Got Septic? This colony does. Got cobra? They have one. Got art? The Colony has that too!

Got tools?  This man does.

One thing I am learning about India is that things are done the hard way.  The tools that are used are very basic.  They get the job done but it makes me yearn for tools back home.  Today I wanted a decent shovel.

This is the hut we were maneuvering around as we carried the big cement rings.

Our Scorpion crew

Construction day is hard work but very satisfying.  We put cement rings in for the septic system behind one of the huts.  The six of us transported six cement rings in a very narrow tight passage way to a backyard.  We did this while avoiding stepping in a big pile of cow manure (the cows rule the world here), taking out a rock fence pole and scraping up the side of the fragile hut and fence next to it.  Doing construction work here is like going through an obstacle course.  Even some of the Indian men are obstacles as they manage to get in the way as they visit and supposedly supervise.  They generally have the attitude that women aren't very strong but daily they are proven wrong by the work our groups do. 

1....2....3....PULL!

After this we had to lower it down with ropes into a deep hole with a man standing in the center making sure they were lined up on top of eachother.

This guy stood in the middle making sure each ring was lined up.  It was a little nerve racking when dropping it down with him there.  He cringed each time.  After this they will cement the sides, insert the pipe and put the cement lid on it and cover it up.

The last ring.  We did it!

This guy stood by our somewhat completed project.  In the beginning he was a little bit of a nay sayer.  But we earned his respect on how good of workers we were.  The mighty scorpions!

When this was finished, we had to shovel or in this case, put dirt into bowls and dump it into the outward sides of the rings.  It was hard work.  It was a bit frustrating as many of the men were standing in the dirt that needed to be transported just visiting.  The language barrier is a challenge in this situation.  There were five men.  Only two were really of any help.  One guy shoveled and I transported pretty good as a team for part of it.  After we were done he shook my hand and smiled.  Words were not needed.


We ended up completing one full septic and finishing the rest of another.  I have no doubt Russ is very surprised at seeing me work like a he woman and do something like this, but I made sure to take the pictures to prove it.

After that was done we got to visit the snake charmer. He also owns the wood shop in the colony. He showed us a cobra and a rat snake.  The rat snake is harmless.  The cobra was giving us a show.  He would get it mad and then eventually pick it up and milk it into a glass with saran wrap on it.  After that he would dilute the venom with  alcohol or water and drink it.  It gives him immunity from being bit.  He offered us some but that was a drink that everyone turned down.  Yuck and yikes at the same time!

The first real spending spree happened here!

Thank you, Ravichandran.  Notice the hands he uses to paint with.  What incredible talent.  He was so proud that I had chose his and was so happy to take a picture with me.  I love these people and wish for them to have a long life and to paint more masterpieces.



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Check out the detail in this painting Udayakumar painted. If there was two I would have bought it. I was so impressed with the images. His hands are both affected with leprosy. These artists are so talented. This man takes care of the finances and documents each sale. Thank you for sharing your talent.

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I was so glad we were able to stop by and view the art at The Bindu Art School.  This school was created in the colony through the micro loan program.  All of the paintings are painted by leprosy infected residents.  They usually paint from 9-11am each week day.  We were too late in seeing them in action. Darn.  Each painting costs 2000 rupes which is about $45.  One third of it goes to the artist, another third goes to the school and the last third goes into the micro loan fund to improve the colony.  Some of these funds have been used to build the community center that is in the colony.  When we got there we were given several piles of paintings to look through.  Quincy picked out both of ours.  The artists happened to be there and we were able to meet them.  The amazing thing is they don't have much left of their hands.  They strap on their brushes and paint these beautiful works of art.   Savannah, from our group, had bought one as well but here artist had passed away.  We felt fortunate ours were still alive and so proud we wanted their art.  My artist told me, "Nandry (Thank you) and much health to you and your family."   The gratitude is so genuine.  I will treasure my art that was painted so carefully by a man with a nub of a finger left on his hands but continues to have a smile in his heart.  Another good day in India.