As of today we have only three weeks left here in Trichy. It seems like the time has flown by, and I don't really know where it's gone. Sure, I can think of all the work we've done so far, but the amount of work that lies ahead just seems like so much more. Yesterday, we received news that Yala has added 400 more necklaces to the order they placed last week. This brings the total to 900. The women (as well as Angela and myself) are ecstatic about this. It is wonderful for them, and we're so happy to be here to initiate this partnership for them. However, it is not without some hesitation. They have two and a half weeks to complete the order, while simultaneously completing business training and being interviewed by Angela for surveys. We are a bit nervous that they will become exasperated and tired by everything, however at the same time, they have assured us of their joy for all of the opportunities they are currently getting. It seems to be a new turn for Chidiya, and one in the exact direction they wanted!
This morning, Angela and I took a trip to the local internet cafe so we could get some work done with emails and communications, as well as take a quick stop to a little shop to purchase some snacks. We have run out of the supply we brought over from the states and wanted to get a taste of Indian ones. While not completely traditional Indian snacks, we purchased various flavors of Indian Lays Potato chips (with flavors such as Indian Magic Masala and West Indies Hot and Sweet Chili). Those were the two bags we opened today as well :) While different than the flavors we get in America, they were delicious!
Today was also Angela's 21st birthday! While we did not have a huge celebration, Angela was surprised by a cake and gifts from Seetha and Mahendran. The hostel children also put on some dancing for us, before it turned into an all out dance party in the open area outside of our hut. It was quite the show. The children are terrific dancers. Also, when you play a song for them that they know (and almost always love) they all start singing in unison and let loose like there's no tomorrow. It was amazing to see and nothing I'd ever experienced before. Angela and I also got in on the action and tried to dance with them but it was quite obvious we were not as good as the children. I took some videos of the action, which I will post early next week when we get back to the internet cafe, and faster internet. Until then, more work, which will result in many more photos!
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