Comparing to the Contrast

So.

I have come to the conclusion that, while discovering the differences between India and home was (and is!) part of the reason why I came here, I have spent enough time and energy doing that for right now.

I have decided that it is now time to start looking at the similarities. In the words of Uttara (pronounced "OO-tar-ah"), our program director/mom-away-from-mom, I am going to "choose happiness." Yay... Ok so that was a bit sarcastic, but I really do think this change in focus has already helped ease my homesickliness. Hokay! So far we have:

1. People honk horns when they have them. Especially in traffic.
2. Strawberry jam with warm toast tastes absolutely wondrous.
3. Regardless of if it's walking or running, going by foot is by far the best way to see a city. You miss so much if you're in a car (or a rickshaw!).
4. Public bathrooms smell terrible. 'Nuff said.
5. Laughter is the shortest distance between two people... especially if they don't speak your language.
6. Living with a roommate is hard, but the investment is always worth it.
7. Coffee shops feel like coffee shops--no matter the language of the cozy chatter.
8. People are people. They laugh and cry; sing, dance, and get angry. They generally want to do good, and are doing their best at figuring out what the heck that actually means. They are fun and bright and beautiful. And, as always, there is more to them than it appears.

That's just a sample for you fine folks. Nothing could ever replace home (and the people there), but India is starting to feel more familiar and homelike. Wahoo!

More soon,

Jeannie

P.S. In other news, I just found out that I have a house to live in for when I return in the spring. yay, yay, YAY!