Wonder is Universal – Day 5
One of my gracious hosts today. I love this photo as her earnest gaze, tilted head, and reminder in the background to speak English really portray the elegance of The Bishop School.
There are just too many words. I have two days worth of experiences to share and their range is so huge that I almost do not have a place to begin. We are learning about the culture, relishing in the wonder, respect, and graciousness while also wading through the chaos and decay that is India. So many of our speakers have reminded us of the fact that this country is ancient compared to the United States. In that statement flows the current that the nations have much to share with each other. Wisdom and resilience learning reciprocally with democracy and inventiveness. Many folks talk of corruption here. A society that is based in many ways on bribes and a system that often breaks down and does not care for all. This does not, however, speak to the heart of this beautiful place.
In my visit to a school today I witnessed only the wonder of learning, a great pride in education, and a mass of young people smiling and reaching towards the future. They want to study hard. They monitor each other. They embrace the strict rules and large class sizes. The Bishop School still has Physical Education, Drama, Art, Debate, Football, Cricket, Boxing, and Basketball. There is dance and the choice of languages as well. They must all learn computer programming. They do this in 35 minute classes. The older students must take exams before placing in their next step and all of them said their goal was to earn in the 90th percentile. This desire to do better and to listen attentively in order to learn as much as they can is the rule – not the exception. I am honored to visit here. Tomorrow I go live in front of a class of 48 students. Wish me luck!
(photos will be added as soon as I have the bandwith!)
Themocracy
good luck lorraine, what a wonderful adventure!! what you are doing will have a profound impact on everyone involved, forever!!
Breathe it in. Your very presence there is a conduit of good. I am so grateful to read your words. Feel like I’m there, too. I am. So thankful for you!
Love to hear that the children you are encountering are so eager to learn…warms your heart I know!