... (needing a good G & T)

What an incredibly busy time we have had since being back in Delhi!

We will try to summarise and just include the important parts and let the photos tell the story as well, otherwise it gets too boring.

Last Sunday we had a wonderful reunion with a few of our Ekta Vihar students - a picnic and games in the beautiful Lodi Gardens (the last time we were there was on Christmas Day!).

We were able to show the gardens to Amanda Johnson (staying with us whilst in Delhi) and Fiona Smith, who has just arrived in Delhi and is also working with Asha. 

Monday morning, a 1hr car journey, and our work began. 

Ken and I are working in two slums this time, Chandapuri and Anna Nagar - both new to us. 

Ken is teaching the Year12 students and also College students and I am teaching the children in the Bal Mandal groups as well as beginning a new class for mothers and babies exploring with them the value of the Power of Touch and Baby Massage - these are both things that Dr Kiren Martin has been wanting to bring to the women in all the slums (I am starting with 2 slums but could spread to many other areas during these next two months).

All has gone really well for Ken's teaching. He has been so welcomed by the students who are grateful to have this extra experience of English. 

There have been many mums coming to the two 'centres' to learn about baby massage during this week. It's been such a joy to work with them, laugh with them, and be welcomed so warmly!! There is also a need to support the 'pre school' children in their learning and preparation for school....... I am hoping there will be time to give some help in this area as well.

It's the end of our 'working' week - we are exhausted but smiling!!!

Love 

Ken and Heather 

So good to meet up with our students again!

The Girls!

Lodi Gardens covers an area of 90 acres and is dotted with beautiful monuments and tombs, belonging to the Sayyid, Lodi and Mughal dynasties.

Chandapuri is the centre for the supply of 'goods'.

We have never seen so many large boxes and bales of goods in one place......

Couldn't he fit another one or two onto his bike?

.... and then someone has to transport them to their destination.

Some of Ken's students at Chandapuri.

My 'Bal Mandal' children all busy working

The boys were so proud of their design and pattern with the pens and scissors - they continued using these items for more model making ........fabulous creativity!

A small group of 'preschoolers' loving the puzzles Amanda Johnson brought with her.

They were so proud of their achievement!

Some of the mums and babies I talked to at Chandapuri.

Our first view of Anna Nagar Slum Colony

Suresh, (our driver for this week) staggers towards Anna Nagar with Ken's new white board!!

Crossing the bridge - very stagnant water and a terrible smell!

The lane leading to the Asha Centre.

We've arrived!!

Looking out from the Health Centre entrance.

The young children love to have the books and puzzles and toys Amanda kindly brought - they are gifts from families in her congregation in Croydon. Thank you so much!!

A lovely morning with the mums. Shashi, the Team Leader here at Anna Nagar, does a wonderful job at translating for me.

I have a 'long-suffering' doll to demonstrate on!! Took me 4 shops and many tuk tuk journeys to find a suitable one!!

My Bal Mandal group made butterflies, sang songs, shared English conversation and played games. They are so enthusiastic - all wanted hugs before they would go home!
They have an understanding of the Power of Touch!!