Phase three finale - Charlie One

What a whirlwind the last few days have been!  Phase three has reached its thrilling conclusion. With teary eyes, it falls to me to inform you - in case you didn't already know - that our beloved venturers have flown the nest.

Over the next two postings, Paul and Kiana will provide us with an overview of the final phase. But first up, representing Charlie One, give it up for Sacha-Li Franks:

Sacha knows she left her tools somewhere...

"Well where does one start? The 10 weeks in India are coming to a close as the phase three Charlie One's finish piecing together a new school for the villagers and tribal kids of Koolal. Working with a new group isn't always easy and for some, the beginning of community proved to be no different. With some coming from trek, the change of pace proved to be the hardest but like on every other phase, we all got into the right gear and plowed through the work that needed to be done and enjoyed every minute of it (pretty much). Why? Personally, knowing that not only I will be benefiting from those hard labouring days helped motivate me through it all. But where did it all begin? I'll tell you...

No frills but plenty of thrills, waking up in a puddle being one of them!

The al fresco communal area and tarpaulin living room / kitchen

The Charlies enjoying a quick break

(In one breath) We arrived to a school with no roof, steps or plumbing; tree stumps in the way and a sea of mud all over. Nothing but mud. Quickly taking charge we dove into a game of Killer not wanting to waste any time (jokes). Really, we had two days before work would start so we called dibs on tents and tent buddies and got Le Grand Tour de Koolal; and met the villagers and workers we would be spending the next three weeks working alongside.

The worksite in all its splendour

It's all coming together...

Blimey, that was quick!

It started slow to the point where sifting sand and shoveling mud became the most needed jobs to be done. Note: sifting takes three people. Finding jobs sometimes proved hard but splitting up the work shifts was made as a snap decision and a great idea it was. Why didn't we think of it sooner?!? Having half work and the rest play games and getting to know the children, and rotating to stay fair. Building the school and having fun was easier done than said because having fun seemed to just happen.

Boas and Vijay perform foot massages to increase productivity

Bruce and Tiger supported Charlie One throughout

Shona admires the view

Teaching the group a new dance, playing cards and Killer, getting someone to wash-up, putting on the roof to the school, making a playground and garden, fixing toilets, sifting sand, carrying cement and bricks, getting dirty, dying and committing suicide in a game of Killer (I'm still alive). Learning to cook Indian dishes, pooping kittens and smelly people, long day trips, CTRD, one-to-ones and last but not least...finishing and opening a school for children. The best part - doing it with new and amazing people. What's that word? Oh yeah! Friends. :-)

Under the watchful eye of Stuart, Boas paints the new toilet and shower door

One at a time please: Helen, Stuart, Lucas, Boas and one of the masons

Lucas, Rachel and Stephen say cheese

About to tuck in it's Rachel, Anna, Stephen, Helen and Boas

Da Koolal Crew: PM Jo, Reuna and Sacha

Shonz and MJ show off their medallions

Stephen and Vijay share a tender moment

PMs Jo and Jules on the day of inauguration