Leaving On a Night Train

On Monday night, the three of us will board a night train and head back to the capital city. I keep thinking about some vague song that has "night train" in it but my memory escapes me of the actual tune or lyrics. Anyway, the idea of going on a night train sounds a bit romantic. In reality, its actually not romantic... at all. The last time I was one, we got solicited by a cross dressing beggar....

As I start to pack my bags AGAIN, I am flooded with a mixture of feelings. I am tired of living out of a suitcase. I miss having a home. I am sad to leave this place. I made friends here. I have heard their stories. They are so different from me and yet we have been able to find common things to laugh about. I didn't actually cry in their presence but I have a feeling they wouldn't have minded if I had. And again, I must say goodbye. It seems like I have signed up for a lifetime of goodbyes.

I am also excited. I am looking forward to the days ahead. I am looking forward to the hellos that I will soon say to old friends. I am looking forward to one day being able to communicate. Right now I can say things like 'this big apple is red'. But one day, I will be able to say meaningful things. I look forward to that day.

I am missing people. I am missing familiarity. I am missing inside jokes. I am missing cute little girls that dress up like princesses. I am missing going to Starbucks with friends. I am just...missing.

I am thankful. I am thankful for the people that I have in my life today. I am thankful that I am learning to love things about this place. I am thankful for Senior Papito chips. If I don't pay too close of attention, they taste almost...ALMOST like tortilla chips. I am thankful that He is the Truth- even on the days when I mainly believe lies. I am thankful that He is the safety net that catches me when I fall.

Snapshots

I am visiting a local friend's house. I thought I strangely resembled the dog so I thought I would capture the moment.

This man set up a shrine in his boat while floating on the holy river

These gals requested a picture with me one day while visiting a local museum. I like the 'straight line, hands at your sides' look.

Some neighbors that live close by

Fun With Bindi

Faces

Born To Be Wild

A South Asian brother has been taking me to my language helper's house this week on his motorcycle. Its quite a task trying to balance my book bag, my dupatta (aka. my 'virtue' as they call it here) and my clumsy feet while trying to hang onto the back of the seat. But despite all that, its turned out to be quite fun. And don't worry...he is a very good dodger of cows and goats.

When The Cold Wind Blows

I woke up this morning to the smell of rain. Monsoon season is coming upon us. We have opened up our windows to let the cold air blow through. Today I have had time to drink my coffee and sit at the table to study language. We have a sweet lady who comes to clean the house every morning. She is about 75 years old but she can beat a rug with the best of em! Since its raining, I told her to stay even though she was finished for the day. I don't want her to walk home in the rain. We sit awkwardly at each other and smile. We don't know each other's language and yet its amazing what can still be communicated. I went into the other room for a minute and when I came back, I found her sleeping on my floor! She looks so peaceful, I hate to disturb her. She has wrapped herself with her sari. As the cold wind blows and as the lightening strikes- I am reminded that He loves me. I am reminded of who I am here to serve. She is sleeping on my floor.

Recent Life

For those of you who are Beatles fans- this is the temple of the Beatles' guru. Some of their songs make more sense now....

a funeral procession- they are marching to place the ashes of their loved one in the holy river

One of the colorful holy men that can be seen hanging out near the river.

bathing in the holy river- it is believed that by doing this their sins will be washed away