Surprise Visit at the Office

18 June 2010

21:40

The day was ending, and we were gathering up the rugs and cleaning up the kitchen. Today was an ordinary day at the office doing paperwork and trying to merge data, etc.

That is, until the clock struck 17: 47.

A small vehicle piled with 24 individuals (mostly women) dangling out of the doors, latched to the roof and swinging from the racks pulled into SPARC’s driveway. We all looked on in shock, awe and extreme curiosity.

As flawless Indian custom, despite our office closing soon, they were all warmly invited to sit in our meeting space. Then, the women in the kitchen once again, fired up the stove and began brewing tea for our guests. After it was ready, every single individual was provided hot chai and a sweet biscuit snack.

**Note: This is probably my favorite Indian ritual. There seems to be no better way to show hospitality and friendliness than through a cup of hot, sweet and spicy tea!**

Turns out there were from the slum colony of Kundusinappa Garden, just a few minutes vehicle ride from our office in Bangalore. Here, SPARC has already constructed a community toilet, started a savings program, and is currently in the planning stage for providing a new four-story housing complex for 300 households.

They came to ask John when the housing would be complete. The monsoon season is on its way, and they are deeply worried about the strength of their homes.

Unfortunately, their savings program only began six months ago, and the measurements to begin design of the building complex were only taken the day before. I was told later that once construction began, the houses would be ready in 15 months, but there was a long process of preparation that still needs to take place.

The meeting was in Hindi, so I all I could do was observe facial expressions and capture tones and lengths of phrases within their discussion. The colors and dynamics were entrancing.

The women from the slums forcefully stated their concerns. Their faces were hard and their eyes dark. Then John would voice a long dialogue equally as forceful, but then he would soften his delivery and offer a reassuring smile. The smiling was contagious and soon laughter broke out. More worry ebbed to despair and disappointment, which, in turn, ebbed to relief and reassurance.

They are fearful that their investments will yield no fruit. Their situation is urgent, and they are struggling to accept and understand that the promise granted to them will take time. Their disappointment stung, but in time, they will have adequate housing for themselves and their families.