As we turn down the road approaching our site location at Gangadharpur
this morning we are once again greeted by wild monkeys. As we close in
on our destination it is evident that we cannot get the van down the
narrow streets, as they are delivering the bedkits by small utility
vehicles.We are greeted by the children as they waited in line for their hot meal. Although it is 25 degrees and we are in tank tops, parents and children are dressed warmly with heavy sweaters, jackets, toques and scarves. After their meal, the children head to get changed into their new clothes. We set up the interview sessions today and find that a school of 150 has been given 5 bedkits which they have decided to give to their neediest families. To receive this gift they hired a driver to bring them the 150 km they needed to travel. The teacher tells us that this is well worth it!
During the distribution both Deb and Joan had a gramma come up to them to thank them for the bedkit...she hugged the stuffing out of both of them in gratitude. ... returning to Deb about 1/2 hr later to once again give her another hug... She is VERY pleased with their gift.
After the completion of the distribution we had the opportunity to walk to the neighbouring village which is home to about 100. We went to see a few homes who received a bedkit today, and a family who received one 3 years ago. They still cherish and use the bedkit daily, and were proud to show it to us in their home.
We completed our visit by watching a few individuals hand stitch and decorate some sarees which were absolutely gorgeous!
The children were sad to see us leave after receiving Canadian pencils, balls and harmonicas.
Another great day in India!
Team Kolkata 2014
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