Three weeks in India and the boys' home

Traveling to India has been a plan of mine for a long time. It only seemed to become real as the country rushed past me on the cab journey trying to take in all the sights I struggled to stay awake, exhausted after my flight. I was thrilled but honestly a little nervous about what the 12 weeks ahead of me would bring. I found my fellow volunteers had the same concerns about teaching and we support each other; lesson planning together, sharing experiences and ideas. Fort Cochin where we are based is a beautiful area and exploring India is an adventure.

Over the past 3 weeks working at the boys home, ‘Sneha Bhavan’ we’ve all gotten to know the boys, and their love of football and having their picture taken. I’m learning so much and hopefully helping them learn a lot too. Celebrating my birthday here, being surprised with cake, cards, everybody singing and gifts of flowers and water balloons is something I’ll never forget. Their energy is infectious. It’s amazing the ways you can communicate with those who know little or no English and even in these short weeks boys that had no grasp of English when we first arrived have started to recognize and use some words.

We have settled into our roles as teacher, chechei (older sister) or auntie and I’m really sad to be leaving the boys but am excited to be starting at the girls home soon.

/ Laurel

Three weeks in India and the boys' home