Today was my last day at Christava Mahilalayam Public School... The inevitable task of saying 'goodbye' has arrived, and with it has come a realization: that language is a truly inadequate means of expression. Words can not communicate the feelings of gratitude, fulfillment, loss, and joy that I am currently feeling, nor can they describe how deeply a part of me Kerala has become. And yet, words seem to be the only medium I have... Here is the letter that I read to the students and staff of Christava Mahilalayam during this morning's assembly:
It is with great joy that I announce the inauguration of Paitrakam (Heritage) Community Library! As is the tradition in Kerala, we celebrated this new beginning with a small ceremony, including the lighting of the Vilakku (lamp) and an address by our chief guest, Prof. K.K. Abraham.
With the help of fellow YAV, David Buco, and Christava Mahilalayam Public School, the library has a growing collection of English story books and Malayalam magazines. And this is only the beginning!
Every Wednesday and Thursday evening, I head to the Dalit (Untouchable) Community that lies across the street from Chacko Homes. There I join a small group of children and teenagers on one of their porches; they gather every day after school for ‘tuition class’ – a time when one of the community members voluntarily helps the children with their homework. When I can, I assist with English writing assignments or read with the children to help them grasp the complexities of pronunciation. On days when homework loads are lighter, we work on conversation skills or simply play together. This is the place in Aluva where I have found the most joy.