Road rules apply.

OAB Update

After two weeks back to work I have won my battle with my NGO and they provided a computer for me that will host the job matching software. I was really beginning to think that it may never happen and that I would have to go home without seeing this year of work finally come together. I have successfully set up the software in the office and I am currently chasing the OAB around for people to train. I keep reminding myself that this is India and this is how things work. The Commonwealth Games fiascos in India over the past little while are a really good example of how some things in India are accomplished. I notice again and again that things do happen but with little planning and last minute luck. It's sort of like this:

1. Don't talk about upcoming events, holidays, or goings-on until shortly before they happen.
2. Throw a plan together and execute quickly without too much attention to detail.
3. Invite import guests and audiences the day before or the day of events.
4. Frantically call for banners, programmes, prizes, tiffins and flowers very close to the event.
5. Begin the event about an hour later than scheduled while still setting up.
6. Complete the event a little off schedule typically meeting your goals.
7. Rejoice that everything worked out despite the amount of stress and running around it took to get things done.

OK. So I realize this is a big generalization and yes I'm sure that not every NGO, business and person is like this in India but it is something that volunteers talk about again and again. This is how I have seen most programmes, workshops and seminars put together at my work and I have heard story after story from volunteer friends that add up to the same. At this point we just repeat our mantra “This is India!”

So, I am again waiting on my NGO to provide me people to train in spite of handing them a paper with instructions, dates, and times. All they have to do is “fill in names here”. My plan is to stay home creating a detailed plan for my training and making two manuals (one without pictures to be printed in Braille). I hope that my absence will prompt them to do work for me. It has worked in the past. At least I have something with which to keep myself busy.

Here are some stories and highlights of the issues with the facilities at the common wealth games. This situation highlighted perfectly some of my experiences with planning in India.


Dirty Washrooms Picture from www.theage.com.au


Collapsed Bridge Picture from www.heraldsun.com.au

JB

It has been a dream of mine to adopt a street dog since I came to India. After a lot of research, planning and finding a good vet in Bhubaneswar I was able to bring my doggie home. The experience has been bittersweet because I had picked out a dog that I called “Jaggy” (after Lord Jagannath) and told him that I would take him in from his street life when I returned back from Canada. He was living outside my work and I would visit him everyday... I have know him and his litter since they were nursing last December. Unfortunately I have not been able to find him since I have come back. I'm hoping he has settled down somewhere else and is not hurt or dead. I waited as long as I could (there are timed vaccinations I wanted done before Canada) and then chose another puppy that I had befriended that is actually from the same Mother... meaning that he is Jaggy's brother. So, Shea and I have named him JB as a tribute to our lost dog and I have had him with me at home and in the office for about a month. He is smart, playful and sweet. Can't wait to get him to Canada.

A day before I took him home.


Sleeping on his bed.


Exploring.

Song from title: Shirts and Gloves by Dashboard Confessional