A little boy's smile

Well I'm now 90% better. I never want to have a bug like that again. I think I have lost a few pounds and caught up on every hour of sleep that I have missed this year. Even though I was sick this week I managed to do something which brought a tear to my eye.

I have been sponsorsing a child through Compassion UK for the past four years. On Wednesday of this week I was picked up by the Compassion workers and driven 3 hours west to a little village called Mawa which is in the district of Midnapur. The thought of a 3 hour car ride and stopping to eat and using an Indian squatting toilet (considering the bug that I had) did not appeal. Thankfully when we got to the Indian equivalent of a truck stop I discovered that the place had a western toilet!! The potato stuffed naan that we had was delicious also.

We arrived at the Project just before 11am. They had planned to greet us at the gate but we arrived early and caught them unawares. We walked into the very open plan complex and I was asked to sit down. I tried to find Milan (the boy that I sponsor) in the sea of faces but with no success. Then suddenly a lady was introducing me to him. He gave me the biggest smile and presented me with flowers and then sat next to me. I almost started crying. The pictures that I have of him that were sent to me by the organisation are all of him frowning. I soon discovered that he has the cutest smile (his eyes really sparkle). He's such a cute little guy. I spoke to him through an interpreter about his school and family and of course cricket...

I was then asked to go and sit at a table at the front of the room. There was a big welcome sign for me and I was presented with more flowers and drawings from the children. They did a few dances and songs for me. I sat amongst the children and tried to join in with the group singing (and actions). Milan plays the tamborine and he was in his element performing.

I was then asked to come and speak. I told them the few Bengali words that I had learnt and also taught them the song "If you're happy and you know it". It was quite an experience. We then had a question and answer time. They asked how old I was and I responded with an answer that would have made a politician proud "Older than you".

It was then time for cricket. These people are certainly fond of this game. At least 100 kids joined in the game. I think I was bowled (Milan was wicketkeeper and got me out first ball!!) or caught out at least 10 times in one over but was not allowed to stop batting. I did manage to get a few runs though. Milan was my supporting batsman. I think the children (particularly the older ones) were told to make sure that Milan was the centre of attention and proceedings. It was nice that he could be spoiled for the day. They all wish that India had a NZ coach still instead of an Australian one...

We then jumped in the jeep and headed to his house. His house is a three room mud hut that houses 6 people, one goat, one rooster and one cow. It was humbling to go there. There were holes in the roof where the rain came through the corrogated iron. I did see little things that that they had that my contributions had helped to provide. I met Milan's parents. His father is a rickshaw puller and his mother a tea garden worker. They are a lovely family and made me feel very welcome. They even rented chairs that I could use while I was there and both took the day off work so that they could meet me. I kept thinking that I have soo much in the west and yet I often complain. These people seemed really happy and content with little that they had.

We then headed back to the school for lunch. I ate the Indian way with my right hand (this took some doing as I'm left handed). Eating with your left hand is a no no as they do other things with that hand.... It was nice to sit around the table with Milan and his family and the staff from the Project.

This was followed by another game of cricket and then I had to say goodbye to Milan. It was tough leaving. However I will never forget that smile.

I used to struggle with writing to him as I never knew what to say. I now feel as though I now him a little more.

On the way home in the car we unfortunately hit a cow (it almost came through the front window). This is not a good thing in India as cows are very very sacred. Thankfully the cow was fine and the car (although a little buckled in the bonnet) was fine too. However we didn't stop to check the damage until we were well away from the owner of the cow (safety first).

It was a super day and I'm soo pleased that I didn't cancel as a result of illness (considering the lengths they had gone to to prepare for my coming). If any of you get the chance to visit a child that you sponsor I would thoroughly recommend it.

Tomorrow it's off to Sirampur (of William Carey fame).