The trip itself was a lot of fun for everyone, even the 3 sisters that went along with us. The kids really loved going on the rides, like the merry-go-round and the kiddie boats. But mostly, I think they just loved being able to run around and cause all kinds of trouble, which they most certainly did.
I spent most of my time with Vishal. Since he can't walk, he needed to be pushed around in a wheelchair, so I handled that. My goodness, he's a wiggly thing! It was almost impossible to get him to sit up straight and he kept kicking, making it very hard to keep the wheelchair straight. But he was just so excited, how could he help it, right? He's such a cute kid, too. He really loves the word "Shesh," which means "Finished" in English, so as we walked around, he would say "Shesh," I would say it back, and he'd squeal and kick his legs out. How could you be mad at that?
We also had a little picnic with ice cream and the masys brought a portable radio, so we danced and sang to Hindi songs in a little grassy area in the park. And there was shade! It's gotten so hot in Kolkata lately that finding an area with cool shade is definitely a source of joy. All in all, an awesome day.
I also wanted to mention that one of the children on the mentally handicapped side of our floor, Kushi (who has Down's Syndrome), is being adopted. Her parents and new brother are in Kolkata now and they're going to be taking her home on Sunday. From what I've seen of them, they're wonderful people. She's going to be welcomed into a very loving home, I'm sure.
These kids, I honestly can't even begin to describe how good they make me feel.
