Carmel Love - 01/11/2013

Shalni

 BEN - After another early morning church service and breakfast, we headed to school, but had an abbreviated time to roam around.  Gabby and I decided to head to the 5th grade classroom that had Gabby's posse of girls in it (Rose, Shalni, etc.) and hang out there.  We taught them the macarena and some hand slapping games; the boys constantly just wanting to thumb wrestle me.  We were soon called away for the science fair presented by the children of 8th and 9th standards.  The presentations ranged from very impressive to confusing, but overall the kids did an amazing job and were very proud of their work.

After the science fair we headed downstairs where some of the younger classes presented different rooms and subject matters: English, Tamil, Math, Social, etc.  One room was meant to show different ecosystems, and actually had flooded a quarter of the room and put fish in it!  After making the rounds, we headed back to the hostel for lunch and a lazy afternoon of packing.  Tonight is our last night at Carmel!  While we packed, we had a knock on the door and got a special delivery.  The school had made us traditional Indian garb for the night's festivities; me a white tunic and flowy pants and Gabby a beautiful purple Punjabi.  Friena even came and gave Gabby some henna-like hand jewels and flowers for her hair, and attempted to tame my wild hair with coconut oil.  We were truly decked out.

Once we got all Indianafied we headed out to hang out with the kids as they returned from school.  They also went to get dressed up and we soon were asked to sit down for some dancing.  Again the dancers amazed us (even giving repeat performances of the crowd favorites 'Prayer for India' and 'Candle Dance').  After the dance we competed in a few more silly games; the highlight being the giant game of tug-of-war when the rope snapped and everyone wiped out.

Gabby and I  in our traditional Indian garb with Abishek (check out his Playboy shirt)

After the festivities Sam prepared giant vats of food and we all finally ate together.  The turkey that had been terrorizing us and hanging around all week was no more.  In a very touching gesture, Shockti, one of my posse, presented me with a small box with my name on it.  Inside was a little turtle figurine.  It was very sweet and something that I will not forget.  The kid has absolutely nothing, and still was able to find a present that he wanted to give to me.  Once the food disappeared, some of the teachers pumped 4 year old American pop and dance music, and we had a big dance party on stage.  I had a blast being silly and twirling kids around.  After a few songs, Gabby and I decided to call it a night, and head off to bed for the last time in Carmel.