Hi everyone back home its IR4 here.
Its
been a busy few weeks, time has flown and its only 2 weeks until mid phase.
The construction is well under way; we have
dug the foundations for 16 out of 20 cattle sheds and one eco-san. The building
materials arrive on Friday and so hopefully by next well have some completed
sites. This week has also seen the education of the beneficiaries. Freya and
Manju went to a model village to show the beneficiaries what they will be
receiving and how to use them. The experience was a positive one and the
beneficiaries all came away excited. But its not all been work and no play - we’ve integrated into the village well, to the point where the village leader
called us his brothers and to express
how amazing he find it that educated people come to help his village. This was
a massive buzz for the group that we have integrated so well.
The locals
are fond of making us a cup of chai and are always inviting us in for a chat or
even occasionally a dance. A few of the group also got to make home made henna
with some of the village women. This involves collecting leaves off a
particular bush and crushing the leaves with a pestle and then adding water.
The henna it creates comes out bright orange – think of luminous carrots and
lasts for 10-15 days.
On
our day off we left the village for a hike. It was a lovely sunny day and we
got amazing views especially from the Tamil Nadu/Karnataka border. Some our
exploring around the village has led to the discovery of a place called ‘The
Rock’. This is a rock up a hill next to the village; you can see for miles and
has picturesque views.
IR4 had the pleasure of hosting Mark, a PhD
student who was researching Active Citizenship and volunteering in young people
particularly in the ICS programme. Mark’s arrival brought some great discussion
about citizenship, poverty and politics and we all got to hear about the
outside world which is great because we live in our own little bubble. A new
face and news was fantastic and on that note as well – keep sending us messages
on the blog as its great to hear from the outside world.
See
you soon
IR4
Hi Charles, it looks like you are having a great time. It was lovely to see and hear you all on the video.
ReplyDeleteDad and I have just come back from Berlin which was great fun though we thought the currywurst was overrated!
Have you managed to follow the cricket? I'd imagine there to be a bit of friendly rivalry as it is such a popular sport in India. The footy is going great we are 4th at the moment. Dad thinks we are going to get into the champions league, over optimistic as usual.
I hope your iPod has arrived as I can't imagine you surviving without music.
We can't wait to hear all about your experiences when you come home at Christmas. What's happened to the letter you promised to write?
Keep on having fun and stay safe. Lots of love Mum and Dad xxxxxx
Hi Charles well you really do seem to be having a great time and so interesting its just amazing to read about the things you all have done what an experience one you will never forget, it was worth all the begging to my friends and neighbours everybody is very interested. The thing is we live our own peaceful and comfortable lives not knowing what goes on elsewhere keep enjoying it an experience of a life time. We all miss you and hope you will take us all out to dinner when you get home. Lots of love Nanny xx take care. sent to Charles McAlindin Romeo 4
ReplyDeleteHi Charles, good to see you on video, u look like ur having a wonderful experience though ur group do seem a little mad but I'm sure u fit in well!!!! Things r good with us, me and Kt are busy designing our gingerbread construction though I think it's a little ambitious if I'm honest... We'll see. Kt has just sat a week of mocks , we have been choosing 6 th forms and A levels!!!! Peter has just had his first review dat at SJP, generally good except for the lack of homework!!! But what's new with Peter.Its suddenly gone relly cold here , u will freeze when u come home. Looking forward to seeing u at Christmas and hearing all ur stories. Take care see u soon. Love Aunty Social, Kt and Peter xxx for Charles IR4
ReplyDelete