Diamonds in the Rough

Well, we are back in India and have entered a rather chaotic world of construction on both campuses. Despite the enthusiasm for the new buildings and all the amazing things we will eventually be able to do, there has been a lot of stress and frustration surrounding the whole thing as we as a staff try to get ready for school all while still in very active construction zones.

There have been many moments when I look around and wonder why in world are we there- we're just in the way of the contractors and there's not much we can really do until they are done. After an hour of having our boxes moved at least close to where the music room is and thinking that they were out of the way against a wall than no sooner had the painters come needing access to that wall, and as we're trying to unpack there are guys coming in and out of my room to finish installing lights, outlets, finishing carpentry for the pillars, working on the windows, and prep work to install the glass walls that are supposed to separate the music room from the rest of the floor... Not to mention that there have been a few moments when I've caught myself wondering, is it really all that safe for me to be here. All the while trying really hard to not be too disappointed in the fact that after months last year of trying to do everything I could to help plan this new music room, that NOTHING save one detail was actually done as talked about.

There have been a crew of Indian men working in the school, hired to be the heavy lifters and cleaners and other odd jobs that need to get done. The first couple days I felt a little awkward as I couldn't communicate directly with the men assigned to our floor, especially as they were having to do all the moving of these huge and heavy boxes. Not to mention that it is Ramzan right now so any of them that are Muslim are fasting, including no water, throughout the day. By the third day with translation help from my teaching partner, Naveen, we were able to build a little of a relationship. Today we were unpacking some of the boxes they had to move the days before and they were curious  about all the instruments and materials. We told them to give them a try and they were THRILLED. Each box was like opening a new surprise. We found a random sticker book of instruments and they were looking at them, so, I gave one to one of the guys and motioned to all of them to take one and they proceeded to put stickers all over themselves and one another, giggling the whole time. They didn't want to leave us the rest of the day. I asked if I could take a photo and they were so surprised that someone would want their photo- the started fixing their hair and smoothing out their shirts.

So, even though I'm still missing all of the cabinetry (which was just plain forgotten), whiteboards, sound system, projection system, and even WALLS before we start next week, leaving each day with a headache from the paint and tar fumes and covered in white construction dust, I know that this will eventually turn into an amazing space for making music with kids, and best of all, having achieved it with the help of my diamonds on the rough.

PS- my other favorite part of this last photo is the ASB driver in the background giving the drums a try. Doesn't matter who you are or how old you are, the music room is filled with fun things for all.