India // Monday

Ah, the feeling of waking up at 5 am.. Not a great one. My body is still having trouble adjusting to the time change, and also the general change I thrusted myself into. My typical vegetarian diet at home consists of few things: Spinach, nuts, beans, LOTS of fruits and veggies, peanut butter toast for breakfast, hardly any sugar, etc. Here we eat a simple breakfast of: Very sugary porridge that is cooked with wheat granules and milk, sweet little pancakes, black tea, toxic pink jam, and occasional sweet fruit. Dinner: Rice and roti (tortilla like bread), some type of curry, and beans. Oh, did I mention I am lactose intolerant? If you can not tell, I am struggling majorly. Although, I keep hitting myself because what I am ingesting day to day is considered "wonderful food" to the Indian people. So so many families would be more than content with this simple meal. After every meal(so far we have only had two) I tell the cook "Thank you! That was wonderful!" My words almost feel empty, as I selfishly crave more wholesome food. Learning true gratitude is going to be a challenge- but I am so ready to take it on.

After breakfast we had our orientation. Our program leader used to be an english lecturer... I could easily tell this when he rambled on, and on, and on. Very helpful, though! After our orientation we took a car ride by our program leader Rajiv to the Women's Center where we will spend most of our time. Loads of bashful smiles greeted us. Among the beautiful girls sitting on the dust covered mats, I noticed a little girl who was most likely only 1 1/2 years of age. What initially struck me was that she had shadowy eyeliner that traced the perimeters of her tiny eyes. Hmmm, I believe I started to wear makeup when I was 13. Another testament to the different culture that I am engaging with. Despite possibly poverty, women are very upkeep in India. Tamed eye brows, soft skin, beautiful garments, combed hair, just to name a few of the things they scrutinize. Ah, and don't be surprised if the little girls come up to you and utter the words "You're fat!". Haha, that takes some getting used to…

What were you doing when you were 5? I doubt you were on the street begging for change. Loads of children who can not afford to go to school are thrown out on the streets to beg for change, wash cars, sweep walk ways, the list goes on. My heart sunk as she smirked at me. I instantly wanted to hug her.

After our tour around the Women's Center, Annie and I decided to have the nerve to venture off on our own for the very first time while in India, and go to the M Block Market. Oh man, what an experience!Like I previously mentioned, the roads in Delhi are insane.. and crossing them is a giant task. Requires some sprinting, that is for sure. Annie and I came up with a method of shouting "Go go goo!" which is our signal to cross. When we arrived at our destination, we were certainly overwhelmed. The smells, the people, the lights, all surrounded us as we walked the tiny sidewalks. We found a Starbucks. Hallelujah! MacBooks scattered the wood tables. I instantly could tell this was a very wealthy crowd. I quickly ordered my favorite drink: Green tea lemonade with no sweetener. Ah, refreshed I was. Everything in India is basically cheaper than in the US. One US dollar is equal to about 52 rupees. So 150 rupees (a typical large meal) is close to $3! Not shabby. But I was not alarmed that Starbucks charged 250 rupees for my drink.. hah. As I was waiting for my drink I glanced at the fancy wallpapered walls, and noticed a piece of art hanging upon them… a painting of Pikes Place Market- The original Starbucks. I told the barista "That is my home! I come from there!" I do not think he completely understood my words, but he nodded and smiled. Peace came over me and comforted my little ounce of home sickness.

We continued to wander. Stopped in a high end garment shop, went to a tiny food market, searched for souvenirs, soaked in the culture, and decided to walk home in time for dinner. On our way home we witnessed a small slum with tin houses and men searching through piles of trash for a treasure. There goes another bit of my heart.

Our first day out on the town was a tiring, yet fulfilling one. As I lay my head down on my sweat covered pillow, I can not help but think I live such a glorious life. It's true, I do. I know the love of my savior, I sleep in comfort, I am rarely hungry. But how can I use my privileged circumstances to change the world? Well, I guess coming to India is just the start to finding out that answer.

Sincerely,

the fortunate wanderer

Xoxo