Thursday at school, the kids were perfect. Seven kids came in the advanced group, which is really rare. There are usually only three or four there on any given day. When the group gets large like that, they're usually hard to handle because they talk to each other and copy uncontrollaby. But they all listened, genuinely learned the material, and did their own work. If someone didn't understand, they'd ask me or another student would explain it to them in Bengali. It felt like a real, well-run class room. Not that they're bad most of the time, but on Thursday they were just exceptionally good. The more they get to know me and like me, the more inclined they are to do what I ask. It was really fabulous. Friday morning they were back to more normal behavior (not as perfectly behaved) but it was still nice to have them be so good for one day.
A little later on Thursday morning, a new volunteer named Lauren arrived. She's 20, from MO, and will be staying for six months. I'd talked to her on facebook and stuff before she got here. She will be here for all of the rest of the time that I'm here, except for my last few weeks. (She goes home at the beginning of May, and I go back at the end) She has a really bubbly personality; I think we'll have lots of fun together.
Thursday was our first day back to playing football (and frisbee and badminton) after we cancelled because the kids were being too rowdy. They were on their best behavior and there was no fighting whatsoever. I was releived.
Sealdah was slow on Friday as usual, but it was quite busy today. The kids are so cute. I've gotten used to seeing the despair there, but for some reason today I was affected more than usual. When we walked up to begin setting up, people were still sleeping on tarps on the ground. Those poor little kids; what a terrible life. Like I said, I've seen it all before, but for some reason today it just hit me again.
The kids continued working on the mural today. Its turning out really well. When we got to school, someone went to turn on the lights and I heard a scream. I thought some one had gotten electricuted. I went to investigate and found that there was a lizard stuck in an empty light switch. I'll put a picture of it tomorrow. It was hilarious! (unfortunately the poor thing is going to die)
The power's out so we're running on generator power, so I have to go.
Pictures tomorrow!