Thunderstorm

Today was the first day of my first event – ‘Celebrate our Centenary/ Sangam’s 45^th Birthday’. I was shadowing Sophie, but ended up helping out everyone in various capacities. I’ve photocopied passports, printed a timetable (which took about 20 times as long as it should have done because of temperamental computers and printers), participated in a ‘house rules’ session and a tour of Sangam, and a tour of the ‘neighbourhood’. I’ve interacted with participants from UK, USA, NZ, Australia and Sri Lanka, and have been wrapped in a sari along with the other SVs (yes, all 6 of us….!). I’ve demonstrated the dining table system with the help of pool inflatables and probably done loads of other random things that I can’t think of right now.

Then this evening was the Welcome Ceremony. As we’d not yet been welcomed officially, Jessica and I became participants rather than staff, and had to dress in our official MO uniforms. I wore the nice blue blouse, but of course it was made for England’s temperatures and was far too hot!

The ceremony consisted of Aruna blessing a lovely ceremonial lamp, and then she and Priyanka performed aarti on each participant. This is a blessing which involved yellow and red powder being applied to the forehead, rice thrown on the head, and then betel nut and lamp moved around the head in a circular direction. Christa or Hayley then presented us with flower garlands and welcomed us to Sangam. We all then lit a wick on the lamp, before singing the World Song together. Then there were LOTS of photos of the whole group and various smaller groups. I didn’t take many as a) there was an official photographer there for a lot of it and b) I only took my little camera. Jessica took loads though so when she uploads them I’ll link to them, or possibly steal some. Below are a few just to give you an idea of what it was like….

Aruna and Christa

Net and Ellen

Sangam is decorated - for the birthday, but then it's also Diwali, Xmas, New Year coming....!

Current staff and Aussie participants

Staff and NZ participants

Staff and Sri Lankan participants

I’ve really enjoyed today, although it did begin with Yoga at 7am (as did yesterday) and I’m really not able to say that I’m enjoying that so far. I’d much rather go for a run or a swim….!

Tomorrow we’re supposed to be doing a water tower climb in the morning but I’m currently listening to an amazing thunderstorm so we may have to cancel as it’ll be slippery and dangerous. Then we’re taking the participants out to buy saris (and other things I guess but that’s the bit I’m interested in). I have the afternoon off, so I’m going to Oktoberfest with Hayley as she suggested it might be fun!

TTFN