An Absent End of the Week. (Friday, May 29th)

I felt much better when I woke up in the morning. However, the second I started moving around, showered, ate a cliff bar, and drank water, I started feeling sick again. It was too hard to predict what my body was going to do, so Mai told me to take it easy and rest for the day. Mai an Erin offered to take each of my classes, since all the kids were painting murals. I heard later that it was the most challenging day of the week. I was really disappointed because it was the last day of classes, but I guess its better than throwing up in front of the kids while trying to teach, right? (Sorry for the visual). Anyways, a few minutes later Mai came in with a strand of orange flowers, apparently one of the girls had brought it for me that morning. I melted a little inside. Apparently she was bragging to Mr. Ananthar about it all morning.

In-between classes, Akilla and Gayathri (two of the 10 year olds from my class) came to my room to see how I was doing after hearing I wasn’t feeling good. They told me they were sad I wasn’t in class today. Akilla saw that I had my necklace and flowers on the counter, and she told me to get them. She had me kneel down on the ground, and she took out my hair band, and all the bobby pins in my hair. She then pulled my hair into a pony tail, pinned the flowers around it, and pinned up loose strands of hair around my face. She clasped the necklace around my neck, then took the bindi off her forehead and placed it on mine. It matched perfectly with my orange flowers. They finished it off with a “beautiful” and “super.” I teared up a little. At that moment I wished I could bring them home with me. Little swelling hearts. One of the memories that stuck out the most.

I still wasn’t feeling good so I told them they had to go so I could lay down, but that didn’t stop them from visiting 5 or 6 additional times within 2 hours, bringing a larger group each and every time. They kept tugging on my arms to urge me outside, and I felt bad but I just didn’t feel well enough. At one point I made the mistake of showing them my new saree, and they pulled it out of the plastic and started wrapping it around me. Afterwards they called over a huge group of their friends to show. The heat was way too much too handle, and I was starting to feel woozy, so I took it off and headed into my room. The crew followed and begged me to let them inside (which was against the rules). After a lot of promises to find them later, I convinced them to go play outside.

I ventured back out at 5:00pm. Nick had a special meditation for the children, and I went to watch. Afterwards we handed out thank you’s to all the students. They were perfect. I wish I had a scanned version to put online. Maybe ill take a picture and post it later. Afterwards, we watched a film about modern art in Tamilnadu; it was really interesting. My favorite part was talking with Lakshmi Venkatraman, a gallery owner, artist, and art critic. I wish I could’ve spoken with her longer. It was one of those moments where I knew I was in the company of a powerful individual.


A little collection of the items that some of the children made for me/gave me.


Sorry for the lame photo, I was trying to capture Akilla's handiwork (it's not too successful). I had to take a picture though.

Ups and Downs. (Thursday May 27th)

I didn’t sleep well last night. Now that my body is adjusted to the time difference, I feel like I actually woke up at 6:00 am. I was a little tired in the morning, and unsure about the day, but things took a surprising turn (for the best, then for the worst…hang in with me and you’ll find out what I mean). One thing has been clear already: valuable and meaningful experiences can be difficult, chaotic, and draining. But, that’s where the beauty lies I guess. These children are fierce, brilliant, and beautiful. I know I’ve already said that, but somewhere in the midst exhaustion, overload, and jumble…I’m continuously captured by the people surrounding me. I understand why I’m here. The children are learning from me, but I think I’m equally learning just as much from them. Sometimes, I’m terrified, sometimes I want to jump out of my skin, but I’ve found that every drop of energy is worth it. These children are worth it. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else right now.

My first class was my favorite group of 10 year olds. Mai and I switched classes last minute, and when I entered the room and they jumped out of their seats in excitement. One of the girls called me over and when I leaned down, she clasped her favorite necklace around my neck. I was kind of speechless. I think I was just blown away by her willingness to give away something that is so precious to her, to me. I was so humbled. I mean, who am I? Just some random girl from America. Most of these children don’t have anything to give, and yet they give anyway. Maybe the US would be a better place if more people were like these children. It kills me to think that these kids will give away their most valued possessions, yet people who have so much more, hold on to it in greed.

My 10 year olds latched onto my hip for the whole class and afterwards, always looking for ways to help me out, or get my attention, or hook their arm through mine as we walk. The second class was a little older, about 12 years old; another great class. I spent most of the time running around to replenish their paint as they ran out, so it was a little hectic, but I can’t complain much. I wasn’t scheduled for a last class, so I wandered into all the other classes to see how they were going. Afterwards, a group of girls found me, and I asked them to teach me a few Tamil words. (When I say a few, I mean a FEW). I plan on having them sit down to teach me more later.

I felt a little sick at lunch, but didn’t really think much of it. I rested for awhile, impatiently awaiting 3:30 pm. Manikam planned to take the girls to buy Sarees for the final event on Saturday. I had been looking forward to this day all week, mainly because sarees are beautiful in comparison to my clothing. But what started as an exciting event, certainly didn’t end in a very exciting way. When the time came, 7 of us packed into a tiny car, and I sat in Mai’s lap up front. It’s India, so yay no seatbelts, but very terrifying driving at times! In town, there really is no such thing as separate traveling lanes, you just kinda fit and weave where you can. Anyways, the best part of the whole ride: Mai and I got to hog the air conditioning (YES.). I almost forgot about the intense heat, until we reached the market and the door opened. We stumbled into the store in a fury of excitement. As I walked around, I suddenly felt really sick. I found a green Saree I loved, and placed it on the counter. But I was quickly feeling worse, and had to sit down. I went outside for “air,” but the strong smells outside just made me feel sicker. I got inside the car with the air conditioning and sat with my head between my legs. I’ll just cut to the chase, minutes later I was rushing outside and threw up like five times in the middle of the market. I can only IMAGINE the sight. It all felt pretty surreal. One thing was certain: I HAD to get back to the Sevalaya. They sat me in the car on Manikam’s lap, with a bag in front of me. I was in excruciating pain.

The minute we got back, I ran to my room and curled up into a ball. I was absolutely miserable. I still have no idea why I got sick, but I think it was a mixture of things. I threw up a few more times, and when the pain started to subside, I was able to fall asleep. Erin, if you are reading this, thank you again for taking care of me that night; you are my hero haha. I guess a little nausea makes for a more authentic experience…? Anyways, it could’ve been worse I guess. Iravu vanakkam friends. (Goodnight).



If you take a picture of one child with their artwork....then all children want a picture.





Sea of butterflies

Showcasing their work for Gopi

Playing around.

Love this one.


Me and the boys.

:) One of my favorite groups.







Oops...got a little paint on her dress

Taste and See. (Wednesday, May 26th)

I semi-slept for the first time last night. It was a refreshing change. The wind was bad in class again, but the kids absolutely loved doing scratch art, and couldn’t get enough. Each child did about 3 or 4 of their own. I finally had to stop them so I would have enough for my last class. There is one little girl, Bavani (10 yrs) that I really enjoy. She is one of the quietest in the class, but she is one of the most diligent workers. She doesn’t run on anyone else’s schedule, and she wanted to work an extra day on her collage project. While all the other students are freaking out about scratch art, she stays late to finish her project from the day before until she’s satisfied with it. Something about her softens my heart every day she smiles at me. I can’t help but wonder what her story is. I admire her so much.

In between classes I ran into a group of girls who stopped me to talk. They told me my name was no longer Jessica, and they nick named me “Ramba” after a famous Indian actress. So sweet, but I’m not sure I look anything like her! Haha. Oh, and at another time I left to observe Erin’s class, and one of the girls told me to come close to her, she then took the Bindi off her forehead, and placed it on mine. I felt so honored; it pretty much made my day. I walked a little higher after that.

My last class was a group of 12 year old girls, one of the best classes I’ve had yet. They were way too nice to me, and wouldn’t stop complimenting. It was beyond sweet. They scrutinized over the little details in their artwork, and took their time to do a quality job. Once finished, they gathered around me at the front of the room around my table to talk. They kept calling me “beautiful,” which blows my mind because to me, they are far more stunning. After classes, the students lingered around much longer than they have before, I think they are starting to feel more comfortable having me around. I love every second of it.

At lunch I met a nice woman named Christina, from Estonia. She loves India, and starting in January, she’ll be staying at the Sevalaya for about 6 straight months. A water pipe broke shortly after returning back to my room, very unfortunate. A nice cool shower is the only escape from the heat (seriously India!?). At 5:30 we had another guest lecturer, Dr. Va. Ve. Subramaniam, a retired principal of Vive kananda College. A very brilliant man and great teacher. Although, the 1 hour lecture turned into 2 ½ hours. It was LONG, and interesting, but I have a horrible attention span. I couldn’t stop shifting in my seat and tapping my feet on the ground. However, I had to wonderful opportunity to talk with the Dr.’s wife, a retired chemistry professor, and a very intelligent, outgoing woman. She told me that if I ever returned to India, I could stay with her and she would teach me all kinds of things about Indian culture. I may take her up on that one day.

Nick, the last part of our Children’s Art Village team, showed up today! He arrived a little sick, but hopefully that will change soon. As for the rest of the night, I spent hours cutting paper pallets, and tracing fish and butterfly templates for my next day of classes. That night I dreamt I was swimming underwater with paper fish. It seemed normal until the butterflies entered the picture too.


I have lots of Gecko friends in my room.

"Silky smooth writing!"

Erin after class, rocking her Bindi and Children's Art Village t-shirt

Empty class.



Lots of pictures with the kids today!

Funny snap one of the children took. They love using my camera

:)

My last class of the day



Blurry but cute.

Nithya showcasing her artwork. Precious little girl.

Extreme concentration.

Classes: Day Two (Tuesday May 25th)

Well, another sleepless night. I’m starting to wonder if jet lag will EVER wear off. I hope so, because I got out of bed, wide awake at 4:30 am. I cleaned, and finished my collage sample for classes. At least I was ready for the day…? Afterwards, exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks, so I had to go back to sleep for a little while. I was running a little late when I woke up, and rushed up four flights of stairs of the school to set up, only to find out all the children were eating a late breakfast. What can I say, India is unpredictable. Everyday is a new adventure.

I’m not going to lie, today’s classes were kind of a nightmare. For the first half of class I didn’t have a translator, so I tried with little success to explain the project to them. I delayed for as long as possible, passed out pens, paper, scissors, glue, etc. Worst decision ever. They started cutting each other’s paper (and fingers), so I just tried demonstrated what we would be doing. I had a station set up for supplies and I called two kids up at a time, but everyone was afraid they wouldn’t get what they wanted, so they all flooded to the scene I couldn’t get them to make a line. Haha. It’s funny looking back on it. But the wind was horrible, and kept blowing their paper, pens, pencils, and materials off the tables, across the room, all over the floor. It was chaos. Kids running everywhere to pick up their stuff. Kalai came into my class to help out after a little while, he was extremely helpful! On the positive side, the kids produced some beautiful work. In the end, the amount of pictures I took for the day was slender: pretty much none.

After classes I felt a little like falling apart. I went straight to my room to rest. I was pretty drained. I attempted to journal but failed. On the bright side, I met Mr. Mari Anand today (the painting teacher), and he gave me a small booklet of his paintings. He is an absolutely incredible artist. The Sevalaya has such an amazing staff of individuals pouring into the students day after day. I think he will be a great addition to their team. I also met the sculpture teacher Mr. M. Surndaranath, Ms. V. Lavanya (music teacher), and Ms. Vijayalakshmi (dance). I cannot wait to hear updates of their impact. They fit perfectly into the midst of the Sevalaya.

We had another guest lecturer, Mr. G. Ram Mohan, a retired Indian railway commissioner, about Mahatma Gandhi (Gandhiji). He was an adorable older man, and actually looked a lot like Gandhi, without the specs. I was really exhausted so I almost nodded off once (but not because the lecture was boring…the man was extremely passionate and interesting). I had to keep pounding cookies to wake me up. After the lecture, over dinner we heard some really exciting news, the Sevalaya and art camp would be on the news tonight at 10:00pm! I didn’t end up seeing the report, but hopefully it was recorded. Oh, and three different newspapers wrote articles about the camp, including one of the main papers in the area, The Hindu. Pretty darn cool.



Mehendi by Divya!