The tin-shed school where we conducted our training was erected by this organization. Our visit concluded, we drive back to Ahmedabad, the state capital where we are to meet with government officials and finalize our action plan. In villages around us we see sure signs of life being rebuilt. Many families have received tents as part of the relief effort, those that have not have made a living area by standing a bed on its side to serve as one wall, and strung out a sari to serve as another. As the evening slips into night, smoke rises from cooking fires within.
Families are determined to start the process of rebuilding.
As we drive through Bhachau for the last time, a full moon hangs over the town. There is no life, no light, no movement. None of the friendly night noises of households turning in. Clusters of policemen keep warm around small fires in the cold winter night. Their white plastic chairs glow eerie in the moonlight.