Saying goodbye

Last week was my last working at the daycare. This week a new batch of volunteers will arrive and take over my role there, and I will spend the next two weeks helping college students improve their conversational English.

Unfortunately, after Tuesday’s bout of stomach ick, on Wednesday I came down with a nasty head cold that kept me home for two days. I was determined to go in on Friday, my last day, no matter how I felt, but it was less than optimal. To top it off, the assistant teacher wasn’t there that day, nor several of the kids who walk to daycare with her each day – so I missed the chance to say goodbye to several of them.

Nonetheless, it was great to see most of the kids one last time, and I pulled out all the stops on Friday, bringing materials for coloring, animal toy fun time, a big inflatable ball to kick and throw, and play-dough that Ayala and I made from scratch (a huge hit).

In the last four weeks I’ve learned a lot about what inspires these kids, how unique and special each of them are, and how to work around the language barrier to still connect with them in meaningful ways. I have become their “didi” (“older sister” in Hindi), and over the weeks they have come to be increasingly affectionate with me, coming to sit on my lap, seeking my approval of their drawings, and even giving me hugs (a practice that seems to be lacking here for some reason).

I see so much spark and potential in these children – from Rachiv, whose exuberant laugh just lights up my day; to Muscan and Sagar, brother and sister who are smart as whips and could conquer the world in a heartbeat; to Anagar, in whom I can already see the seriousness and authority to be the perfect father figure.

It breaks my heart though when I remember that these kids all come from needy communities, and thus are from the lower castes of India. The caste system, though no longer legally in place, still exists socially, so these kids may not make it through high school, much less get a college education. We’ve been told that education is free in India and anyone can go to college, but the tent community down the road from the daycare is a stark reminder that what is technically available vs. what is feasible are two very different things.

Regardless, I hope that my participation as one of a series of volunteers in this role will help encourage and inspire these kids to keep learning, and to see beyond the borders of their community to realize they can do and be anything they want.

As I left the daycare on Friday, the kids waved and shouted “Bye Didi! Bye Didi!” to me for the last time, and I left with a sad heart, but a huge smile on my face.

Comments

[Connie]

I'm sure you inspired many of the kids and they won't forget you. Are you bringing any home with you?

[kathleen Moon]

Hi Barbara, Back in Portland trying to catch up on my thirty pounds of mail, mostly travel brochures, and thinking of taking my grandgirls to Seattle for a couple of days. We had our Audubon India reunion dinner at Steve's house Thursday, and it was fun to see everyone, but I realized that our experience formed closer bonds for me. Maybe it was all the hell we went through together. Miss those adorable little pre schoolers too.

Sheila and I had a great evening with Jason and Monica on the 13th. We went to Tres Agaves, where Abby, a Delhi volunteer works when she is in town. Margaritas were top notch Her Dad is part owner.Maybe you met her at in Delhi. She is traveling and volunteering for five months in Asia with her family. Did Anil get his visa for US? How much longer will you be traveling? Call me when you get to PDX.

Kathleen