Day TWO

First real day on the job so to speak, meeting all the volunteers and finally getting to meet Kate and Mandy the in country management team from VSN.
I have to say Mandy is a character, full of energy with a steely determination to get things done,  Kate is more overseeing from the sidelines, making sure all is OK.  They both get my respect for what they do and how they achieve, what some would see as the impossible.

                                                  The first meeting and brief.

The volunteers then are; Ashley from Canada,  Judy from New Mexico,  Manoj from Philadelphia, Rebecca from UAE,  Melissa from Canada and Toddy from Melbourne.

It was great to meet everyone, we were briefed about all kinds of things, everything from toilet use to having a flexible and positive attitude.  (if anyone wants to know more details please add a comment) It was a good and thorough brief, being introduced to Balaram and Pradip who are the project interpreters and organisors coming with us into the field.

I was pleased to learn VSN/GVN have a long term view of their projects, infact its a lifelong program as they place teachers into their schools, provide equipment, books, pencils and desks.  Along with this they also have a learning program for empowering women in the countries they work, full details are on their website.  I'm glad i'm part of something that will change lives..........including mine.

After the brief we had a few hours to ourselves, not knowing when or if i'd have opportunity again I took the chance to go to the Pashupathi Nath Temple with Manoj.  Its an amazing Hindu temple and i'm so pleased and honoured that Manoj shared this experience with me, he took the time to help explain some of the things around us.  We also had a guide who was very helpful explaining all aspects of the temple and beliefs, really fascinating.  I'm so pleased I took this chance to go, of course I acted like a tourist at times but its hard not to in these circumstances.........

I'm not allowed to enter the main Temple as i'm not a Hindu, at its centre there is a golden cow and the inner doors are covered in silver, a very beautiful place a very spiritual place.  The whole experience was a highlight, the architecture age and symbolism of this place was very moving and memorable for me.

We later all met up for dinner and got to know each other a little more, it was good to spend this time with them all as a group, all having different passions and interests, all with a common cause; at least for the next two weeks.  I'm full of optimism and keen to get this project started with this delightful group of people.