It seems a bit strange that we've been in India for several days already, and yet today was our first interaction at the Marshall School. During the Pongal holiday, as I had mentioned, everything was shut down and now, in typical India fashion, everything is "slowly" getting back into the swing of things. School is back in session, although students trickle back at their leisure. Nevertheless, we were welcomed by those in attendance and enjoyed the opportunity to greet each child present.
Since our first trip back in 2011, I began greeting each class with visual welcome that they would respond with, although it's been 6 years since our last trip, some of the older students remembered it from their younger days, and the little ones were excited to learn it.
This is Sirisha, she is a former student of the Marshall School who graduated and went on to get her degree and is now a teacher at our school. She told me she remembered our visits through the years and recalled these same interactions with us while growing up! 💖
This is Ramesh, also is former student of the Marshall School and had lived in the Joyful Journeys Hostel. After going to college, he also came back to work at the school and hostel in various ways.💖
This is Vanith Sri, she is a recent graduate of the Marshall School and now works as our Remedial Teacher tutoring the Hostel Students in the evening. 💖
These precious "Shine Brites" stole our hearts! Who knows, maybe they'll return to work at the Marshall School someday! 💖
After greeting all the students, we presented them with the gifts that we brought with us (or were shipped by Lora 😉); they were excited to receive bracelets, jump ropes, tooth brushes and of course, sweet treats!
The teachers and additional staff were presented with Journals, pens, soaps and washcloths that were handknit by our very own "Oma". (FYI...Oma is 97 years old and made hundreds of washcloths for us to take and deliver, they were a much admired gift!)
After all the gifts were handed out, it was time for "Gym Class"! I must say, it actually felt good to join in on their warm-up stretches! 😁
At the end of the school day, we were invited over to a local villagers home for a cup of tea; today was the birthday of her recently deceased son. Both Hanna and Peter have been supporters of Joyful Journeys through the years. Hanna would love to see an Oldsters Home be constructed for her and other seasoned members of the community. 😍 After tea, she treated us, and members of the family, to dinner at subway in the mall. I'll share more of that experience at a later date.
There's so much more I'd love to share, but you'll just have to wait, as I'm wiped out for the day!
In gratitude for all who have supported and encouraged these children through the years, I guarantee your love is making a positive change in their lives and the well-being of their community and beyond!
Namaste'
~Jenny
