Run Fast for Your Mother, Run Fast for Your Father

Just a couple gals enjoying some Indian cuisine.

How about that for inspiration?

Greeting every time we enter Prayasam.

Julius Caesar in a Sari

Wow! Seriously, the time just zooms by in India. I can't believe it's almost the end of February, such a blurry month or semester for that matter. Although I didn't blog for a while you honestly didn't miss too much. I'll just highlight the glories, and that will give you a colorful perspective of my life in India. So, Thursday we didn't have class because, oh we just didn't feel like it. Basically, I slept, ate and then went to Prayasam. Highly productive if you ask me, and I felt well-accomplished. Friday, guess what, we also didn't have school. My one class was cancelled, so I headed off to New Market with a few of my roommates. We went straight to Bablu, our trusted merchandise advisor and confidant, and of course it so happens, I went to pay him back and left owing him so much more. So is the way it rolls in Indian markets. I truly do love Bablu though. We found out that he is 22 and just graduated with his degree in commerce. His whole family basically owns a huge section of New Market. He had us sit down for a coke, and then he demanded that we come to his home for a party soon. We also met his cousin and his father. I feel as though I am part of the Bablu family, and a joyous family that is. Friday night we went over to Adam and Eric's home, and dare I say it, watched a documentary on Fidel Castro and ate dinner. I'm not sure what I thought of Fidel before this documentary, and I still don't after watching this. I would never have seen myself spending a Friday night watching a documentary on Fidel Castro, but when in India...

Saturday we went on a Folk Arts trip and I was able to see the Kantha quilts that the women make out of old sari's. They are incredibly intricate, woven quilts that are made by using the threads from old sari's. The women sit around and talk while making these Kanthas. One Kantha can take a lifetime due to how intricate it is. After this we went to Flurry's, which is an Americanized Indian restaurant. It's pretty ritzy, I mean the sign is baby pink and the letters are emblazoned with gold. For the first time in I can't remember how long, I had a BLT. The bacon dripped in my mouth it was so incredibly scrumptious, and I never thought pigs could make me that happy. Yes, I know that I'm a vegetarian, but bacon is my weakness and I will not feel ashamed. That is certainly where I shall be spending my 21st birthday in India. Holly Golightly and Breakfast at Tiffany's in Kolkata, India. Saturday night we spent at Eric and Adam's home with his host parents and host brother. His host parents are adorable, and we actually ended up putting on a talent show. I performed "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston as a tribute to a true great. I did not do it justice, but Ranjit (host dad) was pleased so I felt fulfilled.

Sunday we attended yet another Folk Arts workshop. For this we were actually able to stitch and experiment with making Kanthas. If any of you know me at all, you are aware that I have little patience, especially with things that I'm not good at. This happened to be one of those things. However, towards the end I had stitched one pretty mean flower. One Kantha would not take me a lifetime, it would take thousands of my lifetimes to complete.

I've been somewhat ill as of lately, but Kakima gave me "London medicine" which I suppose is legitimate medicine due to the look that she gave me. It was almost a "be wary of how magical this medicine will be" look, but my nose it still stuffy and my throat sore so that should speak for itself. Well you know the old saying, "I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never going to keep me down." Game on, India. Game on.

Saw Cinderella in a Party Dress

Part of the group with the other Indian comrades...

and the boat on which we became legitimate explorers.

Good thing I was forced to take swimming lessons!

Amanda Seyfried Look- Alike?

When I awoke at the wee hours of 5:30 am yesterday morning, I had no idea the adventure that would befall me. We met at St. Xavier's at the infamous "green benches" which is apparently the kool kat spot, but I have yet to see the glamour. Eight of us from our group piled into this hardcore jeep and headed off for a village to which we'd be helping at, and I honestly can't remember the name which shouldn't be a surprise if you've read my other blogs. Anyway, it was a long and bumpy five hour drive, but we finally made it to our destination, which was a dock. Then the eight of us and the other bus full of our group and students from the Computer Science department at St. Xavier's boarded onto this legit, Indian style boat to which I cannot do justice so I'll post pictures later. We were on the boat for about one to two hours and then we reached the village. When we got to the village, I headed into a classroom with Rita, Courtney and Tripti and Ash (two Xavier's students) to whom I absolutely adore.

The classroom was filled with 13-15 year old Indian students, males on one side and females on the other. Then we proceeded to help the students with stories in English and Algebra. I cannot begin to explain to you how difficult it is to communicate with people who don't understand you and whom you don't understand. The students were incredibly intelligent, but the language barrier plays such a huge role, especially when attempting to explain how to solve an equation. It was an awesome learning experience, and I am so thankful that I experienced it because it provided another new perspective for me here in India.

The trip back on the boat was certainly an interesting one. I ended up sitting up top, which you'll understand when you see pictures, and I chatted with some Indian students. Two of the men were extremely quirky, and they asked me quite a few questions about the US and of course we compared Western movies. They were also fairly impressed with my Bangla, and so indeed I was proud. When we got back to the dock we took a long five hour bumpy buss ride, in which I discussed Star Wars with an Indian student, and although I've seen Star Wars and do enjoy it, I couldn't remember a single thing about it. I was also forced to sing to the students on the bus because Tiffany told them I had a good singing voice. An alto/ man voice on a loud and bumpy bus ride just does not mix well, but I tried to do Adele as much justice as I could.

It was such an incredible experience, and I've gained several new facebook and I hope real life friends through this day. I felt so in my element today, because for one of my rare days, I was able to be so odd and quirky and people actually laughed! I love meeting other people who I have weird senses of humor, because then it doesn't make me feel so crazy, even though I do admit that I am, partly. I may have found my calling in the Computer Science group, because believe it or not, they've got it going on.

More importantly, being pushed and challenged to teach students who don't speak the same language as you is such an extraordinary experience. It's frustrating and uncomfortable, but it's also beautiful. Both of you are trying to learn from the other, and the basis of your conversation is for the sole purpose of helping one another. I absolutely loved it, and I hope that I get pushed like this more often.

Chickity China the Chinese Chicken

A few comments to share with you that are substantial enough to be a long journal entry so I decided to make a list of my remarks and accounts:
*Today on the metro, I saw an Indian Neil Diamond. I thought that my mom would enjoy this, and I wish I would have taken a photo of him. I mostly judged this from the back of his head, but I believe his hair alone sufficed to be proven correct.
*In the past I have managed to see a David Bowie and Justin Bieber Indian as well, and from here folks the possibilities are endless.
*Indians speak much louder, than well, even I do, and this does not mean that they're yelling at one another, although often that is the case.
*Back and forth, left and right, bobble head Indian nod means "Okay." "Whatever."
*One tilt of the head to the shoulder means "Yes."
*Today, I taught my adorable librarian at Prayasam the phrase "Sounds good." She's catching on quite well. Pretty soon I'll have her saying "Word G-man."
*Indian children laugh at you when you try to speak Bangla, or just whenever they see you in general.
*Rickshaw drivers try to cheat you until they realize you've been in India for two months. Then they just chuckle.
*I am taller than almost everyone in the metro. This definitely has its benefits for gropers.
*Indian women's facial expressions on a metro or priceless.
*If you say you're from Canada, then Indians ask you less questions.
*When Indian students give presentations, allow them 3 days to fully complete their talking time.
*People become strangely sensitive towards you when you share that you are a vegetarian.

This is all that I have managed to acquire or actually recall since my memory is about as consistent as a squirrel. I hope this has painted an informative, educational and yet humorous account of the "true India". What is that anyway?
 

Bewildered

I don't normally add a photo and then comment, but I couldn't resist this, and yes, I'm going to get sentimental. I've said numerous times that I am being broken in India, and that for once, I never know what's going on. I have found the perfect word: clueless. Indeed that is what I am in India. For some time now in India, I've been wondering to myself if I actually enjoy myself here. I am used to feeling needed in places, and I'm also used to attention, I won't deny that fact, especially to those who know me well. At CSB, I know many people and I was diversely spread out among both campuses, so I was always doing something, and I thrived on that. On the Navajo reservation this summer, I was constantly with the youth or the community members or the teens or the kids, and it was tiring but oh so satisfying. No matter how much I complained about being exhausted, I breathed that in. Here in India, yes I am terribly busy and I know that I am needed here, but for some reason it's not the same. India has shown me that life is not about being constantly recognized for what you do. The Lord especially has shown this to me as well. I'm so used to greeting people on the sidewalks and asking how their Spanish or O-Chem test went. Here in India, I'm just one of those white people, and although this seems sad, it is perfect for me. It's so good for me to not have that attention of people knowing me. When I'm at Prayasam, the work that I'm doing doesn't always seem evident to me. I'm so accustomed to doing service and seeing automatic results. This doesn't happen when you're categorizing and entering books into a computer in the library, but it is still just as beneficial.

If you know me, you know that I am a clever person, or at least I like to think so. I always seem to have an answer for everything, and I'm pretty quick to snap back with my witty and biting sarcasm. However, India has taken my breath away. I talk ALL THE TIME. Here in India, I don't always know what to say or how to respond. Yes, I do dole out my fair share of sarcasm banter, but I still find myself befuddled. I love this, because it is so different from what I know about home. When people ask me to explain India to them or to tell them about my week over skype, I never know what to say. How can I adequately explain India to those who are not here?I will never do India justice, and for this I am forever sorry. For those who know me, maybe it is enough to know that for someone such as myself who always has a response, India has my tongue. Touche India, Touche.

I Said How About A Revolution?

Oh just hanging out in the Sundarbans

by the Mangroves.

The mysterious mangroves...or random vegetation.

Can it get more aesthetic than this?

Skinny Crane Legs

I will be perfectly honest. I imagined the Sundarbans to be this massive jungle with swamps filled with crocodiles, snakes and ravenous tigers walking about. I pictured a hybrid between Tarzan, George of the Jungle, and Mighty Joe Young, mind you none of those is set in India. It was a tad bit like The Jungle Book, but I didn’t see a young boy floating down a raft with a giant bear. The Sundarbans, although nothing like I expected, was much needed. We spent the first portion of the day traveling in a bumpy bus; I do apologize because I enjoy alliterations. Then we boarded a boat, much like a yacht but not because we were hard-core trekking through India, and we explored the Sundarbans. It was so breathtaking to be on the boat and to relax while the breeze brushed your face. I’m beginning to sound like Nicholas Sparks, but you get the picture. I forgot how much I loved being on a boat, perhaps because I don’t own a boat and rarely get to fare the sea on one, but still, my heart was so joyful to be on the boat. I feel as though no one in the US knows about the Sundarbans, but you really all should. It almost gets overlooked when seeing all that India has to offer, but there is no place like it. It, for one, is the third largest Mangrove forest in the world, and it holds the Bengal Tigers. No, we didn’t see one because it is quite rare to see a Bengal Tiger, but I know the tiger was there and just didn’t want to make an appearance.

Sundarban actually means “beautiful jungle or beautiful forest”, and that it is. There were vast blankets of green everywhere we looked, and the water was a teal hue. It was such an incredibly peaceful experience, and I certainly felt the need to go on this vacation. We had three tour guides, and they were mostly this hardy group of men that just loved nature, and I found them so wonderful. I can’t imagine going to work and taking people on adventures through the mangroves and crocodiles and such and getting to spend your days in this peaceful and simple oasis. Our hotel was also near a small village, and the people there were so beautiful. We even were able to play cricket with these young boys, and it was an awesome moment. Two worlds so far away and we got to share a game of cricket. I think that’s pretty neat. I also find another calling in India, and I have so many that I may have to narrow down my numerous talents. I can speak to goats. No, really I can. There were these women walking by with all of these goats and this small black goat that the woman was carrying began talking to me. She was making her goat sounds, and I made them back and a beautiful relationship was established. I feel like my goats and my alpacas could get along nicely on my hobby farm.

I just absolutely love that amid the chaos and eccentricity of Kolkata, we were able to take a few days to float down the Sundarbans and admire the beautiful mangroves and various plants that I don’t recall. Something as simple as spending your days on a boat is just lovely. Something about the water requires you to be so present in that moment and it reminded me of why I love India. India calls you to attention in various methods, but through each method you discover something unique about this place. When people think of India they think of yoga, meditation, gurus, elephants, weddings, slums, etc., and I admit that I am guilty of this as well. I only wish that those stereotypes could be shattered, because India is truly so much more. India has figured out something that I don’t think the US has yet. India has figured out how to be present. This is something that I’m still learning, but it is something I know is going to be with me my entire life.

Oh hey, didn't see you there.

Greetings my fellow fellows. Today is the infamous Valentines Day as I'm sure all of you are aware. In India, the month of February seems to be a holiday for the young folk. There are several days that lead up to the "BIG DAY" that I have never heard of in the U.S. From what I can recall there is (in no particular order): promise day, teddy bear day, propose day, chocolate day, kiss day, hug day, and then Valentines Day! I partook in none of these except for chocolate day, which is just about every day for me. Oh, and of course, after Valentines Day, there is slap day. I can just imagine walking down the street and seeing tons of young Indian girls slapping their oblivious and confused boyfriends. I actually did celebrate Valentines Day by going to KFC, which I normally try not to eat American food, but today was an exception. For the first time in a century I had a mocha frappuccino, not a flimsy one at a coffee shop, but an American mocha frappuccino. It may have been the best 15 minutes of my life thus far abroad.

In my last blog I had forgot to mention that after the conference on nonviolence Saturday night, one of the members of the Rotary said to me, "You have a love for life, don't you?" Honestly, this was one of the best compliments I could have ever received in my life. I just absolutely love how it was phrased, and I like to think that I have a certain zest for life, but sometime while in Kolkata, I feel myself growing dry. I know that sounds weird, but sometimes I feel that  I can get try and flaky. It's so good to know that others recognize that I do have energy and passion for every day life. I always need to remind myself of what this man said whenever I feel myself growing dry.

What's been most challenging for me lately, is getting cheated by the auto rickshaw drivers. I have grown accustomed to paying a certain fee for each route, and when I am told that more is owed, I become severely stubborn. My stubbornness is one of my weaknesses, I realize, and it is something that I still need to work on desperately. For me, it's not primarily about the money, but it's more about the fact that I simply don't like being lied to. However, it is not something that I should get in an argument with a driver over. It's happened to me at least three times, and each time I still argue. You think that I would learn to just let it go and give an extra rupee or two, but for some reason I become obstinate. I know that these drivers are probably not as fortunate as I am, and yet I still fight it. This is something I am not proud of, but I also wonder, "Is it right that they cheat me? How many times do I allow this to happen?" It just becomes so confusing as to who is in the wrong, because yes, I am better off, but is that a reason to take advantage of me? I'm still not sure what the answer to that is...

One last thing before I leave you all, Anima, our housekeeper is simply amazing. She is a hero and a boss who does so much work for Kaka and Kakima and all five of us, and I never want to take advantage of her. It took a while to be okay with someone doing work for us, since we typically prepare our own dinners and wash our own clothes and clean our own rooms, and I'm still not always comfortable with leaving so much work up to Anima and the other helpers, but I do realize that it is part of the culture. However, I never want to become so accustomed to it that I cease thanking Anima or ignore her when she hands me my toast and eggs every morning. We all love her so much, and I just can't imagine India without her. She's better at picking up English than we Americans are at picking up Bangla.

Sat by the River and it Made Me Complete

Celebrating Vipul's new job with some Cafe Coffee Day.

Receiving the blessing to speak on my views of

non-violence at the conference.

The Oreo group from a Jumbo Slumbo a few weeks

back. I ate so many oreos that night.

Please Collect Your Journey Receipt

Well folks, India has been a whirlwind of everything these past couple of days. I noticed that this week, I became bland much like un-buttered potatoes. If there is anything I fear in life at all it is apathy. I will not allow myself to be apathetic, and I was certainly on my way to being apathetic. Luckily, this past weekend it completely changed. Yesterday, Saturday, Tiffany, Brenna, Rita and I went to Tangra, which is basically China Town. It's in an older and more deserted part of Kolkata. It used to be much more heavily influenced by the Chinese, but it has dissolved greatly, even though there are still influences around the village. It was a small village, and I think it may be the closest to China that I will ever be. It was incredibly peaceful and so beautiful. I loved just walking down the dirt roads and looking at all the broken down homes and the gardens. We also came across a beautiful cemetery, and there was so much history. I still can't believe how many layers Kolkata seems to have. It truly is remarkable that you can find so many aspects of the world in one city. Kolkata never ceases to amaze me.

After going to Tangra, we went out to coffee with our friend, Vipul. He seriously is an amazing person, and he also recently obtained a job for after college so we were celebrating his victory. He was telling us how he believes that if you do good in life, then good things will happen to you, much like Karma. He also told us that he honestly can't think of ever hurting someone, because the idea hurts him so much. I just thought this was such a beautiful way of looking at humanity. It is much like what Kakima said about acts of service as worship to God. Why can't we as humans beings be more good to each other? Why also do we pat ourselves on the back when we do something good? It isn't something to commend ourselves on; it's an obligation that we have to humanity. If more of the human race felt the way that Vipul feels, then I honestly think we would have complete peace in this world.

Later Saturday night, we attended a conference on nonviolence and globalization given by the rotary club. We were asked to sing our national anthem, and we also had the pleasure of hearing India's national anthem. It was such a breathtaking blend of cultures in one room. I also had the extreme blessing of being able to give a short answer to what I believe nonviolence to mean. I said how I believe that although it does include the absence of war and weapons, it is so much more. Nonviolence is also non-cooperation and civil disobedience. It is also ensuring that every, and I mean every human being on this earth receives the necessary rights to human life. This means that there is enough food, health care, hygiene, shelter, water, education for everyone. I hope that one day we can achieve this. I wasn't going to talk, but I'm so thankful that I was given the opportunity. One thing that also stuck out to me was when one of the speakers, to be honest I don't remember his name or his position, but he said, "It is the filling that is the life." I just thought this simple sentence was so true it hurt. Wow. If only I could say things like that...

India is incredible. It is breaking me, but I need it. The people that I see on the street and the people that I meet are so captivating. I am honored to be able to meet them and to share a piece of time with them. Isn't it crazy to think that all of us human beings were put on this earth together and that when we are standing next to someone on the metro or buying chocolate from someone by school, we are sharing a moment of each other's existence together? I know I'm getting philosophical, but I just can't get over that. I can't believe I get to live in India.

Everywhere Your Hand Touches

I’m beginning to feel somewhat settled in Kolkata, which I think is an extreme blessing. No, I don’t think that Kolkata is ever a place that I will “get used to”, but I do think that I am acclimating to it more and more. There are several aspects to India to which I had not considered, but slowly my mind is beginning to open itself up, and by and by, my confidence and stubbornness is being crushed. This is something I desperately need. I’ve realized that, while in Kolkata, I have to admit that I normally have no idea what I’m doing or what’s going on or what to expect. Normally, in the U.S I almost always have an idea of what I’m doing or what is going on, and I never realized how many times that aided my pride and my confidence. It is such an awesome experience for me to be in a situation that leaves me totally unaware.

Another observation that I have come across in India: the male flirting device, or as I fondly refer to it as: the mating call. This is what seems like an innocent yet tactful manner of males trying to gain the female’s attention, much like a peacock showing its colorful feathers. It seems that many times when I am walking down the street, a male will begin humming or singing as soon as he sees me, or any woman around me for that matter. Now, I am certainly not suggesting that I attract all the Indian men or that they are all taken with me, but I just wonder what this all means. Is there a correlation between the men seeing a woman and singing? Or, does the man just sing simultaneously when he sees a woman? Or, why does the man think that singing will attract the female to him? So many questions about the romance in India.

Modern. It is something that India (parts of India) is striving to be. I’ve seen so many college students wearing Western clothes, and I’ve also seen various advertisements that either have Western people on them or Indians that look like Western women. This past Saturday when I was watching a Bollywood movie with our friend, Shreya she was telling us that the main actress is actually quite darker, but they lightened her skin with makeup to give her the appearance of a Western woman, because Western women are more beautiful. This made me sorrowful, because I personally think that Indian women are some of the most breathtaking women that I know. Seriously. I just wonder why being Western is such a big deal. I understand that India is booming now with development and so this is all pretty new, but I still ardently hope that India remains India. I hope that India maintains its beautifully rich culture. It would be a devastating shame to lose that.

At Prayasam today, I had such a beautiful conversation with part of the family. We just sat and talked about working as an organization for human rights and about empowering the youth and in successful but creative marketing and leadership skills and the tragedy of the dissolving imagination in children and so much more. It was literally an hour and a half long conversation of all my greatest passions surrounded by people that totally understand ME. They totally spoke aloud my deepest hopes and wishes for this world in the future. It was that moment when I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Those moments are seldom dealt out, and it made me so incredibly thankful that Prayasam took me into their family. I came to India to be totally crushed into rubble. I wanted nothing left of me when I came back to the U.S. As difficult as times may be, I see that this is surely happening, and I can’t take credit for any of it. I am so completely undeserving of the life that I have been given, and I hope that I can bring all that I have to what I have been given.

We Like Our Fun and We Never Fight

Cadbury: a constant companion

Oh, just hanging out with our Indian friends at

a regular death metal concert.

Don't YOU want a Fanta?

Sketchy rest stop to Shantiniketan

 (regularity in India)

I'm Foreign and I Know It

This weekend was such a wonderful weekend, teemed layers of culture. If you ever travel to India or if you ever ask anyone who has been to India, you will realize or they will tell you that India could never be described as pertaining to one culture. As I've heard countless times and have come to find myself, India has innumerable cultures and hundreds of layers, which is part of its appeal for me. Saturday was a lazy day for Rita and I, but it was marvelous, and I feel that I'm allotted those every now and then. The victory of Saturday was braiding Rita's hair, and I must say that it is pretty close to Brandy. I think I may open up a business on the street right next to the guy that shaves hair and beards.

Sunday, Tiffany and I tried to help out at this huge carnival for the street and village children at St. Xavier's, but they didn't actually need our help. So instead of creepily walking around, looking for children to hang out with, we decided to explore Kolkata. We walked for 2 1/2 hours all over Kolkata, and it was fantastic. No matter which way you went, there was always more to see and more streets to walk down. Every street had something different to offer from fresh vegetables and fresh fruit to men showering in the street to children playing ball outside to men sitting on the sidewalk playing cards. It is such a luxury that every time you walk out of the house or out of St. Xavier's, you are guaranteed an adventure. Tiffany and I also wandered over to New Market, which is a huge market that sells whatever you want, literally. We ended up meeting this man named, Bablu, and at first we were skeptical. Soon though, he mentioned that he knew Rita and Courtney, and he said, "You can trust me. I'm your friend. If you are friends with Rita and Courtney, you are friends with me." For the first time, I believed him. He gives us great prices on clothes, and when I told him that I couldn't buy this certain pair of pants because I didn't have any money, he told me, "No problem. You take them and pay me back when you can. I trust you." I felt so guilty, but I loved that I could trust him and that he trusted me. Who would have known that I'd form such a lovely friendship with the market dweller. I even promised him, I'd bring my parents by. He can't wait to meet them.

What's been especially incredible in India is to be able to attend an Assembly of God church here. I have dearly missed my AG church in St. Cloud, and I didn't know how I was going to do if I didn't have a home base in Kolkata. This was my second time going to this church, and every time I go I just feel so comforted. It is incredibly beautiful to be surrounded by people, especially Indian people, who have such a love for the Lord. To be able to worship the Creator of heaven and earth in Kolkata with people from all over the world is a sheer blessing. Sometimes I forget how vast the love of the Lord reaches around this world. He reaches those in India, in the US, in Uganda, in Chile, in Canada, in Thailand, in Russia, in the Netherlands, etc. All over the world, people are praising and calling on the name of the Lord, and He created this all. What a breathtaking mosaic for me to witness.

Today in class, we were in Economics, and I just have to say that I am so happy I'm taking Economics. I know I've said this before, but I didn't honestly think I'd ever want to take Economics, because math is not my forte. But we're learning about how the economy is affecting the poverty in India, and it made me realize that there are so many factors that melt into why poverty exists. I also realized that the Indian people and the circumstances are somewhat like those of the Native Americans. It's heartbreaking for me to know that the Native Americans don't own their own land and were basically treated as if they needed to be hid from sight. It seems that this also happened and still happens with the people of India. India is working on reducing poverty and on shedding light to the poverty, but the slums and villages are still tucked back behind all of the buildings of the city. What is also a common theme is that even though the Native Americans and the Indian people have suffered greatly in history and still today, they have such immense joy. Truly. I have never met any people as joyful and thankful and captivating as the people I met on the Navajo reservation and the Indian people I am meeting from villages and slums.

After school, I went to Prayasam to start my first day of service and it was so blessed! I am currently helping the librarian organize the library, and at first I was a little hesitant. I mean, I'm somewhat outgoing and chatty, and occasionally I tend to grow bored with the same task. However, last night I was reading a reflection and it pointed out that we don't always want to do the tasks that no one will notice or no one will praise us for. That really hit me. No, the library wouldn't be my first choice, but the library needs to be organized. That is part of what will help Prayasam and the family that I am becoming a part of, and am I this grand person who is too good for organizing the library? Not at all. It is so good for me, actually, and I love the librarian. She's adorable, and half the time I can't make out what she's saying, but we just sit there and sort books and chuckle at each other. Rita began painting the upstairs boardroom where the youth brainstorm, and it ROCKS. I can't wait to see it progress and then add to it myself. The youth are also helping with the mural, and of course, these hipsters are super creative and bomb. I have also made it my mission to become Prabir's friend. He's one of the youth leaders who is the media guru. We're going to be buds complete with a handshake and all by the end of the semester. Whether he agrees or not. We will. I'm looking forward to getting to know my family at Prayasam more and more.

Update on food: 1. I no longer have to eat fish, with I apologize but is a huge blessing 2. I have rebelled and am putting butter on my roti because I like it 3. Just when I thought all of the sugar on the planet had been exasperated, I am proven wrong by mishti tonight 4. Curry is somewhat challenging to get out of my retainer 5. I actually enjoy Indian food, but I won't be opposed to returning to my Mac and Cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Try

Today was one of the most incredible days in India. Although it started out rather poorly due to being ripped off by a motor rickshaw driver, it very quickly turned around. Today was the day that we met the peeps from Prayasam, my service learning site. Whoever knows me, know that I have an immense heart for children. Sometimes I feel that children/ young adults are truly the only ones that understand my odd personality. Sometimes children/ young adults get me better than anyone else. We went to Prayasam and met the founder and creator, Amlan. He was the most humble and hilarious man I've met in India. He was extremely passionate about Prayasam, and every time he talked about the children/young adults, his eyes were sparkling. He couldn't keep from smiling. He told us that Rita and I will switch on and off from library cataloging to painting. He said, and I am not exaggerating in the slightest, "Anywhere you see white. Paint. And invite the kids to paint with you." Sir, you bet I will do that! I think the whole philosophy of Prayasam is breathtaking. Prayasam means, "Try". That's all they want the youth to do. Just try. As they say at Prayasam, "Everyone is family here." It is so incredibly true. I couldn't help but feel that they were hugging us countless times, metaphorically, of course. It really is such an empowering atmosphere, and everyone who is a part of Prayasam is AMAZING.

Mekla, who works for Prayasam and LOVES to talk and read, and whom I adore,  took us to the first village and field, RAC, that Prayasam ever worked at. We met some of the leaders of the team of Prayasam. A few of the names that I remember are (and please know the spelling is probably wrong) : Salim, Probir, Sikha, Prianca, Shumit, Apurna, two Pria's, and others that I can't remember or definitely can't spell. When we got there, they were creating a map of their entire colony or district so that it can be put on Google maps so that people know about them. UNICEF has already done an entire story on their work. It's literally a huge sheet of paper, and they're mapping out where everything is. I was certainly not doing this between the ages of 13-18. At first, they were shy and afraid to speak English to us, but after a while, and once we showed them a few Bangla terms that we murdered, they laughed and were able to talk to us a little bit more in English. Seriously, these kids are hipsters, and what's even better is that they don't even know they're hipsters. I LOVE THEM. I don't even know them, and I'm sure they're frightened of me, but I absolutely love them. This is exactly where I thrive. AHHHHHH!!! Words cannot explain how joyful I am that the Lord has blessed me with Prayasam. I'm going to make some best friends at Prayasam, whether they want it or not. Better yet, I'm going to make some didi's and dada's or sisters and brothers at Prayasam.

And it Came out Yellow

So, because I believe in honesty and integrity, I feel that I must document ABSOLUTELY everything. Even if absolutely everything means extreme and utter humiliation for me, I will do it because I am that legit. So, while I strongly believe in positivity and not dwelling on the not-so-good parts of your day, I humorously have to share with you the unlucky turn of events my life has taken as of two days ago. Two days ago I sat on my glasses.  Which wouldn’t have been so unfortunate if they hadn’t broken when I sat on them. This also may not have been as bad if I hadn’t sat on my glasses in India. Then, yesterday as I was finishing up in the bathroom, I realize that the snap has disappeared from my pants. So I meandered around Xavier’s with half- closed pants. In an odd sense it was rather freeing, but I don’t think that is something my pants should make a habit of here in India. Especially with the “no ankles” rule at school. Then, last night I realized that I most likely have bed bugs, which truly doesn’t bother me unless you look at pictures of bed bugs online. I didn’t mean to see the photos. I was looking up treatment options and of course, Google felt the need to post pictures of these creepy little things. So I went to bed with haunted dreams of these unwelcome guests in my skin. This morning, I woke up with the runs. No you actually don’t need to know this, but like I said, I value integrity, and I think these instances are hilarious. I didn’t think it was so hilarious this morning when I occupied the bathroom for so long, but looking back I feel that this is great stuff to remember with fond memories.

Now that I’ve had so much fun with the unlucky happenstances, I’ll deal out some memories that will make you relieved. I seriously hope you were laughing at the last paragraph and not pitying me, because this made for a great story. Yesterday, even though I had broken my glasses, I was able to buy similar frames for $26.00. Not bad, if I do say so myself, and I look pretty spiffy in my “spectacles” as the man kept calling them. It took forever to realize what he was referring to. Also, I got a huge bar of chocolate yesterday, which was enough to forget the whole day of pants-snapping and bug-dwelling events. I may venture as to say that I don’t think I truly love anyone or anything as much as I love chocolate. Also, yesterday I was inspired. While on the rickshaw coming back home, I felt the urge to compose a poem. It included using a rickshaw as a metaphor for life. I will post this later, because partially, I’m not done with my masterpiece, and also, I want to leave you all in suspense. Because I’m sure you have no greater joy in life than to read my poem about the metaphor of a rickshaw.

Today, I also visited Prayasam where I’ll be doing my service learning, and I just have to share my job description with you. You’ll be jealous at the serious fun I will be partaking in weekly. Here it is: Kanvasey Prayasam (Prayasam on Canvas is a Visual Art Space for children and adolescents that develops self expression and confidence through the arts. Fostering imagination to generate creativity, Prayasam educates youth by developing and encouraging art as a positive vehicle for self expression. The ripple effect of which is also therapeutic and serves as a tool of cope mechanism. By sharing the gift of creativity with our children and giving them the outlet of self expression, we are nurturing complete individuality for the future of not only our community, but our society and humanity at large. Like I said. Seriously fun. So with today’s ups and with today’s downs, life is still fabulously blessed with numerous opportunities to struggle, overcome and laugh at yourself the entire time. I never take myself too seriously.