The opportunity to blog is challenging. We have some problems with electrical current and technology. This blog entry is for more than one submission. We never know when we can get back to the BVU site.
Submitted by Carrie Sorensen
It is 9:15 in the morning and a bell is ringing. It is not a sign of trouble but a note the official school day in Lebenshelf is about to begin. I say official but there has been hours of activity before now. Officially, every morning we start our school day with an assembly. The bell is struck at 9:30 to start the routine. All the children, teachers, and paraeducators line up in rows outside in the main courtyard. There is a group of children standing in front to lead the opening ceremony. The prayers are the first part and represent many religions/philosophies (Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Budhist, etc.). With so many philosophies represented, this takes quite a bit of time. The prayers start with a deep "OHM" sound that is held. Sarah (our school director) said these prayers are a therapy for the children who do not speak yet. The sound starts the language from deep within a person. During the prayers most of the children stand right in place. This is incredible to see. These children all have disabilities but most are able to stand still during the assembly. I have never seen this many children be able to stand so still. After the prayers are said the "good word" is read. A teacher explained to me what was being read. The translation was about serving and loving others. There is a different good word every day. Next the children do their stretches. Some of the children lead the stretches as well. Each person participates as best as he/she can. Another boy beats a drum and the children march off to class. At the end of the day there is a closing ceremony, complete with standing rows of children and announcements. Again the drum sounds and the children march off to the bus or dormatory rooms. The drum beat and march step style reminds us of the British influence here. I watch them go; smiling, waiving, and marching and I can't help but think how this school is helping them march into a brighter future.
Submitted by Angela Holstedt
Good moring from incredible India!! This is Angela Holstedt. One of the greatest pleasures of my first few days in the classroom has been my time spent in the dance therapy room. I can best describe it through the phrase "dance speaks where words cannot." The teacher speaks hardly any English and I speak almost not Telugu. However, through the help of an interpreter, we have been able to share dances of each other's cultures. I got to introduce the Hokey Pokey - yes you did read that right - to Lebenshilfe. We taught it as a traditional American children's dance. It is beneficial to children because it reinforces such concepts as left/right, in/out, balance, and body parts. Everyone here has really latched onto it. Sarah thinks it is wonderful and all of the children really enjoy it. Now the Hokey Pokey is being incorporated into the school assemblies, as well as classrooms. Such an accomplishment! The dance teacher also has been teaching me a classical Indian dance. It is a solo piece about a teenage girl who wants to see her boyfriend but must keep it secret. The dance teacher is absolutely beautiful to watch do the dance and is going to have me perform it on the 16th - I only hope I can do it justice. It is amazing that we can convey the story of a song in a different language through something as simple and beautiful as a dance. It is truly an honor for me to learn, perform, and share a traditional Indian dance. I am so thankful for the chance to participate in this aspect of Indian culture through Sarah's school.
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