Going Global

Transportation in India was a harrowing experience. A two lane road becomes a 4 lane road with motorbikes on either side.  It wasn't unusual to look up and see a truck bearing straight for us. At the last minute my driver or the truck would pull over and each would continue on  their way. We would travel an hour each day to our host school and wind up, around and down two mountains. The views were spectacular, except for that one broken space where you could imagine a car going through...Actually we didn't see a lot of accidents. I think because the overall ability to speed was limited.

Somewhere in my head I thought I was going to India to help. I found that I gained so much from this trip. New friends, an appreciative for a rich culture, many turbans and a sense of awe in the innate wisdom of the people I met. No was not an option for the Indians. They shared freely and profusely. I commented to one lady about her bracelets and she gave them to me. I had to be careful to say I liked something because they would make it happen. We were offered six meals a day and it was hard to say no. In India I didn't see as many fancy toys...a few tv's, a new car, or pretty jewelry. A new house might have a new American style commode, but they were small by American standards. They were full of fun and friends. In the homes we visited, families and friends gathered together sharing sofas and chairs. There were always people around, and more dropping by, and invitations to stop by someone else's home. The sharing of time,  friendship, and resources