Half way
What you are reading now is the 36th page (single spaced) and 32 entry of my blog. I have tried to share my experiences on here and searched for feedback. I have gotten awesome comments from lovely people; it’s all been great. Though the comments have died out a bit I like to still think you all are still out there.
The reason that I am giving these random stats on my blog is because I am officially more then half way done with my work here, meaning that I am also more then half way done with this blog. I have been working here in India for six weeks now and my Monday class at Munirkia marks week seven. I honestly can’t believe I can say this, but next month I will be done working. I really have a far way to go with these children so I am so glad I still have the time.
I have seen my journey truly unfolding like a book and with the breakthroughs in class, the sickness, and the rising threat of terrorism I really feel I am reaching the climax of this tale. I have seen poverty, sickness, death, hope, hopelessness, rags, and riches, but most of all I have seen myself morph in front of the mirror. It has taken everything I’ve got to change the smallest part of these children’s lives, but India has flipped my whole world upside-down without even trying. The thing that India has really taught me is courage.
Last night a suicide bomber from Pakistan blew up a German bakery here in an effort to kill as many westerners as possible. I don’t know how many the killer had in mind, but the eight dead and 30 some injured was definitely more then needed. I know I should be scared, but India has really showed me that fear is not the answer. The children here constantly live with the threat that they might starve, be kidnapped, be beaten, or be abandoned. Yet they still fill the streets with their songs, laughter, and play. So though Americans might be the targets these children have taught me how to deal with it. I refuse to let my fears get in the way of what I’m here for and yes I’m careful, but I do still fill the streets with the things I enjoy.
My heart goes out to those effected or heart by these terrorist attacks. I really do feel safe here, but the constant emails from the United States travel agency do keep my aware of the danger. I ask for your prayers for safety, but more importantly I selfishly ask for your continued support. This Indian adventure through that I am taking through these children and education means more then anything to me. Your warm comments and support have given me the strength I need and as I near the finish line I could use all the strength I can get. Some children are really close to making it, catching up, or even just having good attendance; I would hate to just bail out in the middle of these transitions into better schooling. I can’t leave these children until I sufficiently feel I have affected their lives. So please, if your new, jump on board and join the journey and if you’ve been on let me know you’re here! I love you all and look forward to spending these last six weeks with you on the roads of education.
Next entry- I feel like I’ve been out of it for a bit, so I want you all to get excited about the upcoming entries. So in regular T.V. fashion here’s what’s on the next episode.
- Being sick in India has taken me on a wild journey through the Indian health care system. If everything gets finally squared away today I will be looking back on the pros and cons of a ‘different system’
- A new school: My schools were cancelled today, so I spent the day teaching in Menirkia- which means, different kids, different lessons, and different problems
Till next time, much love.
Jake
Here’s a short video I made on my way to work one day.-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4amMIeoRpgQand here is a dance video from
my weekend on the border-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYFEZwM0vLI
