New Years eve was last night of the carnival at the Kankaria lake. We made our way there through the uncontrollable traffic. After getting there, we had a very interesting night, and that is an understatement. Anyway, the attractions of the night-the boat ride. Apparently, the boat rides were closed for the public, but the guard let us go by the bleachers at the pond side. The police then came trying to kick us out because they thought the rest of the crowd would follow us down. Then the guard was like no no let them stay-we gave them permission! I was just like I want my boat ride! We all eagerly waited and finally jumped onto that boat, but for the first time in my life, I was slightly hit by the police dando (stick). Police in India-they are not where they need to be at the time they are needed, but bother after petty issues without listening to the whole story. Anyway, as a resident of this nation, I think there needs to be many improvements. Incidents such as that in Delhi with the young girl should not have happened. Some people can be completely inhumane and bogus. I feel so infuriated when I think of that, and I saw similar things, to a lesser degree, at the carnival. It just made me want to take that police no dando (stick) and beat up those jerks. People tell girls to be aware and not wear this and that, but when will people start teaching boys values. It is ridiculous.
Anyway, after the carnival, we came home and joined the new years eve party at our backyard with the neighbors. The neighbors are so sweet and caring. They invited us over, and we danced the night away! We did garba and it was just so beautiful welcoming the new year with such sweet neighbors. Then we called it a night, and next day was full of activities. I started my health classes with the adolescent girls. Those have been going really well, and I love spending time with these girls. A new group each time, but all so welcoming and full of life! We had another event-it was one of the founder's of the NGOs birthday, so we had bhajans and dinner at a ESI (Environmental sanitation institute . It is a beautiful place on a farm that is so peaceful and perfect for outings. I felt totally mesmerized by the bhajans (religious songs). The musicians were enigmatic in they tone and style. The night was great. Too good! One of the beauties of India-nights like these that make me thank God a million times for giving me the opportunity to be in my homeland of India and sit under the starts and get lost in the music that touches my soul with a group of wonderful people.
Last night, we went to another party-a belated new years party. It was not the typical USA college party. I never went to those and would never attend those in a million years. The type of party I like is one without alcohol. In India, that means family gathering. This particular party was really a gathering for the NGO's family of volunteers, staff, and friends. The night was good, but the highlight has to be my friend getting urinated on by a turtle there! My stomach hurt from laughing so hard and I had tears in my eyes. We all got a good ab workout in! :) Moments like those I will cherish!
Today, we went to craft roots mela/fair in Ahemdabad. It was nice. I was mostly just greeting people and getting them to register, but in between I learned how to make earrings and saw someone make pottery. The exhibition was really nice and unique. I just did not buy any merchandise, but I did buy food! I had pani puri and ice cream! My favs! Well the pani puri was so spicy, so I had to get ice cream! One of the things I love is how I get to meet so many people and go to so many different places through this NGO. Last Sunday morning, I went on the Heritage Walk through Old city of Ahemdabad.....the historical parts of it. It was invigorating to walk in the morning through those alleys and experience original architecture and this strangely radiant ambiance. I got some sugarcane and varirari (mint like snack plant) on the walk. I think most of our tour group did! We went to this beautiful mosque..it was so large and elaborate. I just simply adorned its architecture. Then, we stopped by at a cafe, and I finally got my Mango lassi that I love so much!! I had been looking for it everywhere, and somehow, this place ended up having it. It was a taste of Heaven!!
Then after coming home, I went with my friend and other housemates to my friend's hometown. It was an interesting bump car ride...the typical Indian ride. I love those though! Why feel like a tourist when I can live the life here! I had a nice time there. We visited the temple that my grandfather once used to go to! It was very special for me to be at the same place. I felt connected to him somehow since my grandfather is no more. He had passed away when I was 3 yrs old.
So I decided to extend my stay with Manav Sadhna for all of January, but who knows, I might end up extending it even more. I just don't want to leave any projects incomplete that I am a part of here. I have so much fun, and I truly feel like a public health nurse here. There are a lot of needs, and I enjoy finding creative ways to fulfill those incorporating the communities. I have formed so many dear bonds here that I will be so sad to say goodbye. That is why I extended my trip in India. My dream was always to move back to India and work with NGOs here, and I am doing just that. God answered my prayers in the most beautiful of ways. I just want to do my share and give back. I <3 India. I am still going to try to enroll in a yoga teacher training course during my time in India though. I really want to be professionally trained in yoga and other alternative therapies. That is why I am contemplating staying in India until May. I can travel and get trained in various things that are unique to India. Also, my heart is just deeply ingrained with the soil of India.
I love how the neighbors here are like my family. We are not related, yet the grandma front door feels just like my own grandma. The kids like my brothers and sisters. They call me didi (older sister). The love seen here is very unique and guests are treated as God. Yesterday, after the session with the girls at an anganwai (preschool), the anganwadi teacher was like lets walk back together since her home was on the way to my home. Then as we approached her home, she insisted I come over. I could not resist after her insisting so much, so went. She made tea for me, and the love I felt from her and her family was incomparable. They made my day. I thank God for people like that. Atiti Deva Bhava meaning respect your guest as God. The people here actually live that Sanskrit saying. It feels like a truly divine relationship with many people here.
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| the community center at the slum-one of my most favorite place in India, and may be even the world, now. I just love coming here and hanging out with everyone or even reading. This was from the Christmas celebration rehearsal on Christmas eve. There is a big star in the making on the right. It turned out beautiful, but I must say, the children were the stars-brighter than the ones in the sky radiating more light and energy! :) God bless them! |
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