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.

7

Registering for summer school while overseas is a difficult task, to say the least.

Today marks the end of our first week in South Asia. It's been an incredible trip. We're redefining the word "busy" but our time is well spent. Today also marks the beginning of my strike against tuna fish. After a second attempt, I've officially decided it just isn't the same here.

Thank you for your prayers and e-mails; my chest cold is disappearing and the parasite has not resurfaced. Today was the first day I wasn't dehydrated either. My team was jealous.

The guy across from me is playing excessively loud Indian music My American sense of privacy and personal space is going haywire.

We finally made it out to the village yesterday. Our first class was somewhat chaotic but the children are adorable. Today's session went smoothly and I thoroughly enjoyed the morning. While journaling this afternoon, I wrote a note about each child in my group and what I'm learning about them. I teach three to six-year-olds and despite their minimal English, I'm really discovering their personalities.

Our university class is going well. It is a new experience to study under Dr. Thom. More than anything, I appreciate our post-class discussions. I'm a sponge around him. We also had an excellent talk in his office while sorting through Sociology books. He knows how to get to the heart of matters and asks the right question. A very intuitive man, to say the least. I realize I am being vague, but I don't know how else to explain it. Those of you who preceded me on this trip will understand.

Memorable Quote: "Death, take one" - Joe, filming our auto-rickshaw ride

My thoughts end here. I'll leave you with a new fact I learned from my translator today. When my teaching partner and I distributed crayons and paper, we asked the children to draw a picture of anything. The woman hesitated to translate our statement and when we inquired as to why, she simply stated that the children do not know how to draw from their imagination- they must have an image to replicate. I'm still wondering why that is. A childhood without an imagination... hm.

Goodnight.

15

A few important dates to remember:
Happy Birthday to my brother, Brian (6/5)
Congratulations to my newly married roommate, Erin (6/9)
Happy Birthday to my friend, Melissa (6/16)

I don't feel like posting but I should because tomorrow is Tuesday and the businesses will be closed. If you are watching the news, you might be aware of the strikes here. The main roads are closed, hindering our work in the villages but everyone is fine. The team is doing really well. We plan to spend our day in the city and tour another temple before class. I apologize for my inability to convey my experience; it is alot to process in a short amount of time.

I will type at you in a few days.

P.S. A few of you asked about my blog titles; each number has a meaning. Fifteen is the amount of ruppees I pay to use the internet for a half hour.

3

I apologize for the delayed update. I am going to bypass the unnecessary details concerning our arrival and record some basic observations.

It is our third day in South Asia and I am thoroughly enjoying my experience thus far. The first three days are a blur of outdoor markets, auto rickshaws and coffee shops.

Wednesday
We mostly shopped at the outdoor market for our traditional clothing, however I really enjoyed the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture.
I got in an argument with an auto rickshaw driver. He knew my price and I was not paying the “skin tax”.
I don’t feel like I’m in the initial phase of culture shock. I’m quite aware of the incessant beggars, leering men, and excessive horn use. However, there truly is no place like it.

Thursday
After breakfast, we ventured to a local coffee shop, Café Coffee Day, where we spent time in the Word and journaling.
At 12:23pm I was the first of my traveling companions to succumb to Delhi Belly. Don’t worry Mom, my team leader purchased medicine and I haven’t had another episode. The parasite residing in my body has met his match.
DESTINATION DELHI: A scavenger hunt throughout the entire city. My team will win because a) we have more points and b) our secret weapon is a song about our competition set to the tune of “A Whole New World” from the Aladdin soundtrack. I hope Joe is reading this and gritting his teeth.
We dined at Ruby Tuesdays after completing a class assignment, which required conducting surveys with locals. I was grateful for the chicken tenders.
After a dangerous ride home in an auto rickshaw, I am considering installing a pacemaker upon my return to the states. I spent the duration of the trip with my head buried in Cara’s neck. I heard something about “barely avoiding a head-on collision” after we got out.

Friday (Today)
Our morning was spent in training for the children’s camp we will facilitate next week. “Storying” is an interesting task and I will explain more at another time. I am sweating Niagara Falls down my back so I intend to make a quick exit from the Internet Café.
Dr. Thom took us on a tour of a Hindu and a Sikh temple. I am still processing what we witnessed.
I am currently reading through the Gospel of Luke (thank you Erin), and it is a surreal experience as I step into the streets swarmed with the beggars and handicap. Again, I will divulge more thoughts when I am not so hungry or sweaty… or at least hungry.

I really should end this short post. I apologize for my failure to blog regularly but I would rather spend my time in the city than on the computer. THANK YOU for your continual encouragement through prayers, financial donations, e-mails and letters. My gratitude is repetitive but it isn’t artificial.

168

A week from today (168 hours) I arrive in South Asia. While answering questions at the doctor's office today, I realized the quickly approaching date. My thoughts are scattered.

• My anticipation steadily increases as I read the updates of the first team. They've discovered numerous opportunities to work and learn; I hope our team is similarly blessed.
  
• I don't want to face my inevitable opponents: stomach illness & dehydration.
  
• My mom is nervous. It's difficult to acknowledge that I am asking her to endure a level of anxiety I will not fully comprehend until I've experienced motherhood.
  
• I don't feel nervous or afraid, however I am somewhat confused regarding my expectations of our trip. I am embarking on a three week journey without an upfront detailed agenda. Perhaps, this is a comfort I must do without. I hope my Moleskine does not take it personally. The transition into "green" necessitates flexibility.
  
• Is it strange that I considered purchasing men's Arm & Hammer deodorant while at the grocery store tonight? I have accepted that I am going to sweat profusely, although I do not believe it is necessary to display my self-regulating body temperature. My team will appreciate the distinctly "Shower Fresh" musky scent originating from my underarms.
• I really like my team. I'm excited to pursue this opportunity with them. They're so easygoing and fun. It is a pleasant surprise.
  
• Does anyone know if the iTunes store has added "Felicity" to their catalog of television shows? I would like to view Sophomore and Junior Year during my flight.
  

It's 1:15am and I have a full to-do list for Tuesday. Thank you for your generous support and encouragement; your partnership sustains me, as I expect it to continue to do so throughout this next month.