Hey everyone! I am now in Nepal, entering my 4th country on the Race. My squad spent the last 2 months in India. As expected, we had many ups and downs. While I reflect on India, my mind is drawn to my many internal struggles. India was by far the hardest country for me, but also so far, it is the only country where I can see myself returning.
If I had to pick one word to describe India, it would be “home.”
My team was by ourselves for the majority of the 2 months. We also lived in 3 different places, moving back and forth from week to week. Because of this, we had the opportunity to live in the homes of pastors and believers in villages.
The community and love I felt in the villages was overwhelming. Each family we stayed with reminded me of my family from home. I could feel the care of my mother in the hard work of the wives, I saw the devotion of my father in the daily work of the pastors, and I felt love and laughter as I played games with the children in the boys homes we lived in.
I often found freedom to walk around in the villages, going from house to house drinking chai with the grandmothers and new moms. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel right at home.
I got to hang out with the boys when they brushed their teeth and combed their hair in preparation for school. I waved them off as they rode the bus away for the day. These are just some of the many small daily acts that filled my life with joy.
The whole family atmosphere that penetrates the Indian culture inspired me and brought me peace.
I will always remember the trials I experienced in India, but forever, India will carry one name in my heart… Home.
