Dear India,
You were my hardest month on the race so far. That food poisoning you gave me at the beginning of the month sure put a bad taste in my mouth and all of those days that were spent inside of that little apartment with my teammates made me want to pull my hair out. There were days where I never thought I would leave you and that we would be stuck together for the rest of time, especially those days where I was sick on your squatty potty floors.
But India, now that I’m gone I miss you. I miss your colors and your clothes. I miss your vibrancy for life. There is truly nothing like you and I think I might spend my whole life wondering when I’ll get to see you again.
I want to thank you. You taught me what it meant to be hospitable to my neighbors and what it meant to really take care of your sick. You gave me free medical care because “I was a guest”. You never griped or complained about the 7 foreigners who showed up at your doorstep, but instead you greeted us with open arms, your best food, and endless cups of chai tea. You always cared for me even when I didn’t care for you.
India, I also want to apologize to you. I want to say I’m sorry for those times that I said I hated you and for those times where I wished I could be anywhere but that little village. I want to apologize for listening to the people who told me that India was horrible and for believing them. I now know that there are very few things as special as you, India.
India, please don’t ever let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough or that you need to change. You’re bright, colorful, welcoming, and beautiful. You’re the most evident thing of Kingdom come that I’ve ever seen so don’t let the world change that about you. I hope that the world starts to see your beauty and your heart.
India, I was so blessed to meet you and I can’t wait to see again someday.
Ashlie
I am still in need of $284 to complete this journey. Thank you so much for all your support and prayers.
