Day 25 - June 19 - Setting the [Re]bar

Hello hello ! It's Anna coming to ya from Packianathapuram. This morning, Nina, Danish and I went into town to run more errands for the center. As construction progresses, we are making more and more arrangements for the interior of the building. First, we were after an engraved stone plaque for the building, which we plan to give to the community at the dedication ceremony. We stopped at a stone store that the driver knew about and found exactly what we were looking for. It can be ready by the end of the week and is much cheaper than we expected! Next, we visited the same computer store again and spoke with Ravi about computer installation and an internet modem. He has been really helpful and we have his contact information to reach him directly. Lastly, we were on the lookout for a steel exterior ladder, kind of like a ships ladder. The roof will be used as a terrace, as is custom in the area, but this was not part of our original design. One of the elders in the community asked us to provide stairs so that children wouldn't instead climb up to the roof and hurt themselves. We all agreed that though it wasn't part of the original design, it is an important safety addition. The driver first took us to a ladder store (yes, they exist!), but we didn't have any luck. Then, we drove by a gas station with a staircase similar to what we wanted, and pointed it out to the driver. He took us to a blacksmith, who can have the stairs done for us within a week and for much less than we expected to pay. It was a success! We chatted a bit with Sowmya's help and learned that he's practiced the trade for over 20 years and opened his own shop about 10 years ago.

- Anna

This afternoon Mr. Dixon came to the CASA center and discussed he building schedule with Kiera, Erin, and Anna. Dixons final estimate for the completion of the building will be late July or early August! We wish we could be there for the completion of the project but we just can't be here for that long. :( After the talk we walked out to the village and played frisbee with the kids. They've really picked up this game so fast and really love it. Our time here is almost done and we've had so many great memories. Another group took a trip into town to buy groceries for tomorrow and to buy gifts for the kind people who've been making the center hospitable for us. Good night from India! Harsha