21

It's premature but I don't feel the need to continue. My blog is finished.

Dhanyawaad.

4

During our last week in India it rained almost every night. Needless to say, we took advantage of the relief from the heat. Our neighbors were baffled by our excitement. At one point I was shouting and Joe jumped into a large puddle, splashing dirty street water everywhere... including the inside of my mouth. It took several minutes to recover from my excessive gagging. It was a fun day.

P.S. I apologize for my infrequent blogging. I finally gathered the entire collection of photographs from my teammates and I plan to post throughout this week. My wisdom teeth will be extracted from my mouth in exactly eleven hours and twenty-three minutes. Aside from consuming the entire Jamba Juice menu, my time will consist of finishing my photo blogs and creating a recipe holder. Upon completing the aforementioned task(s), I shall bow out from the Blogger community. Do not attempt to protest (Melissa Chapman / Julie Woudenberg / Robin Moore); I am resolute.

2

The much anticipated video of the tipped over auto rickshaw. You can hear Cara sigh sympathetically towards the end of the video. It's funny to watch now, but at the time I was terribly anxious to get out of our auto rickshaw. Later that evening, we had another unfortunate experience in an auto rickshaw: our driver was drunk and barely avoided a head-on collision. I stopped using them for the next few days.

126

I've decided to create a theme for each photo blog. This entry is everyday India. I encountered these scenes while walking around our neighborhood or shopping at the local market. Perhaps you will begin to understand why I've said there is no place quite like it.

One of several apparel / textile shops at Lajput Nagar. I really like wearing kurtas (womens' shirts).I usually picked up a copy of Newsweek and / or India Today (TIME was too expensive). The inescapable reality of social stratification.Henna tattoos are a staple of the Indian woman's wardrobe (I got one too).
This is near Lajput Nagar. An apartment complex in New Delhi.
Needless to say, I missed "The Free Spirit" terribly. Cows are e v e r y w h e r e . (In case you didn't know, the Hindu majority worships cows).
Despite the prevalence of vegetarianism, McDonald's thrives. I am ashamed to admit that I ate here repeatedly... and no, they do not serve beef. Our most popular form of transportation: the auto rickshaw. I should devote a blog entry to describing the experience. Too much traffic. Too few traffic laws.
I'll post videos in the next few days. I cannot guarantee their educational value, however they are quite amusing (i.e. a tipped over auto-rickshaw). Type at you soon enough.

937

This is the maiden voyage of my photo blog entries. Kathi Lee Gifford gave a lovely speech and broke a bottle of champagne against my computer screen. It is time to embark on a visual adventure.

This is India, according to my Kodak EasyShare Camera and I.

Lajput Nagar (market).
Street children collecting trash.
This tree is sacred. I'm not sure how it achieved such status... I should research that. Expect an answer in my next photo blog.
You can never have too many bangles in India.My lovely teammates (Cara & Stephanie) and I in our traditional clothing.
I took this picture outside of a temple.
I met these boys after we left the temple... it's obvious why I took their picture.I like to give back to the community.
India Gate: a WWII memorial for British & Indian soldiers.
Allow me to introduce you to Govime. He has an incredible smile and contagious enthusiasm.
I was challenged about sincere gratitude by these two girls. We (Cara, Aimee, Joe & I) stumbled across this while wandering around the city. Someone is buried in there... I don't know who, but I assume they're important. Our driver stopped to get water so I took advantage of the moment.
My jet lag is quickly setting in. I will post more pictures throughout this week and perhaps share my thoughts on returning home.

1.4

We were given a debriefing exercise to write down our thoughts as we prepare to exit the country and reenter America. I've decided to share a few of my responses.

My experience here has been: overwhelming / challenging / insightful / unforgettable / adventurous / spiritual / unexplainable

The things I will miss are: the laughter of my teammates / costa coffee / sightseeing / the children / cheap prices / traditional clothing

The things I will be happy to leave behind are: the heat / the men / the diarrhea

When I think of returning to the United States, I feel: unprepared / reluctant / nervous

I am really looking forward to: a hot bath / a pedicure / a date with my dad / a hug from my mom / a big bed / a good cry

What does your country look like? historical / modern / colorful / eclectic / littered / overcrowded
What does your country smell like? manure / incense / curry / body odor
What does your country taste like? spicy / strange / delicious
What does your country sound like? horns / shouting vendors / horns / loud techno / horns
What does your country feel like? too effing hot

The remaining 24 hours have been delightful.

Highlights

• Debriefing with the Wolfs. I am blessed to serve with them.
• I had coffee with Dr. Thom this afternoon. We had an amazing conversation. I was honored that he chose to share his time with me.
• Procrastinating on everything: homework, packing, cleaning
• Our last Indian meal
• The impending auto-rickshaw toy race TONIGHT! I've greased my wheels and I'm ready to defeat my teammates.

It's time for our midnight movie (we have to get a taxi at 3:00am because our flight is at 7:55am). This is it from my side of the world. Thank you for your tireless support. My gratitude has only increased throughout these past few weeks. I wish I could fully convey what you have given to me. I love you and I will see you soon enough. Namaste.

48

Happy Father's Day and hello to my Dad, Phil. Your presence has not escaped my mind on this day. Thank you for loving me as your own. God's goodness is evident in your affirming kindness and generosity. I owe so much to you, even in the short time that you have been in our home.

It is strange to experience Father's Day in India... I'm not sure why. Actually, it's a strange day.

We visited the Hari Krishna temple. It was peculiar and oppressive. I doubt this is making any sense. I sat amongst the worshippers while they listened to a guru and I felt the immense gravity of what was taking place around me. I'm not sure I can unpack my experience quite yet.

Cara, Joe and I ventured to "The Big Chill", a restaurant that provides an American escape. It was really nice to share our thoughts as we prepare to return home and reminisce about our memories. It is a blessing to find real friends in your teammates.

My day was uneventful for the most part and I apologize for the lack of updates. Perhaps I will write more upon my return, as I begin to process everything I've seen, heard, touched, tasted, and smelled... especially smelled.

It has been a great experience, I cannot emphasize that enough.