They're All Here

Yesterday someone planted an explosive device at Kargil Chowk, which is the main crossroad in Godda. The bomb went off in the evening just before the Moharram processions converged there. It was sheer luck that the device exploded when it did because otherwise the damage would have been unfathomable both in terms of lives lost and the resulting communal tensions. Unfotunately, some children who were there were severly injured. Maroof, the taxi-man who usually ferries the volunteers between Godda and the project was one of those leading one of the processions. He had a providential escape.

Naturally, the whole place wore a deserted look when the two volunteers -- Renee and Karoline -- arrived this morning. Fortunately, Murtaza -- one of the taxi drivers -- was there when the bus arrived. He called me and I called Jehangir and arranged for the taxi to bring them to the project immediately. They did not stay back for police registration as the atmosphere was tense. So they arrived on the project earlier than expected. But at least they are here. And they are safe. Very tired from the bus journey. But otherwise ok. They were oblivious of what had transpired in Godda and just as well.

It's been an eventful day. The nursery class has been whitewashed and benches put in place. But since the painter was putting the finishing touches in the morning when school started, Dani and Tak held classes outdoors in the warm sun. Later, of course, they moved indoors. Renee and Karoline rested meanwhile.

Once he had finished with whitewashing, Balai, the painter started applying primer to the rest of the desks and benches. In the afternoon Dani and Tak joined him and helped out with the painting. It's great to have these two Australians here. They are hilarious and full of fun. They are both very positive and full of good humour.

Well, now that all the volunteers are here, we will hopefully be able to stick to the routine that I have worked out for school. Hopefully, by tomorrow Renee and Karoline will be rested and will be able to teach.

We've bought some more badminton raquets for school. I am also looking for jigsaw puzzles. So if any of you have a few to spare, send it to us! We will be grateful.

It's a relatively warm night. And there's a bright moon outside. So I'll now go and sit on the verandah and smoke the last cigarette before I turn in.