Day 6 - May 31 - Grade Beams and Kabaddi

Hey guys,

What a day!

First off, since the forms were set yesterday, we were able to pour the grade beam today. The team finally got our hands dirty as we carried and poured the concrete mix into the grade spacings. Let me tell you, our team has got strength 💪. We successfully finished pouring the entire grade beam and will have to wait 2 days for it to cure. Besides that, we accomplished all of the tasks that we set for the day!

But the fun didn't stop there! We scheduled a meeting with the kids this evening and really got a chance to interact with them. We began by tossing the frisbee and kicking around a soccer ball. I even raced Sharon David Raja, one of the older boys, who left me in the dust. Then we played Kabadi, a common Indian sport that requires both strength and strategy...clearly, we were naturals. With the village grandparents watching and cheering us on, we attempted to act like we knew how to play. Regardless, we had a ton of fun, learned all of their names, and even created a group secret handshake with the boys.

Interesting note: one of the kids explained how he wakes up at 5 am, reviews his notes from class, and then goes for tutoring. His focus and drive truly impressed me personally.

The team is optimistic and excited for what's in store for us tomorrow. We'll keep you posted.

- Arvind

Form work was completed yesterday.

Hauling sand out of a truck.

Mixing Concrete - cement, sand, gravel and water. We've seen some interesting ratios for the mix.

Pouring concrete into the forms for the grade beam.

Empty well - the monsoon rains haven't arrived yet.

Well with water.

One of the boys climbed down into the well to cool off. He was pretty muscular for a ten year old.

Walking to the field to see where they grow mangos, guavas, jackfruit, banana, coconut, and more.

Women's Kabbadi Match

Men's Kabbadi Match

Today we met with the girls of the village. They invited us into their home and gave us sweet crackers and tea. We talked about the center and our presence. We learned that a lot of people didn't know we were coming and they said they hope to use the center for computers and general education books for study. We were so grateful to spend time with them, everyone has been extremely welcoming.

- Caroline