√ We were gone three days in a row, which we are finding is a “no, no” in a land where conserving energy is a must in order to be able to handle the heat, the masses of humanity, and the unexpected (which has actually become the expected by now – even though we don’t know exactly what the “expected unexpected” might be). Needless to say, being stretched to your core takes its toll unless you are well rested, well-fed and have your armor in place.
Jessa Birdsall, one of my INSIGHT students from two years ago, dropped in for a day on her way, from a summer internship at Kachwa, to a week with her sister in Mumbai.
This young girl was with her family on our rooftop trimming tree leaves that are used for tea.
Another view from our rooftop.
This rooftop view is on Independence Day when kites are traditionally flown. Our neighbors were trying to fly theirs from their rooftop.
We're excited for Esther to come, there are playgrounds galore!
These boys were selling necklaces at Janpath Market. They were very happy to have their picture taken.
This vendor was very patiently persistent even though his supply of necklaces was less and simpler than the older, more aggressive vendors. Finally, partly to reward this unique combination of qualities, Chuck bought one - it has turned out to be one of Janis' favorites!
√ Chuck has been working hard to prepare for his first BIG meeting tonight for the East West Educational Foundation. They are completely moved into the new offices and classrooms in Nizamuddin but have been trying to get the AC fixed in time for tonight’s meeting. Unfortunately there have been so many power outages today that it’s been difficult to even make the needed copies of the agenda, so the AC may have to wait.
Through a cooperative arrangement with the YMCA, the International School is meeting in the Greater Noida YMCA, and East West Language Institute and East West Educational Foundation are housed in the Nizamuddin YMCA.
Sheila Malakar, Administrative Assistant, began just in April but has become absolutely invaluable through all the transitions and through her very efficient and cheerful administration of the offices.
Here's Chuck sitting at his desk - to his great pleasure, there is much light in his office!
Paul Gillette, one of the founders and acting Director for EWEF during their search for a new Director, and currently acting Director of EWLI, is standing with Shammi Kapoor, one of our excellent, younger Hindi instructors.
Aji has become a God-send. Because of all the recent forced moves for EWEF, our residence in Saket has turned out to be a lot further away from the EWEF offices than had been planned. Finding an autorickshaw every day was becoming a difficult and expensive task. Then Aji showed up one morning. We think the auto-wallas in our neighborhood maybe have an informal network, and somehow they passed on to him that we were looking for an auto at the same time every morning. We're still getting acquainted. He has a wife and two boys.
√ Janis has been up to her ears in keeping up with all the relationships going on around her. Everyone was so generous on our anniversary – it was close to overwhelming! Our landlady gifted us with 5 big beautiful plants for our small entry area, special food she and her daughters made, and even took Janis to a nearby beauty parlor to have hair, make-up and her sari professionally folded and pinned for our night out to celebrate. Our neighbor gave us chocolates and gave Janis red bangles and earrings to match her sari. The East West office gave us 2 dozen red and white roses and a beautiful card. One of our teachers gave us a bouquet of lovely orchids. Then to top it all off, the Chinese restaurant where we ate after going to the National Gallery, made us a wonderful chocolate/cherry cake complete with a candle and a white chocolate Happy Anniversary greeting!
From our rooftop, looking down on our neighbor, Mrs. Das, on her veranda. She has become one of Janis' close friends.
Suman is the daughter-in-law of our house helper and cook, Nargis. When Nargis broke her arm getting on the bus to come over to our flat, Suman volunteered to fill in while Nargis recuperates.
Janis and Mrs. Pandey, our landlady and Janis' private Hindi tutor. She and Janis have also become quite close. She was so excited for our Anniversary and was instrumental in "Indianizing" Janis.
In the background is one of the five plants Mrs. Pandey gave us for our Anniversary.
We're on our way to celebrate our Anniversary by visiting the India Museum of Modern Art, and then on to dinner at a Chinese restaurant in a major hotel in Visant Vihar.
As you can see, Mrs. Pandey's efforts to "Indianize" Janis were quite successful. Her beautiful appearance drew a number of looks and several comments of appreciation for her wearing a sari. Though not as obvious, Chuck's white shirt and slacks were just as typically Indian for men's dress.
√ Recently language classes have become more demanding on our time and brains and with our busy schedule this week, Janis is a bit behind in her homework Don’t tell any of her former students!). Chuck has moved to having private tutoring and an East West conversation partner rather than taking formal classes. This has allowed more flexibility for his work schedule.
Here's Janis' class with their instructor, Shammi Kapoor.
So other than feeling pretty worn out, we also feel very blessed in our relationships here and truly see each day in Delhi as a special gift from the Gracious Hand of our Father.
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