This morning is the second morning we have been in Vizag. Yesterday we spent the whole day on campus catching up with people. It’s so fun to be back in the same place, seeing the same people, and knowing that you will be working alongside them soon. I remember quite a few of the children’s names, and it was super fun to see their eyes get huge when I called them by name. There is one little boy, Prasad, who I absolutely adore and would bring home with me in a second if I could. He remembered me and came up to me with a huge shy smile, grabbed my hand, and wouldn’t let go until I had to go inside. As I was leaving, he looked up at me and said something in Telugu. I asked one of the older girls what he said…”Why didn’t you come back last year? I was waiting for you.” I told him it I lived a very very long way away. But, oh, I wish I could keep him forever!
Catching up with everyone was super awesome, but even so I think the highlight of yesterday for me was the fact that Raji, Arjuna’s wife, now treats me like a daughter. She gives me chores and lets me help out. Such a change from previous trips where I had to fight for the right to clear my dinner plate. She still chides me in Telugu when she thinks I’m helping too much, but she does it with a smile on her face and I always pretend that I understood her perfectly and tell her in Telugu to sit down and relax.
And lastly, I can’t fail to write a tribute to the Indian shower! I have so much fun with my bucket of lukewarm water and the little cup to pour it with. You can make as big a mess as you want, throw water all over the room and yourself. It’s like being a kid again. You guys should all try showering with buckets today. It’s great!
Well, breakfast is ready…a bit of spicy chutney to eat with the crepe-like dosa. I gotta go…
