On November 19th I turned 19, in India of all places! The morning started out as every morning does, laying in my tent debating on whether I should shower or not. Showering is pointless here at anytime of the day, but you have to do it sometime. I decided against it when I remembered how sticky I feel afterwards despite the cool water. What’s one more day?
Breakfast wasn’t pancakes with a candle and sprinkles, which didn’t surprise me because I don’t even eat that at home. Instead we ate something similar to grits (I’ve never had grits, I’m going off my teammates’ descriptions) but with lots of onions and spices. On the side we had cucumbers and hard boiled eggs. This is breakfast on most days, and it’s pretty good. Our driver was on time to pick us up for church, but the drive was over an hour, so the service had already started when we got there. As guests we were escorted around the building to the side door, and we entered into the stage. We sat up front behind the pastor as he preached, perfect viewing for all the Indians to giggle when we forget to wear our head scarves or fountain drink the grape juice. The service was fun, so much singing, and followed by a large meal in the pastor’s home. The generosity and hospitality of the people we meet is amazing. 6 of us ate on his bed while the rest sat on the floor. He and his wife would come fill our plates the second we had room, and it’s hard to say no! My favorite meals are the ones we eat in the villages, there is no greater, more authentic India experience.
On the way home from church we stopped for a chai break, and Hunter went to buy me a cake. I finished reading Band-Aid for a Broken Leg, which is a fantastic book about a volunteer doctor in multiple African countries. I read cards from my family, and later, cards from my teammates. Dinner was delicious, chapatti with curry, rice, and potatoes. When we were less stuffed we ate my cake on the roof. In my mind eating on the roof looked different from what it actually was, but it was magical nonetheless because we’re in India! Surprisingly, it was an ice cream cake, which was even better considering the heat. We ate it in no time.
After a dance party and game of fish bowl, I made my way to my tent. It’s as if the bugs knew it was my birthday, so they came out in full force. I shook beetles off my pajamas and flicked grasshoppers off my tent, which I should mention is set up indoors. Right as I unzipped the door, before I crawled in my tent, a cockroach scurried underneath my tent. I went to sleep anticipating a crunch as I rolled over, because at that point, there was no way I was going on a roach hunt. I prefer going to bed sticky, not dripping in sweat, these are the battles I am faced with while living here. Overall it was a great day, though not much more special than any other. I love that every day has the potential to be as great as the previous, you just have to choose into it. This might be the only time I’m in India, so I’m going to ignore the heat and be thankful for every ounce of rice I eat!
