Wondering Wonderstruck

 

Flowers are one of my favourite parts of this beautiful world and they're special to me. Every human being, those who are my friends and those who I haven't yet had the pleasure to meet; all have a place in my heart.

 

 

Fields of green surround me

Shades of evergreens and limes

Mystifying my eyes into an a bliss of wonder.

 

The scent of fresh grass sprinkled

with a blanket of daisies

I shall tip toe between ever flower

spinning in the sunlight.

 

If every flower was a person

living in fear or poverty around the world

I would sweep them up

and hold them so close to my chest.

 

Isn't it funny how daises are perfectly equal,

 just as we are.

And just as we can be they are fragile,

 needing love and care.

 

We wouldn't trample on the flowers

so let's not trample on the hearts of others.

Let us all be free like the flowers.

 

 

Reflections of India- Beautifully Indian

India has the most beautiful culture, the bright coloured majestic clothing, the entrancing music, the incredible spicy food and the variety of religions, to name just a few elements. Each day I became more accustomed to the wonders around me, each day I learnt more about the countries traditions and diverse people. And each day I wished more and more that didn’t have to return back to England.

I have been back from Tamil Nadu, India for just under a month now and it's frightening how quickly one can adapt back to normal life. As soon as I returned I was straight in the warm shower and enjoying the comfort of my cosy bed. India feels like a distant memory, but at the same time the incredible people I met and the places I visited will always have a place in my heart. Every experience I had, each person I met has made me who I am now and will continue to shape the person I become.

 

Recently I have started an internship in Oxford for Oxfam and as a result of that I have been spending a large amount of my time travelling and on the train. I have always found train journeys exciting and peaceful. I moment in the day to think about my thoughts and others. I chance to breathe. This week as I sat watching the world rush past me in my little carriage I wrote about India. I have been feeling so guilty for not struggling to come back to my life in England. In some horrendous ways it feels as though I could have never actually been away at all.

 

It is very easy to become so self centred and focused on our own lives. Since I have returned this is something I notice more around me in others. We are all so busy, always on the go, rushing around for our lives. And I fear that I too may have succumb to this. I have focused on my next steps, seeing friends and family. For me my life has changed, did it for those I left behind?

 

It's so strange being back,

India now apart of me,

No more am I apart of it.

 

I want to think of them always,

but I don't.

I simply get one with my life,

I move on to my future.

 

What does their future hold?

Memories of laughter and happiness.

That's not fair though

 

My life has changed

I travel onwards and upwards

While Pavi waits to be married.

 

Sasi is desperately trying to find a job

and Presanth and Naveen hang around,

hoping...

 

Facebook can keep us connected,

as far as emojis and Sapt tan la's can go

We say friends always but is that a friendship?

 

I wish we could be together properly

without social media and the rest of the globe I our way.

It's not a fair life!

I get the chance to explore and discover, why not them too.

We are the same, we are equal.

 

 

Maybe if everyone who read this could just take a few moments out of their day to think about somebody else, how our actions never simply affect just ourselves and how so many lives all over this world need  to be supported. I will be trying my best to continue using my train journeys to write and think about the world, especially those in India who I met and love very dearly.It can start with a thought. A little prayer and wish for others.

 

Stay Beautiful,

 

                     Zsofia xxxx

 

Sleeping 35 degree heat...

I am not sure I can remember what sleeping without the fans lullaby would sound like, what is silence? I certainly haven't had the pleasure of meeting it for a while now. What is the cold? The words of Frozen seem like such a mystery to me these days, oh how I wish to build a snowman!

When I first arrived the hectic streets and sardine packed buses were far from desirable but now it's as easy as a,b,c. I do still find myself hoping for times of personal space but I have arrived at the understanding that really this isn't going to happen.It is wonderful being around so many new and interesting people all the time, learning so much about how diverse we all our but  also just how similar we are too. Sometimes I do wish I could have a moment for myself, a moment to breathe and  to be free, able to think about my own thoughts.


 Surprisingly my anxiety have been limited. I often find this when I travel, I get this sense of calm within myself. Previously when I traveled to Romania and Uganda with Teams4U I found that my troubles vanish.  It may have partly because I was far to excited with my new adventure but I believe it has do with the fact that I have other issues to focus on. Other people and other challenges to support. Myself and my inside worries and thoughts don't become a shadow of fear casting over my heart. I can see clearly that my self concerns can be pushed to the side and replaced by brighter, better worries of other people. I am not saying that while I have been in India I don't get anxious. I do. I am simply able to control my worries and panic attacks better than when I am at home.

Recently Cormac, Charlotte and  I took to the hills. I felt like Maria, spinning around in the mountains and singing to my self, 'The hills are alive with the sounds of music'  It's hard to find words to express how beautiful and relaxing the surroundings were. I hadn't really noticed how much nervous energy had actually been building up and hiding inside of me until we arrived on the hills and a weight was lifted from my soul. I was myself again. We traveled by bus and then got an auto to the top of the hills. It was worth every penny, chugging along with the wind in my hair, swerving around the twisting roads. We watched the palm trees turn into a play set and the monkeys squabble and menace about below. The auto driver even let us stop half way up to take photos of the delicious view. The rest of the day was spent wondering around the nature park (which wasn't overly prosperous due to droughts) and discovering that the amazing must see waterfall had dried up. Still we had a little boat trip on the small lake and enjoyed the not too hot sunshine. Honestly the most heavenly day with some lovely people. I may not have been having daily panic attacks since being in India I defiantly needed this peaceful break. I am so grateful for this chance to gather my thoughts and be free.

 I pray for those all over the world who never have the chance to feel safe, break away and have time for themselves.

Stay Beautiful,

Zsofia 

       xxxx

'The hills are alive with the sounds of music'

A Glimpse into the Room Upstairs

Over the past week I have been fortunate to have some wonderful experiences and activity filled days. Other days however have involved more sitting around, planning and waiting for people to get back in touch. As I may have mentioned before the pace in India is generally slower and more relaxed. The day is split into the morning and the evening, apart from that times can be quite vague. For as Pavi says they like to enjoy each moment!

Monday 30th March 2015
Today I was finally able to visit Share and take part in one of their community meetings. They were speaking about sexual harassment and the protection of women and children in the villages. We couldn't contribute unfortunately but spoke about community health. Due to the lack of time we decided upon a general discussion with questions. Sasi was in his element and simply kept talking and talking. Not sure about what  but the ladies and the man in charge seemed to be engaged. The man in charge of Share is so lovely and knowledgeable. You can tell that he believes in all work they do there, when he spoke his eyes would light up.
As we were leaving I recognised this red weaved tinsel which mum had bought from Tradecraft a few years ago and we use to decorate the Christmas tree. I asked the ladies if they were only sold locally or if they were sold worldwide with the national Tradecraft organisation. Apparently they are which is an incredible thought. Maybe one of these women made ours.

Tuesday 31st March 2015
Early start to the YRC for a CV workshop. The health team went to Don Boscos Youth Centre to teach the ladies about preventions. We hadn't really planned our session overly well as the  poisonous caterpillars had taken  lot of our time up and sadly Becky is poorly. I really hope the nationals remembered to hand the leaflets out but i'm not sure. When we arrived at the YRC nobody was around and we were told by the nationals that nobody is going to come as they are at school and work. They simply didn't seem overly interested in trying to gather people either even after I explained that we were trying to target the unemployed in the villages so they must be around? Seriously where are they!
One boy came in, I think it was to play on the computer games but together we completed a IYDP and surprisingly he too wants to be an engineer. This would have been Sassi's change to talk about his personal struggles as an engineer graduate to secure work.I was on my own and I don't speak Tamil. It was a struggle, how can we engage the locals if we can't engage our national volunteers to understand the importance of  awareness raising. The afternoon was spent planning back at the office.


Wednesday 1st April 2015 
Such an exciting day visiting the hospital. Oh how I 'missed' CMC. My appointment was at 7:30am however I wasn't seem until at least 9am and I didn't leave until 5pm. Off we trotted ready for the Indian hustle and bustle which awaited us in the streets. We had to wear name badges and que in a odd version of a que. My height and weight was measured, names called using various different sounds and finally it was time to see the scary doctor.
I feel it was such a waste of a day, I fear a lot of days are recently. But I must remember we can't do everything in one day. The weather is hot and everything gets slower in the heat. The others spent the day planning and filling in our ICS Journals.I feel unhelpful today, but at least I cooked dinner.

Thursday 2nd April 2015
Adventures and rally come hand in hand in many ways but also created two very separate parts to my day. Michelle and I left the office early and wondered off to visit schools before we joined the others at the YRC to organise the rally. Auxilum girls school which is the female Don Bosco but they were on leave. On the way we past a sign for St Marks secondary school, so we headed there as well. It definitely wasn't  as near the sign had suggested. Hot and sweaty, 'water' dripping down my face in the 35c morning heat we spoke to the the headmistress. Air Con has never made me so happy. I explained all about Restless Development and how we would like to run a careers fair. We booked a career's fair....
The  Autism awareness rally was a huge success, we had over 25 children help us prepare banners and hold them high banging drums through Vanjur. Even if no one understood what we were saying, we still got children to engage and have fun. 'Stand Out to Autism'.



Friday 3rd April 2015
I am missing mum and dad rather. I keep having sudden thoughts about them, I am not sure how I would cope without them around. Words will never describe the pain which my heart will feel. I am so blessed to have my family... Charlotte and I went to teach English at Don Boscos, there is always a late start so I don't know why I am always surprised. We recapped phonics and said some tongue twisters,  then asked each lady to read a sentence out loud from the Ugly Duckling. We explained how confident and proud of themselves they would be afterwards. The women really weren't keen but after a few moments they had all read in English in front of everyone. Some read perfectly and wished to read again, others had the Tamil written beside to help them and some repeated after me, but still it was all English.  It was an absolute joy to see their beautiful happy faces, they were so proud of themselves and so was I. After this they introduced us to endless Tamil games. There is something so honest and special about these ladies relaxing and being able to be free to feel silly and have fun together.

Easter Weekend

Monday 6th April 2015
Today consisted of planning and more planning. Becky and I had a chat with Rekha about colleges and businesses. It really is such a shame she hasn't been around to provide this information before. If we had known imagine how much more we could have achieved! Que sera,sera, whatever will be will be. Planning was difficult, progress is slow in a team, especially when the weather is hot and people wish to rest. We managed to talk about our dance competition and draft some leaflets.

These are simply snippets of our week and some selective moments and thoughts from my diary. I may be finding some days harder than others but this experience though frustrating is incredible and I wake each day so excited to discover what the new day will bring.  I hope and pray that where ever you are around the world that you feel peaceful and happy. May tomorrow always be brighter than yesterday and the sun always shine in your heart.

Stay Beautiful,

          Zsofia xxxx

Challenge yourself to change your world

The sunbeams through the palm trees,
The wind hums a morning song,
The light flickers across the leaves,
And a new day is born.

The beauty of the world is now awake,
And so is the entire human race,
But how differently we must take
the start of a new day.

Far across the town,
In Vanjur and Jebrapet.
Villagers begin to rise,
Never to know what may come their way.
With the uncertainty of disease
Unexpectedly, knocking at the door.

Days may go by,
Skills and qualifications may be sky high
but without the care and guidance
They may never know that their dreams can be achieved.

Children run and play
Sandy feet beating the ground.
Pen and paper hardly meet
Or their lips read a sound.

For them the sun can't brighten away
 all the troubles and fears that fill the day.
A song needs a heart not simply a tune
to whisper words of  'You can change your world'.

If the morning glow could guide them,
Then each new dawn would be an empowered moment too.

Make your Passion your Profession

'Choose your career on the basis of who you are'

Many regions and states in India are highly developed. If you looked around major cities in the North especially you would be surprised by the wealth and development which surrounds you. Not only is the landscape varied and the culture diverse but the opportunities between states and communities are vast. Each region though governed by the state controls education separately and government led schemes for health and livelihoods. This impacts the equality of how the system works and schemes are implemented. With so many rural communities and a ever growing population even on a state level villages and some districts can miss out. Opportunities are often said in England to be brighter for the upper classes, in India it is also true, the higher castes are more wealthy.

Part of the work which we are doing here in Tamil Nadu involves talking about career options after 10th Standard (Year 11), Degree courses at University, Diploma options, CV writing, personal development and training scheme and job hunting advice. Whilst in Vellore are target is to work with at least 24 individuals between the ages of 14-32 to create their own action plan. The action plan aims to help the individual think about their own qualities; strengths and weaknesses, skills and to get them to think about what they want to achieve, their dreams. To help them think about what they could achieve, a realistic plan for their future taking into consideration any issues which may prevent their success.

Our target communities in Vellore, the rural villages of Vanjur and Jebrapet have two primary schools and one secondary school between and many children from the surrounding villages  also attend them. The classes range from 30-100 pupils with few girls staying on past 9th Standard. However  the growing importance in some families is getting stronger in these communities and girls and boys are travelling to the city to continue their education, though the options of course continue to be very limited.

 Commonly known jobs, such as a Mechanical Engineer or a Doctor, are often oversubscribed and thus finding work is an extremely difficult task. However there are many roles within the fields of Engineering and Medicine that are less well know, and many other entire fields of work that are often overlooked, that can provide secure well paid work. On Monday we went to Don Bosco's Matriculation School and held a careers fair. As we were told it was for 9th Standard boys we planned to talk mainly about post 10th Standard  subject options and leading into why these choices would effect the degrees they can apply for later on. Not only did we want to inform them of the variety of career opportunities available to them but to inspire them to think about what they like , hobbies and subjects, what their passion is.Qualifications, education can be the key to their success as long as it is paired with your own interests and personal qualities.  When we arrived the headmaster gave us 11th Standard which was even better. We got the boys to promise that when they think about the next step to remember that you must Make your Passion your Profession! 

 While being in Vellore I have discovered that they choose to study Engineering or Medicine because they are told to and they aren't aware of the other choices. Sassi one of the national volunteers studied Electrical Engineering but doesn't ever and has never wish to be an Engineer. 'I never enjoyed Science or the course, I like Maths though'. When I asked him why he had studied it he said that his parents had never been to University and wanted him to study Engineering for it is thought to be a good thing to study. 'We don't know about the other jobs or degrees, people just know Doctor or Engineer.' Two young boys came over to talk to me after the careers fair to say thank you. One of the boys told me that he has always wanted to be an Electrical Engineer for that is all he knew but now he sees that even in that field of work he could train in 46 other types. The other had wanted to be a doctor but now thought his skills in Maths means he should be an accountant instead. They were so grateful and sweet, I hope to stay in touch so that after their exams we can support them further if they so wish. 

On Monday we also held a session in the Secondary school grounds for 258 6th-9th Standard pupils.  We spoke about the importance of reading and writing and education to be able to achieve their dream. We asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. Out of all those children  they knew 5 career choices; 

• Doctor/Nurse

• Engineer

• Teacher

• Police

• Army

Then we held up 6 pictures of other career choices and the children guessed what they might be and we talked about them. By the end of the session some children said they now wanted to be an accountant or a beautician instead.  We tried to encourage them to follow their heart and to explore as many options as possible before deciding what route to take to make sure you as an individual find work that is engaging for you interests and provides the support you need.

It's easy to think that running these sessions has no impact for their is no instant evidence of change. But it's a start and it's something, a seed of new knowledge has been planted. Even if just one of these children we met on Monday starts to think about the variety of options available to them or has a happy memory. Then it's a success. Why begin to help change happen tomorrow when you can begin today?

The next few weeks will be busy filled with many more of these awareness raising and education sessions. I am so thankful to be here in India. Waking up each day to visit more children and plan sessions to help them gather the skills they need to create a sustainable and enjoyable life.

Stay Beautiful,

Zsofia xxxx 

The greatest gift of all...

A smile is often said to be the prettiest thing a person can wear. Where ever you travel in the world people need to smile. Where ever you go people are willing to be your friend. All around the world their are people who are lonely, who's hearts have begun to wonder if love will ever come their way. 

I spent last week in hospital and while it wasn't the nicest of experiences I was fortunate to meet some lovely people. Dr Harsa and Nurse Mary have the most compassion I have ever known. When I was feeling frightened or very unwell they took the time to talk to me and explain exactly what was happening,unlike others in the ward.  They visited me through out the day and always smiled and said 'hello' even if they had nothing else to say. I will be eternally grateful for their care and support and before I left I wrote them  little notes to say thank you and gave them a friendship bracelet. I feel it's very important to show people how much you appreciated there love and kindness. I also left next to my bed a note for the next patient to let them know that I will be praying for them and wishing them a speeding recovery. Everyone deserves to know that they are adored.

Similarly I have been giving out the friendship bracelets to the children and women who we have been working with. To see their faces light up is a glorious thing. When others are happy it makes me happy. Today is International Happiness Day, a day when all over the world everyone should smile even brighter than any other day. It's such a joy to feel happy. Your heart sings; your feet dance and your mind sways in the wind. The world is light and you float on a breeze. The world moves to the rhythm of your joy. while every note is sung with the voice of contentment. I asked everyone on our team what makes them happy and why they are happy today. It was so nice to hear people talk about themselves and each other in such a positive light.

Sanjeet- Happy to be away from home and with everyone in Vellore, learning and spending time together speaking English.

Michelle- Happy and simply grateful that she decided to leave her job and take part in this wonderful opportunity.

Mac- Feels free to be himself, enjoying the space from home and being in a situation where he can meet new people and gain new and enlightening perspectives. 

Charlotte- Is feeling happy as she has eaten lots of sugar! Each day is special and each day is one which matters and she will always remember. She will only have happy memories of India.

Becky- The comfort and dynamics of the group means she can be herself; free to moan and complain as we are all such good friends now. Feeling positive as her body and mind are starting to get used to India. 

Gill- All the Cows!

Karima- The beautiful moments like now when we are all sat around together eating, laughing and building natural friendships. All the experiences the uniqueness of India.

I am feel so blessed that our friendships feel so effortlessly made and have developed so organically. We are all relaxed, free to be ourselves and when people are comfortable the most magical of memories happen. People, people who need people are the luckiest people in the world, spreading cheer in all our hearts.

To be smiled at is to be given the greatest gift of all!

Stay Beautiful,

Zsofia xxxx