This morning, it was an early start to celebrate Suzanne's 18th birthday! Throughout the day she was gifted cakes and serenaded everywhere she went. (The badge obviously didn't give it away).
After breakfast we headed to the ASHA polyclinic to meet with ASHA staff and ambassadors. We learnt more about the work of ASHA and were able to express our motivations and expectations for the trip. It was incredible to see first-hand the results of Dr. Kiran's vision 30 years ago.
From there we made the much anticipated journey into the Tigri slum where we witnessed all the vibrant sights, sounds and smells. On arrival, the team were showered with petals and beaming smiles.
We then got straight to work with Laura teaching the first lesson of the trip on "our wee country" with some Ulster snacks like Potato bread and Tayto crisps, whilst the games and media teams got to know the older students and the art team started working on our Toy Story and Finding Nemo themed murals.
After lunch, the games team led some traditional Northern Irish games including "stick in the mud". Then we did the "hokey tokey" (Indian style) and turned around, after all that's what it's all about!
As a team, our various taxi journeys were filled with the buzz the children had created and we couldn't stop talking about them. We're really looking forward to spending another day with the kids tomorrow.
The birthday girl's highlight was dancing and singing along to Frozen with the children and seeing the joy on everyone's face. "I really hope this becomes a daily ritual".
Susanna's highlight was walking into the centre being showered by marigold petals.
Lauren's highlight was speaking to Daneep, one of the final year school students. "I was inspired by his determination to pursue his ambitions in spite of the obstacles".
Jonny's highlight was seeing the elation on the faces of the kids throughout the day and Muskan's incredible level of English at such a young age.
It's over and out from us on what has been quite a memorable 18th birthday for Suzanne!
Jonny, Lauren, Susanna and Suzanne.
Ps thanks for all the comments yesterday, they made breakfast even more fun!
Love reading the blogs and looking at the photos. Thanks so much for taking the time at the end of busy days to share a little with us at home. Praying for you all. The Crabbes
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Suzanne - you've come a long way since P4! Great to see the Groggan parachute being put to good use - those wee happy faces! You all look really happy.
ReplyDeleteMiss you Zak - I've moved into your room! (Alex)
Ah guys so glad to hear what an amazing time you are all having! Brings back so many good memories and so so excited for you to experience even more of what India has to offer. Muskan Facebook messaged me off her sister's phone tonight to tell me she met you all and to say you are all "very good people"- the relationships you make will last a lifetime!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loving reading the blog and seeing all the photos!
Praying for you all,
Lyndsey xx
Sounds like you have had a great birthday Suzanne- just wondering did you lead the singing of Frozen??? Ellen King I hope you Cathy and Jessica can come up with something original for her home celebration.... you all look as if you are having a ball anyway. The Reids
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, you all look great. Looks like rewarding work. Katie, it must feel a bit like home as we can see you are never too far from a jar of Nutella! Hope all the murals come together nicely. Sarah and John xx
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all had a great day with the children. Happy 18th Suzanne. What a way to spend your 18th. Hope tomorrow is as much fun. Well done Laura on teaching the first day. Your ideas looked brilliant. What did they think of the fadge? Can't wait for tomorrow's pictures. Caitlin says hi Bethan from Portugal. It strange without you. Much quieter! Have a great day tomorrow. Love mum dad Caitlin.
ReplyDeleteHi,everyone. It is great seeing little glimpses of your journey so far. The children seem to have made a big impact. Can’t wait to see you in your Indian attire. Bob (the one who is not our cat) says ‘hi’ . And so do the rest of us. XO. Ps dad sends a special hug.
ReplyDeleteOh look at all those happy faces!!! What an amazing day! Now you have finally met those wonderful slum children - I'm sure you can't wait to get back to them tomorrow!! Happy 18th Suzanne, an unforgettable birthday for you. Praying for you all and thinking of you often. Send my love to tigri! Mrs L (and Joshua)
ReplyDeleteHello team, this blog is excellent. Hope you all stay well. If you don't like curry, go and raid Miss Bassett's suitcase.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all. Lucy. (Friend of miss B)
Let it go, let it go (dodgy mum singing….sorry Matt). Happy birthday Suzanne, what memories!! Sounds like an amazing day at Tigri, we’re so proud of you all! The photos make such a difference, seeing all your smiley faces with the children. We miss you loads but are so enjoying your stories. Have another wonderful day – Matt, make sure you’re on the background painting only of the murals 😊
ReplyDeleteHi Bethan glad to hear you all doing well, enjoying all the photos, looking forward to catching up tomorrow again,
ReplyDeletethinking of you all. the turtles x
Great to keep updates with you all. A bright start to Prize Day here. I hope you're hotel is comfy as I'm sure you are all exhausted at the end of the day. Blog and photos are brilliant. God bless. Miss W
ReplyDeleteHi stephanie looks like you are all having a great time now you have settled in after all the travelling keep the photos coming luv dad
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