Saturday May 5 & Sunday May 6, 2012 Loreto Panighatta

Nicki, Sarah & Natalie

Michelle, Sr. Banisha & Natalie

This weekend was a welcome break from the intense time in Kolkata and the quick start up to teaching here on Friday. Saturday morning meant laundry time. There is no hot water in the school, nor are there washing machines. Instructions for washing clothes Panighata style:

• 1 Put the water into the bucket to about 2/3 cpacity.
• 2 Put in soap powder,
• 3 Put the clothes in the water to soak for ½ hour
• 4 Hand wash the clothes, one by one, using a scrub brush if you have one or knuckle power if you don’t.
• 5 Rinse each item thoroughly.
• 6  Peg them on the laundry line.
• 7 Wait 2-3 hours
• 8  Take clothes off laundry line and fold neatly.

In the afternoon, we crowded into a jeep and went for a 3 hour drive through Bagdogra, then driving towards the Nepal border, along the border and then east back to Panighatta. It was an interesting drive through varied landscapes, bustling towns and villages, and a forested area where the plain meets the foothills. We concluded with a stroll through the village. Michelle bought a new outfit and Nicki and Sarah had theirs altered. On the way home, we were invited to spend a couple of minutes in one of the student’s homes. We were warmly received by the family.

On Sunday, Les and Sr. Jane went to 6am Mass at St. Joseph the Worker church. There was an elaborate welcoming ceremony at the end of Mass that included a welcoming song. Les and Sr. Jane were invited to make speeches. It was moving to hear that they were praying for us. We spent much of the day at the Loreto house in the village having a relaxing morning. Some read, some used the internet, and some walked through town.

In the afternoon, we drove out of Panighata towards a park. First we had to drive on a very rough road to cross a wide floodplain strewn with boulders and pebbles. It must be quite a sight when in full spate. We arrived at the park and sat on the grass and munched away on popcorn and other treats that the Sisters had prepared. Lily, Sr. Loyola, Sr. Banisha, and Sr. Sarina joined us. We enjoyed the sisters playing on the swings and teeter-totter.