Thrissur on Thurday: Senti

20th Oct. Morning: Visited the Pope Paul Mercy home in the outskirts if Thrissur. Its a place where almost 500 mentally-challenged students learn basic things like going to toilet and taking bath.

The students performed exercises and sang songs in a special assembly(which was arranged for us). Then, we interacted with the students for some time.

Afterwards, we visited a HIV Aids home. People who have AIDS(mostly for no fault of theirs) stay there. And, there are small, sweet children(who love balloons) too. Its a very uneasy feeling - these children will die anytime soon. Its just a question of time. We hugged the children and fondled them, but alas only God knows how long they'll all live. It was an emotional moment.

Had lunch and then proceeded to the Mercy Home. We were first briefed about a facility called Childline, and then met cute children who are orphans. A guy, N, became SO fond of a particular child that he didn't have the heart to come back with us.

Night: Our classmate S's grandmom's sister's home was chosen as the venue. It was a bit far from our hotel, but that was okay. The location was perfect; lots of trees, a big big backyard, cool breeze and a beautiful moon.

All this for a camfire.

All of us(including teachers IG and TF) landed up at this place at 10 o clock for a campfire. Wood sticks and a bottle of kerosene were brought and the campfire kicked off.

We started with our customary evaluation session. I was an evaluator today and I taked about the strikingirony of it all. In the morning we had visited places where we had all felt sad and now we were sitting around a campfire abd enjoying ourselves. Isn't this Life, I asked. We get sorrow and happiness in our lives and have to learn balancing them properly.

The fun we had after that was awesome. Started the fun with 'Antakshari' between guys and gals. We guys cheated the gals and won the game. Then, our guys performed a small skit that symbolised the unti of religions - it was very good.

Then, played 'Truth or Dare'. I chose Truth and answered an easy question. Most of the girls chose 'Truth' and two of them were asked a similar question - Who is your favourite guy in class? And guess what, both of them pointed to me. Cool na?

It was definitely the best day of the five days. Mainly because it was full of irny - heart-filled and fun-filled.