I start my return home tonight with a flight from Mumbai to Zurich, then Zurich to LA. I should be home Wednesday afternoon. In many ways, these 3 weeks have FLOWN by, as vacation always does. Just as I’ve become accustomed to the time difference, the cultural adjustments and my place in the rhythms of this life, it is time to go home. These three weeks have been a great reminder of why I do what I do, a rejuvenation of my call to love the children of rural India. Being immersed in their lives, even for a short period of time, reminds me of my purpose, my responsibility and my privilege. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to travel, to raise awareness about the poverty in this area, and the lack of opportunity for deserving and wonderful children, who just need a little help.
As I conclude my time here, I wanted to name some of the things I’ll miss, some of my favorite things about visiting, some of the things I look forward to when I return next year. The first is the hospitality of tea: Masala chai is amazing (black tea with milk and sugar, cardamom, ginger, etc) but the practice of offering tea to visitors is what I’ll miss. Each time I visit someone, tea is served. (or coffee, depending on the company) What a gift to be offered something just for visiting.
Another thing that has been great this visit, is to see how my friends’ twins have grown. I love being Aunt Krista and it was fun to connect with the boys this year, as they are now a year and a few months.
There is something exciting about being in a place where you can visibly see the progress! At Panchsheel Ashram School and Felix Convent School, there is construction happening, new wings of buildings sprouting up, dirt roads being paved, new classrooms welcoming students to school. The progress is visible and that is exciting.
One of the new projects that is coming (and I will share details later) is an effort to provide beds for each of the 620 students of Panchsheel. For years, the children have been sleeping on mats, a custom of the region. But due to some recent snake visits, the need for beds, to move the children from the floor, is more urgent. Progress shows up in many ways.
But most of all, I will miss the people: my friends, the teachers and students. They are a blessing in my life. Until next year, फिर मिलेंगे - we will meet again.
