kids there. About 15 Rising Star students live at Bethel Nagar so I was practically bouncing out of my seat with excitement to get to see so many of the kids. We pulled up and about 6 RSO boys were out playing cricket and were they surprised to see us. We said hi to the boys and just took a stroll through the colony finding the other kids and just having a little visit.
One thing I was able to do over break that I don't get to do very often is go out with the medical team and work in the colonies washing and bandaging ulcers for the leprosy-afflicted. I got to go out Thursday and Friday with the medical team and it was so great to be able to work with with medical staff and see the people in the colonies. Double-bonus of going to the colonies over break...the kids are home in the colonies.
We went to the Bhadallapuram colony and did medical as usual but a noteworthy event that happened was that the founder of the Bindu art school was in the colony just for that day, so myself, Lyndsey, and the other volunteers had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife. He is a lovely Austrian artist who literally helped turn the whole colony around with the starting of the art school
With Werner--founder of the Bindu Art School
After finishing up medical in the Bhadallapuram colony we went to neighboring Bethel Nagar to see some of the kids there. About 15 Rising Star students live at Bethel Nagar so I was practically bouncing out of my seat with excitement to get to see so many of the kids. We pulled up and about 6 RSO boys were out playing cricket and were they surprised to see us. We said hi to the boys and just took a stroll through the colony finding the other kids and just having a little visit.
As we were walking through the village we found Angel, Gracy Lydia, and Pavithra. Angel's house had an AWESOME homemade nativity out front.
As Gracy Lydia and I rounded a corner going from one street to another, we caught sight of little Sangeetha. She ran towards us, anklets jingling, and I scooped her up in a huge hug. She is such a little cutie.
In front of Akash and Gracy Lydia's ridiculously cute blue house. All the kids were so excited to show off their houses--they are so proud of what little they have.
With Ruthish and his mom outside of their house. Ruthish's mom is so so sweet.
I made the boys stop their cricket game and take a picture. From left there is Nandhakumar, Akash, Ismail, and Ansari. These boys are just amazing.
While we were in Bethel Nagar, a cobra was found. Obviously this meant a free show for all where the snake catcher taunted and messed with the snake for everyone to enjoy...oh India.
Now it is Christmas Eve and my break is almost at an end. The kids will be back on the 26th and we basically go non-stop until I leave in April...where has the time gone!! Another post is forthcoming about my Christmas Eve/Christmas day celebrations. :)
Vanakkam
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