Amongst the Data Entry

Today involved punching a lot of numbers and names into the tool I have finally got configured and working. As with almost any form, there is a place to sign. One woman had a thumbprint. Imagine that, never learning to sign your name! In my warped western mind, that kind of thing just doesn’t happen. I hope that this loan she is receiving of $106.33AUD helps her achieve so much.

A Quote

“After six-and-a-half months in India, I couldn’t wait to leave. Strange now that it’s the first place I would return to. Then again, that’s how it is with India. It is an intense place; wonderful and exotic and depressing and frustrating and mind-blowing. Sometimes all at the same time. If you have endurance, patience, a flair for adventure, and a desire for the unexpected, there are few places you will love more than India.”

- Mark Elliott, working traveller

It wouldn’t surprise me if these words perfectly surmised my trip by the time I leave.

Saturday Adventures and Questions

As I drive along Chennai’s streets in an open air vehicle, I often question which is better – to breathe in through my nose (where I smell the odour) or through my mouth (where I taste the odour). I more often than not choose the nasal route.

In other news, today was marvellous – BEACH/CHURCH/TEMPLE

It was a day filled with such joy. I relaxed in the morning, went for a lunchtime stroll and Golvin picked me up in the afternoon to take me to Marina Beach. At 12kms, it

is the second longest beach in the world. At first, I was on so on my guard. People would approach me and I full expected they would crash tackle me for my camera. So I decided to seat myself under the shade of a row boat with two women who were watching their children playing in the water. Mission was successful. I also checked out what looked like movie filming – these poor kids had to run up and down the beach about 50 times! After these women had left I got pretty absorbed in my book and was interrupted by a young girl and a hoard of her brothers and sisters. They wanted me to take photos of them and endlessly chatter away in the English they knew. They even bought me a coffee – so touching.

On the way home we visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of St Thomas – one of only three churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus. We also visited Kapaleeswarar Temple on the way home which dates back to the 8th century and fam

ous for its 37m gopuram (entrance gate). Golvin (trusty rickshaw driver), then asked me to do him a favour a visit two tourist shops so he would be given a new shirt for soliciting business – how could I say no to sheer blatant honesty like that?!

What a wonderful day.

Auto-Rickshaw Story of the Day

So it is 6pm – home time. The driver isn’t answering his phone again so a taxi is arranged for me. I walk downstairs and there is the auto AND the taxi – AWKWARD! I jump in the auto (cheaper option) and notice my driver is covered in a splattering of blood. He tells me in broken English that a 20 year old fell into a massive roadwork ditch. My driver (aka hero) came to the rescue.

On the way home we broke down AGAIN (no petrol) and so the driver jumps out and pushed the auto up the road to the next petrol station. I couldn’t believe what was happening and it’s a sure miracle no one ran him over!

End of the day, I live to tell the tale and my reward seems to be a hike on my daily transport – maybe it’s to cover his insurance???

Time for the Work to Begin

Lost a good 10kgs in sweat, auto-rickshaw broke down TWICE on the way home, leaving us in the pouring rain AND I am SO WHITE!

Oh and there were power cuts (which basically means shrivelling in the heat, NO AIR CON, NO FANS!) Imagine sitting in a church with 200+ women on a sweltering Chennai summer’s day (hence the 10kgs comment).

In other news (and let me rewind), I started work today! Mother hen, Cheryl, picked me up and words do not suffice, I just love her already! The day begins with a devotional. Then, after many introductions, I was off with Sharon, my oversight, to a biannual team leader training day. From what I could grasp, today’s topics were the statutory right to information, the prevention of lung cancer and the detection of breast cancer. Some women stood and shared how cancer had affected people in their world. I was so moved, even though I don’t speak a word of the language. Speaking of which - word for the day is thank you “nan-dri”. I was even asked to make an impromptu address to the meeting. This was translation exercise number one of the trip!

We then went to one of the branch offices and I got a little more wised up on this PPI project as I literally sweltered. From the office, old mate, ‘Golvin’ picked Sharon and me up just as it started to pour with rain. So then 2 breakdowns, 2 auto-rickshaws and being left waiting on the side of the road, I finally made it home – a little more saturated than when I left. I arrived home in a really good mood – there’s so much joy in this place, it is kinda hard to frown.

Oh and I WANT A SARI. I feel so left out in my drab colours!

Well that is a basic run down of working day number one. So far, so good, I am excited for all that lies ahead and for my next meal, yum scrum!

I Made It

So the flight was smooth. I just made it out of Sydney before planes were grounded. Imagine that – being caught up in ANOTHER volcanic ash drama! Didn't sleep on way to Kuala Lumpur, so crashed HARD on way to Chennai.

Arrived to a bazillion people at the airport, can’t believe I managed to find the sign with my name on it. Arrived at guest house (Dad will be glad to know it is gated with 24 hr security). Being that it was 5am Sydney time I fell straight into bed. The A/C is my lifeline. It was 35 deg celcius at midnight - CRAZY!

Oh and I came downstairs this morning and there was literally a choir singing "Blessed Be Your Name". What a reminder that god is with me.

Here are some pictures of my new home:

A Very New Adventure

So here I go again. A new adventure. A very different adventure. A little more of a scary adventure. India awaits...

I am off to learn about microfinance, the ins the outs, why and how it works. I absolutely can't wait to learn all that I will and to be a help and encouragement to those who give their lives to such a worthy cause.

I expect huge cultural shock, a lot of people, weather that makes you feel stuck in a sauna and perhaps an upset tummy. That said I think I'm going to come home a little wiser and a little more aware of this world I live in.

I am so ready for something new (even though my bags remain unpacked), something that triggers a kind of paradigm shift in me.

2pm tomorrow I depart for Chennai. HERE I COME!