Painting and Painting…
January 10th, 2008
Just back from painting. We’re coming along nicely, I think. Stephen, our country director here, stopped in today to see how we were doing and see the progression of the work. He told us we’d never believe what the place looked like more than a year ago, before Global Volunteers starting working on it, bit by bit — painting, repairs and the installation of new bathrooms. And even though local laborers are helping us, the work only happens when GV volunteers are here. So Rick and I are glad to jump in to help wrap things up.
The yearlong facelift is nearly done now, with just our dining room (which is almost done) an upstairs section and Sister Backiyam’s tiny room. We’re doing that tomorrow, our last day of painting. They’ll be taking Sister to another room for the day so we can do it.
In other news, I spent the evening again with Sukanya and Rebecca. We practiced reading (which both are very good at) and tried some more conversational English. I pulled out every topic I could think of — We talked about their nailpolish, my ugly toes, about their favorite foods, about my family and work back home. I even pulled out my driver’s license as an opportunity for them to tell me about driving laws and licenses in India. But I’m running dry for topics. Today, I’ll bring my iPod and play some music. I’ve also torn out some magazine pictures and will have them describe the scene to me. But I’m desperate for ideas. Stephen says the main goal for these girls is to practice conversational English — so if you’ve got any ideas for how to engage them in fun ways, please send them along!!
This is all so wonderful. A truly great blog from a truly great lady. More, a truly great contribution. attagirl.
posted by Denis (01/10/08 8:21 am)Denis!
What a treat to hear from you. Saw your other comment, too! Thanks for reading! Can’t wait to tell you even more in person.
posted by Joann (01/11/08 6:16 am)JK,
What a cool thing you’re doing. Your blog is really entertaining/
Kate
posted by Kate (01/11/08 3:38 pm)Dear Joann,
We wanted you to know how much we admire all your hard work and the diary with pictures provided on the trip to India. May we congratulate you on your volunteer work and we hope that your accomplishment will bring you a lot of experience which will benefit you in your life.
posted by Malgosia and Miron (01/13/08 11:38 am)