This rose flower was a symbol to Anna and myself, when we arrived in our home, in the first week of september. The flower had an aged look as if it was waiting for our arrival. It overstayed like this for another week in the garden, to give us a feeling of welcome and comfort.
Now, the day begins for us, with the news paper and milk delivered at our home early in the morning. The domestic workers arrive little later and we leave for our work place soon thereafter, which is about half an hour journey by car. It is a drive through the country side. We have many sights that draw our attention. Children dressed in colourful school uniforms, waiting for their school buses to arrive, is a welcome sight. Children look healthy and delightful.
Our neighbours have helped us to establish contact with an electrician, plumber, painter, and a telephone technician. They drop in to watch and comment on what is happening, helping us with some suggestions. We felt intruded initially, but now we sense their goodwill behind it. There is a collective approach to issues in the neighbourhood, which gives us a taste of the community sense that is still prevalent in rural Kerala.
At work, we have some surprises each day. We are greeted by smiling faces, although we have not met them before. A senior colleague dropped in to give a doll which he had from his childhood, seeing our efforts to make the department child friendly. The carpenter who helped us initially to fix the peg boards, toy shelves, etc. came visiting yesterday to see us at work. He mentioned that he fixed all the facilities as though he was doing for his grandchildren. He did what he did with a vision and interest. Anna had several suggestions from dog lovers to find a dog for us.
It is refreshing to come to work as parents and children make us feel good with their encouraging words. One three year old girl who accompanied her brother, asked whether she can come everyday to play. That was a generous complement.
Not that we have had no challenges! Our domestic helper suffered sudden loss of vision yesterday and we are in the midst of finding help for her. There is are constraints beyond our control, which make our transition longer and demanding. I am touched by the efforts of Anna to make it easier, although this is her first experience of staying in Kerala other than for holidays.
We have had much gifts and graces during our time here. This is a sign of goodness and mercy from the Giver of all good things.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
Our neighbours have helped us to establish contact with an electrician, plumber, painter, and a telephone technician. They drop in to watch and comment on what is happening, helping us with some suggestions. We felt intruded initially, but now we sense their goodwill behind it. There is a collective approach to issues in the neighbourhood, which gives us a taste of the community sense that is still prevalent in rural Kerala.
At work, we have some surprises each day. We are greeted by smiling faces, although we have not met them before. A senior colleague dropped in to give a doll which he had from his childhood, seeing our efforts to make the department child friendly. The carpenter who helped us initially to fix the peg boards, toy shelves, etc. came visiting yesterday to see us at work. He mentioned that he fixed all the facilities as though he was doing for his grandchildren. He did what he did with a vision and interest. Anna had several suggestions from dog lovers to find a dog for us.
It is refreshing to come to work as parents and children make us feel good with their encouraging words. One three year old girl who accompanied her brother, asked whether she can come everyday to play. That was a generous complement.
Not that we have had no challenges! Our domestic helper suffered sudden loss of vision yesterday and we are in the midst of finding help for her. There is are constraints beyond our control, which make our transition longer and demanding. I am touched by the efforts of Anna to make it easier, although this is her first experience of staying in Kerala other than for holidays.
We have had much gifts and graces during our time here. This is a sign of goodness and mercy from the Giver of all good things.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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