The One With the Screw That Was a Little Bit Too Low...

Using the hammer to break off a piece of
silver for our rings.

My day yesterday was so event-filled that it warrants its own blog post.  In the morning I did yoga as per usual.  I am noticing how much regular  yoga has helped my flexibility and strength.  Hopefully in the coming week I can try and attempt a headstand against the wall. After yoga I did a bit of lesson planning with Nikki, and we prepared an English grammar lesson on question words.  We explained how where matches up with a place, who with a person etc.  Then we asked them to write out sentences starting with each of the question words.  I know that some of you will also appreciate my favorite "why" question- "Why this Kolaveri di?". I literally died and had to explain it to Nikki.  My limited Bollywood movie and music knowledge has actually been quite helpful, as none of my group members have had any exposure.

Agam and Annie melting the silver

Anyways, I taught a 7th standard class an English lesson after that by myself.  I am really enjoying working with the older kids because I feel as though there is a much larger margin for learning since they can actually understand things as I explain them.  The younger kids really need teachers who are proficient at both English and Hindi, but I suspect that those teachers are getting paid higher wages at better schools.  The story is very similar to the one in America, where the kids who have the most get the most and the kids who need the most get the least. 

The awesome metal rod I use to heat my water for my shower

After Little Stars I did a few errands and went back to my house with Annie.  We were playing with Vedika and she was being super silly.  My favorite quote of the afternoon is when she said jokingly " Your screw is in a bit too low!" (meaning that I am crazy).  I love her adorable adapted American idioms and how loving and open she has been with me.  

My new mosquito net!

That evening Nikki, Annie and I had our first jewelry class.  I am absolutely in love with the class and our teacher.  Last night we learned how to make sterling silver, by cutting the silver and then heating it with copper and zinc.  Then we poured it into a metal mold to make one rod of sterling silver.  Agam, the teacher, is hilarious and just in love with his profession.  His family has made jewelry for 6 generations and he loves to share the knowledge he has.  I am excited to make myself a ring, and maybe some other gifts if we have time. 

Anyways, off to the school!

Jenna