It’s been a week since I went to Trichy and having spare time to write has been a huge commodity, mainly due to my cousin’s long wedding celebration that has taken many days and just eating and socializing engagements with my extended family and friends.
First things first, Trichy trip was a success as well - another Christian run organization that hesitated at first but now ready to work with me providing that we can donate some money towards their organization. The Tirchy org has two divisions – one that is providing adoption for county and inter-country services and another division providing special assistance for physically challenged people and alcohol related illnesses in the rural areas.
I am very happy to see these social services available in the urban areas to provide the necessary services since its lacking in the rural areas. Alcohol abuse is a huge problem in the economically challenged communities. The state government loves to get its hands on the revenue it generates from selling cheap alcohol to the poor communities and the taxes from it, unfortunately it’s the men who abuse the alcohol and the downfall is their families. Men drink alcohol here to forget their worries and problem due to their economic situation and social standings – unfortunately the women and children feel powerless to stop their provider and only hope is organizations like these.
On a lighter note, I visited the tsunami affected sites. It took me around eight hours to cover the coast and the villages, that are just in my district (Nagai). Definitely positive changes, that’s another blog.
Good news, the goat that made strange noises from my uncle’s neighbour’s garden has just given birth few minutes ago. The mom and the kid are doing well from the sounds that I am hearing right now.. And it’s midnight. Now I understand why strange noises had come the last couple of days since I’ve never heard a goat with labour pains, it made a sound strange sound like someone was choking it. Sorry for the imagery but seriously I was considering going to my uncle’s neighbour and ask him to feed their goat. I feel sheepish now ;)
I am chilling this week in Nagai and working on couple of projects and grazing at my relative’s house.. Talking about food – I am putting a full blog together about food, Tania it’s coming ;) It really feels like home and it’s been long time since listening to “call to prayer” (prayer reminder/invitation for the Muslim community piped through loud speakers) yes at 5:30am and 4 more times throughout the day/afternoon/evening/night. Yes, it does wake me up at 5:30 am since it’s really loud.. But I am also finding it melodic and soothing – it’s bringing back memories from childhood..
Saturday I am heading to Bangalore – to Karnataka state to visit six more agencies with my cousin Sundar. I am hoping for more positive news. I plan to be there for 3 days and return to Nagai for couple of days then to Chennai and home.. It’s been an amazing journey. It’s not been easy but finally I feel settled and feel at home - an older woman told me today that I spoke impeccable Tamil like I live here. My proud moment and felt like the daughter has returned.. In couple of weeks I will miss all of this.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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1 comments:
The first time I heard the call to prayer (live and in person) was in Istanbul this summer. It was a bit of a shock the first morning but it soon became part of the day. It was nice to know where and when you were - what a great way to be brought back to the present. I loved the sound and had to record a snippet. I've listened to it many times since returning.
Good for you for enjoying getting back into the Tamil language. It doesn't go away. It just slips to the background waiting to be called out to play again.
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