Shoes and Helpers!

We've had such a nice week--including an overdue visit from our architect and the structural engineer.  There were parts of the building that could go no further without an onsite visit and we actually had them both show up together on Friday.  Many questions were asked and suggestions made by our very fine architect, and approvals given on structural dilemmas by the engineer.  We will continue to move forward, with a bit more knowledge.  None of this, however, makes us feel like we will be ready to move volunteers into the new quarters by the middle of July--one month from today!  We keep reminding everyone, This Is India, and we move at a different pace.

The first group of volunteers left at the crack of dawn today for Delhi and Agra, before returning to their homes.  A few will return to Rising Star for another two weeks with us.  They have been an outstanding group of young people--qualified in such a variety of areas.  The coordinators made the comment that when they read their resumes they wondered why they should feel qualified to be their directors.  The coordinators are fantastic and did a wonderful job, and the volunteers worked so hard in tasks that were often menial, difficult, hot and miserable, and heart-rending, without missing a beat.  It was pure service at it's best. 

Our children, as mentioned before, are now wearing shoes and socks to school.  They look so darling and are uncomplaining, although I know that having gone barefoot all their lives these new stiff shoes and hot black socks cannot be very much fun.  The little ones invariably have them on the wrong feet.  I often see one of the older children changing the shoes around on the feet of the little ones.  Bad enough to have them on the right feet!  It feels like a new era: a city school, sophistication in our program, 21st century at Rising Star to see them in their shoes and socks. When they come home they quickly put them away for the day, and become once again little country Indian kids, with the toughest feet you can imagine.  I think I like it best that way.

From the pictures, it looks like we need to work on the zippers, next!  Also note one boy who may have lost?? his shoes.