Day 4

After a late breakfast at the hotel (and an extra lie in for the boys) we packed our lunches and headed out in the cars to Tigri. 

This morning's session commenced with Morning Devotions from the Tigri Resource Centre staff and senior students. After our impromptu renditions of 'This Little Light of Mine' and 'Our God is a Great Big God' they then sang us a hymn in Hindi. The older Asha students expressed their passion for the charity and its five components (Health, Education, Empowerment, Financial inclusion and Environment) and the massive impact the work has had on their lives.

 Humbling stories with phrases such as "[Before Asha] I used to think I was nothing...because of Asha I am something", "Education is the only way to success" and "we have problems...but with Asha we can break every problem with our own hands" were used by several of the students our age. When some of the students heard people's opinions on going to school in Northern Ireland, they were completely shocked as to why we wouldn't be eager to go. The team saw their passion for learning and how having an education means so much to them - something we take for granted. Hearing such positivity and their real thirst for knowledge was truly inspiring and motivational. Their passion was then mirrored by Zak, as although he didn't get to speak at Prize Day today, he made a little speech on our behalf at the centre - a Head Boy's work is never done!

The rest of the morning was spent teaching the older students about Northern Ireland, its culture and landscape and painting murals on the walls of the computer room and main hall.

After a quick lunch Adam, Erin, Katie, Aimee, Suzanne and Mr Donnelly went on the team's first lane visit, exploring Tigri further and getting to meet those impacted by Asha's work in their homes. We were completely  moved by the hospitality of the slum residents - their generosity was heartwarming. One lady even ran out to a neighbour's get a chair to make sure we could all sit down in her home that was smaller than any of our bedrooms. We were particularly taken back by the  pride that they took in their possessions. Without  knowing we were coming, their bed was immaculate and their belongs were perfectly placed. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

The rest of the team stayed at the centre where Matt delivered his "Under the sea" lesson along with Lauren, Jessica and Susanna. Sea themed craft was followed by games of "snakes and ladders", "musical statues" and "musical bumps" (new to us too) along with our daily dance party, despite the 32 degree heat.

Possibly the highlight of the boys' day was the hour spent waiting on the girls while saris were being chosen: a serious process, boys! Hundreds of beautiful designs and colours were literally thrown around the shop before the final saris were chosen- we can't wait to wear them!

To finish the evening we went for a meal in the much talked about and legendary Daitchi Chinese Restaurant - which was Adam's first introduction to Chinese cuisine! The honey chicken was indeed a winner, though the green chilli eating competition ended in tears for some, quite literally! 

The evening was brought to a conclusion with our very own rendition of "Delhi does Ballymena Academy Prize Day". Praise must go to Suzanne and Katie who worked tirelessly behind the scenes (in their own words!) to ensure the smooth running of the event. Commemorative trip awards/confectionery were presented by Master of Ceremonies, Deputy Head Boy Jonathan Browne, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Head Girl Stephanie Penney and seconded by Head Boy Zak Humphrey. It would be fair to say that the team is bonding well!

Tomorrow we will be going to Agra to see the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal, so we've an early night tonight.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers; in the words of Sweeta, Resource Centre Co-ordinator for Asha for the last 28 years: "We feel joy all the time".

Night, 

Erin, Katie, Rachelle and Adam xxx