Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Our very own Peanut Gallery!

Tradition is, when we have helped to construct the first three water catchment dams in India, (and why should this one be any different) that the local young men hang out and "observe" what we Rotarians are doing.  It is an unfortunate tradition, but one, nonetheless, which exists.  The day we began working on the dam construction, Kay from Nebraska was one of the first to arrive on site.  You can tell from the look on her face, that she is NOT impressed!

 
As we all began to gather, those of us who had worked on these projects in the past three years were not surprised to see our "rock pile" for the coming week of work.  Other than the digging out of the area where we would be working, and the hauling of the water tank for helping to mix the concrete (masala), the only other mechanized part of this project was the tractor which brought our daily dose of rocks or limestone dust. 

One of the first tasks to get everyone acclimated with the project is to learn the teamwork approach to the passing of "masala" (concrete mix). Lines are formed, and although initially, folks believe that passing from one's left to one's right is easier, they soon come to realize that the passing goes much more smoothly, and therefore, more efficiently, if folks stand apart but opposite one another and kind of get in the "swing" of tossing a basin of masala to the next one in line. 

This process does take a bit of getting used to, saying nothing of building trust that the person who is tossing TO you will not simple heave it, but do it in a respectful manner, as you will in turn toss to the next one in the line.  Of course, there is also the need for the "returnables" to be tossed back, in order for the diggers to refill the basins.  There is a certain level of precision which is required for this task, as well, since one does not want to simply fling an empty basin back toward the masala pile, for fear of cracking someones skull in the process!

Once this process is understood, and people are into their rhythm, it is generally time for a song - I've Been Working on the Railroad, or Row, Row, Row Your Boat or the all-time favorite of the French members of the team, Alouette.  This year, we actually had a number of pretty good singers, and this always makes for a jollier and more productive time!

Out of the "hired group" of workers, there were two in particular that I would like to mention.  First, is a young man, by the name of Santos, who until the final day, I did not realize he is the youngest son of Goberdhan - the crew supervisor.  Santos was one of the two mixers of masala, standing barefoot in the limestone dust, and then going with Myesh to pick up two sacks of cement (each fifty kilos), cut them open and begin mixing with the limestone dust.  He dug into the pile with a vengeance and kept circling round and round, making sure the mix was the right consistency.  I noticed his right arm was severely scarred and two of his fingers were paralyzed almost in a claw-like manner.  There was something else about Santos which made him unique - his left arm had been cut off just below the elbow.  Having said this, however, Myesh and he were equal in their production and unless one stopped to look at Santos, one would never have imagined his handicap. 

Once I learned that he was a part of the family and the younger brother of Dinesh, I took the time to inquire about what had happened.  I was told that he was involved in a freak and horrific electrical accident, and was hospitalized for three months, recovering from severe brain damage, to say nothing of the damage to his arms and hand. 

Day One was accomplished and we all returned to our respective tents, where we all stretched out on our cots and took a brief nap.  Some also broke out some libations and enjoyed them before dinner was served in the dining tent.
 

1 comment:

  1. Rev.Isacc dhas BD,
    Word of life children home,
    Chitoor
    Andhra pradesh
    India,
    Email-word_of_life_children_home@yahoo.in
    Phone-00919677373258,
    rev.isaccdhas@yahoo.in

    Dear My loving Brother and sister in Christ. Greetings to you all in the name of our lord Jesus Christ. My name is Isacc dhas I have adopted 30 orphan, street and disabled kids and giving them free food, shelter;Medical and education .We have a plan to start blind ,dumb and deaf center for children. This organization is depending upon loving offerings from the christian brothers and sisters. You are always welcome to provide small contribution to our orphanage during your birthday,anniversary, etc. Please tell about us to your friends and family members. You can also tell about our organization in any of your Church congregation and try to support us. We will be very much thankful for your kind support. If any one interested to visit our orphanage home in India, please contact us above mentioned address. Your presence will make the small kids to cherish. Every Month we need $700 . . The kids will have a bright future through your kind support. We need sponsors for each kids. If any one willing to sponsor a child please kindly send us mail. We will send the pictures of the children and all other details about the kids. Please pray for us and help us with the big heart support. I am looking forward for your kind reply .God bless you and your family. May the blessings of the Lord be with you always.
    Yours loving brother in the service of helpless kids in India
    Rev.isacc dhas

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