Being in a new country can be intimidating: you don't know many people and you aren't used to the way people do things. Even though I have spent time in India before, this trip is a new experience because I'm working and living at an orphanage.
The orphanage is very peaceful. It is in a rural area surrounded by wild grass and dirt mountains. During the day, it is very quiet. The yard in the center of orphanage is empty. The children are in class, and I work on my project in the offices. As the sun goes down, the yard come alive with children running, playing, and chatting.
At first, I wasn't sure when to focus on my project and when I should interact with the children. I decided I needed to be more involved in the daily happenings of the orphanage, so now I teach a class during school hours to tenth graders. It is called Home Sciences and it covers the environment, health, and nutrition. Afterwards, I join the children for lunch and then go to the offices to work on my project. I return to the cafeteria for dinner when it is time for the children to eat.
I also live in the same building as all the girls instead of in the staff and volunteer building. This lets me spend some time with the girls before bedtime.
