After our arrival in Rajasthan a couple of days ago, we’ve had plenty of time to settle into Kotri Raola. We’ve all settled into a great schedule that includes visiting our construction site, where the girls are painting the fence surrounding a local temple located among the mountains. Our main project will be constructing a chabutra, a cement structure that encircles a tree, where people can rest and animals can be fed.

Each day, after breaking for lunch, the girls have jumped into learning the trade of many local artisans. Working with a local seamstress, the girls have been embroidering scarves and hemming cloth that they purchased at a nearby fabric shop. The girls chose bright, colorful fabric that is traditionally worn by many of the men and women in the village. Shortly, the girls will be able to do woodwork, pottery, and dance classes, along with tutoring sessions at the school. They’re already getting to know the villagers! Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and hospitable to our group.

There have been a couple of early monsoon showers, so the weather has been quite cool and the temperature has dropped in our favor. It can get hot during the day, even with the cool breeze, but we’re making sure that everyone applies plenty of sunscreen!

We’re looking forward to exploring other parts of Rajasthan, like the lakes and palaces of Udaipur! Stay tuned!

– Lizzie & Aditya