Namaste, Children

Today was a special day.

Someone told me when I arrived that Kathmandu is either dusty or muddy.  Today was a muddy day.  I woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of pouring rain (unusual, since it's always the constant barking of dogs or people talking), and this morning the streets were a sea of mud.  Puran, Alina, the two American volunteers and I trudged through the streets, zig-zagging our way through Sorhakhutte and Thamel.

I finally arrived at Sanga Sangai school to meet the children and the director and teachers.  It is a small building with 3 teaching rooms, an office, and a kitchen.  The children are provided a hot meal for lunch.

We knocked at the door and a small girl in a red hat answered with a "Namaste" and a big hug.  I felt at home immediately.  Rajesh, the school director, got the kids to sing a few songs for us, some in English, some in Nepali, one in French, and one in Finnish.  There are about 30 children who attend the school, and it runs Sunday through Friday.  There are 2 regular teachers and I'll be assisting them with lessons and making lunch, and reading/teaching English and music.

 Later we had our dinner at the cultural centre to celebrate the end of training week!  It was my first time wearing a sari, and Sita and Alina graciously helped out to dress me.  We had a good time eating traditional foods (more dhal baat!) and enjoyed the music and dancing.

Posing at Cultural Dinner