Today was a big day.

I was planning on waking up early and going to a yoga class with some of the American volunteers here, but after a lot of other big days I ended up sleeping in and missed the whole class. After a very Indian breakky of muesli, yoghurt and fruit juice and a very short shower (because the hot water keeps running out) we all piled into the cars and drove out to our placements.

The kids and staff at the Earth Saviours Foundation are definately starting to trust us a lot more now, and when we arrived there were smiling faces and "hello's" all round. We soon realised that the kids were in the middle of assembly when we arrived, but it was a very different process to what we were used to back home. Here, everyone lined up on the grass and listened to notices, before they participated in exercises while a big bass drum was being played. Then, all the SSC students were asked to stand in front of the 100 or so students and lead the exercises. Being creative, we all lead a short session of star jumps and running on the spot - I don't know how impressed the kids were with us!

Afterwards we all went and started the lessons for the day. Bill and I are teaching about 10 grade 3 students maths, english, and arts and crafts. Even though the kids know more English than we do Hindi, the language barrier still makes teaching difficult. Today we introduced the days of the week as well as words such as today, tomorrow and yesterday. We also revised animal names and sounds, as well as the times tables. I dont know what I was expecting, but honestly the kids at this school are so smart and polite. They try so hard in all of the classes, and at break they love playing cricket, dancing or just spending as much time as they can with us.

After we got back to ccs and had lunch, we all jumped in the cars again and went to a nearby museum. We met our tour guide and spent the next hour or two wandering around looking at ancient paintings, pottery and maps. Even though it was interesting, i think i was most excited to visit the gift shop at the end. I don't know why, but everyone on this trip seems to think I'm a shopaholic...

Back at ccs, we all went outside to celebrate the Lohri festival with some of the locals. There was a huge bonfire that we all walked around and threw popcorn, peanut brittle and sesame seeds into. It was great to get out and actually be a part of the wonderful community spirit here. Something I still can't get over is that everyone here is so happy even though they have so little. Just being able to get outside and sit beside a bonfire seems to make everyone's day. We then all went back inside, had an amazing dinner of grilled pork, veggies, cheese and naan bread (still everyone's favorite), and got ready for another busy day. Even though I'm always so tired by the time I get into bed, I'm still loving this place and can't wait to see what the next day brings.

Hannah :)