Bapatla diary 11

One of the great benefits of this trip was the opportunity to get to know Kathy, my son's future mother-in-law. Also known in India as Kathy Madame, Maata ji (respected mother), and a few other names, Kathy is an artist and art teacher. This was her fourth trip to India and each time she goes, she takes art supplies, ideas for projects, patience, enthusiasm and deep, deep love to share with these precious children.

*photo by Grace Farson, used by permission : )

Kathy led us in helping the children at Bapatla with art projects. Each day, when the children returned from school at 4, they would have a snack and perhaps wash up. Then we would take a group of them, say class 1-3 girls, and do whatever art project Kathy had chosen for the group.

We colored, cut, painted. We made hats and mandalas and some of the kids did the most wonderful water color paintings.

Manassa took to this project immediately - and here's her finished hat!

Grace and the boys with their hats

Williams and his hat in the works, dedicated to "John Brother"

Making mandalas with pencil and water color. Babu Uncle stayed and watched the girls.

Such a simple thing - to sit down with color and brush, or markers and scissors. But it took a lot of advance planning and gathering of supplies. It took sending things on ahead, getting donations, designing age appropriate projects. Kathy did an amazing job of organizing it all and I was a beneficiary. I got to watch, help, and enjoy the process of seeing kids create. Thanks, Kathy Madame!