After a spot of shopping in the morning we headed off to the slum for the last time. Today would be a grand occaision with everyone gathering to celebrate the opening of the freshly painted clinic and children's resource centre. Mrs Balkar Singh from the MLA (Members of Local Authorities - i think!?) was there too cut the ribbon and officially open the buildings, it was a great opportunity to show the government a little bit more of the work ASHA are doing in the slums and see the difference it can make to the community living there.
We were quite astounded by the effort they had gone to; they set up a stage and decorated everything with flowers. We were greeted as guests of honour and members of the community came and put garlands round our. Hundreds of people gatherered round - we could barely move through the crowd - some were even sitting on the roof of the clinic! There was laughter, cheering and clapping, everyone seemed so happy and we were pleased to be able to give them a reason to have fun and celebrate - though as per usual we did not feel worthy of such a grand ceremony!
We listened to members of different groups deliver speaches, telling of what they do for their community, how Dr. Martin had changed their lives and they expressed a thank you to our group for coming to visit them.
We, in turn, thanked them for their hospitality and generosity. We told them that we had learnt so much from them and that they had given us far more than we had ever given them.
We had some snacks, and spent some time dancing and playing with the children. We presented those who had specifically been helping us over the last week or so with a gift to say thank you. Then we said our goodbyes and climbed back in the van.
Not many of us really wanted to leave that place, and if i'm honest i felt a little scared at the thought of adjusting back into life at home. Each of us have come away changed, but it's hard to know what to do with the experience we've had. We've been asking ourselves what we can do to ensure that our experiences in Delhi wont be left there as a memory but will come home with us and truly change the way we think and act. Please pray for us as we try and sort through in our heads the different things we have seen and heard, and pray that it will have a lasting impact in our lives.
We're back home now (although luggageless!!) and i'm sure will be catching up with many of you shortly. Team two fly out tomorrow morning and will be posting their news on here in the days to come!
Every blessing to you all once again and thank you for your continued prayers and support. We wouldn't have been able to do it without you!
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