Day 2

Stephanie arrived that night and we were excited to get unpacked and organized. By the next afternoon I was thoroughly hot, the humidity had built up, and my stomach was having a party inside which felt like a bonfire. It's amazing how many things can be affected even when you're just sitting...the heat, the noise, the smells, your health, etc.
Earlier in the day a girl had entered our flat (a new intern from the fellow organization) and I saw the look on her face. She was in utter discomfort. She looked at me and asked if I had been in India long. Tugging on her long shorts, and scratching her misquito bites...along with the sweat and humidity, she shared with me about her unwelcoming living situation, one I knew all too well. So the girls and I decided it was time for a break and went down to the Hyatt for a nice respite. It was a cool quiet evening of serenity and laughter. I got a yummy chocolate shake, chocolate mousse, and we shared some french fries, which were perfectly American...just decided to pass on the spicy chili ketchup though.

Now to get from our bumgalow to the Hyatt is an experience in itself. Walking down the alley, watching my every step to ensure I'm not stepping in a puddle of muck, passing a rat carcas and a man skin & bones on the street in the midst of the chaos & traffic. I forget how hard it is to live here. (Even as I write this the Mosque begins its song over the loud speaker.) But honestly, everything about living in India is difficult. I have so much respect for Stephanie, her dedication and decision to continuously return. She is a great inspiration to me and I'm so thankful for her.