We have started field work and classes. Within a week's time I have lost a layer of skin reserved for tourists and dawning a thicker more durable one. This new skin is preparing me to see people in their truths, their realities, and in ownership of this place I am visiting. It is a misconception of the American social worker to believe that she can go to someone else's home and change his/her world for the better based on American values and ideas. The reality is simple, before you can recognize the need for change you have to first recognize the value in the current experience(s).

Last week, Wednesday, I started field and went out into the rural coastal region to visit a day care (creche) for children in low income families. It was great! There were about ten or so children ranging in age from infant to about three years old. First, they all looked up at me with wide bright eyes curious but cautious. But true to form I went into my "I'm willing to play a fool for a child" routine. One by one the boys warmed up to me, even more curious about me because they wanted to see what I would do next. Before I knew it I had little ones trying to tap my arm, leg, or back before I turned around and some of the older girls even joined in. As I played with the children (not saying a word that they could understand- language barrier) mothers entered the one room building smiling and speaking Malayalam. I would do something to make the children jump and giggle and the mothers would look at us and carry on their conversation. Having been here going on a month, people watching every thing I do no longer phases me. The mothers were actually there for a SHG meeting (self help group) that was started to help teach them about saving money. During the meeting the women selected a president, secretary, treasurer, and decided to meet once a week on Tuesdays at 2:30 pm. Wednesdy afternoon was spent visiting a few churches and a school to tell them about the youth development programs the agency offers. By the end of the day I was exhausted but in a good way.

Thursday, oh Thursday. During the morning I went out with my usual travel partner, Thankam. She is an older lady who works at ROSS (Rajagiri Outreach Service Society) that has opened my eyes to the misinformation and education our society has given the world...I will explain at a later time. We went out to several schools, again promoting ROSS programs for middle/high school students. In the afternoon, I went with a different ROSS worker to a geriatric medical camp that meets once a week to provide free medication and check-ups to seniors who otherwise would go without care. The doctor recruited me to help place the blood pressure device on the patients as they came into the room to see him. Their eyes had the same level of curiosity and eagerness to know more about the tall foreigner that the children had the day before. There was an older gentleman directing me to do different things and my smile must have egged him on because he just kept going an going...I wonder what he was like before time wore on his bones because even with discomfort he still has a lot of pep in his movements.

I could go on and on but will instead simply say, India will change me more than I could ever change it. I am humbled in some small way every day.

Happy days from India, Ericka.