INDIA Week 2 by Jenni Craggs
Thursday 6th November 2008
Again I was up at 7am and I bumped into Anna. I did a small amount of yoga but not much. I was aching a lot by then. No children were there for daycare today so Kris and I watered trees. Easy, I hear you say. Well yes, technically. However, the water tank fills up buckets at a rate of about and inch every 45 seconds so it was a pretty slow process.
In the afternoon Lizi, Kris and I were in charge of goat deterrents. This means enclosing tree saplings with thorny branches so that goats don't eat them. Again I got to use the sickle thing, but this time I got to grapple with thick menacing thorns as well.
That evening I went to Palampur town for the first time, Debi and Donald were my accomplices. As a treat I bought myself pistachios, almonds and green tea.
Friday 7th November 2008
Debi, Jo and I got up at 7am. It was meant to be 6.30 but I'd set my alarm in English time but luckily woke up naturally at 7. Donald had been waiting for us bless him. First I taught some yoga then Donald taught us some Jujitsu which was brilliant. I really want to learn some form of martial arts when I get home.
Daycare was OK - the same three kids were in and the afternoon was spent getting spiked again. At one point I semi blacked out as well. I think I was still getting acclimatised to the heat, height and set meal times. I was feeling a bit more settled emotionally though. At the end of the school day some of the girls were talking to me. They're so adorable, and there's one girl called Usha who just sparks off something deep inside me. I just want to give her a huge hug!
Words: Jenni Craggs. Volunteer Jenni is currently getting to grips with life in Himachal Pradesh, India, as part of the Platform2 project of Kandi Drognu. We will be following her progress.
For you own life-changing journey visit www.myplatform2.com