Waking Up To “Banana Pancakes”
While in Nepal our squad was able to help on a construction site that was building housing for earthquake victims. Malanchi, Nepal was a long trip up the mountains. The buses could not make it up the rocky terrains, so we had to hike the rest of the way up the mountain. We eventually made it in time for dinner. I was feeling a little weak, but I felt better after another water break. During dinner I could barely make a dent in my mound of rice that covered the tin plate. My empty stomach was sloshing with lukewarm water from hiking. My head was spinning from the change in altitude and pressure. I tried to force rice into my dry mouth but I couldn’t. I stood up to pawn my Mt. Rice onto someone else, with no prevail. Everyone was already stuffed with rice and water. I didn’t have the strength to peel my rice-starched fingers from the tin plate. I slid down against a dirt wall and tried not to fall over.
The squad was gathering a few yards away, so I mustered up the strength to stand up, slip my rice to the animals, and walk over to my squadmates. I didn’t make it far. I made it a few feet forward, bent over and told my friend Joni I wasn’t feeling well. She helped me to a stump to sit down. On my way down to sit, I passed out. The heat, altitude, and exhaustion had gotten the best of me.
The next thing I remember is waking up on a dirt floor. My friend Katie was serenading me with “Banana Pancakes.” I smiled through the confusion because it meant so much to me that she knew that I liked Jack Johnson and was singing to make me feel better. My squadmates gathered around me. They prayed, sang, and helped me recover enough strength. My friends stayed by my side and helped me walk back to our housing. I slept for the next two days on the uneven wooden floor. They checked on me every couple of hours to make sure I had enough water and food. I felt so loved and cared for through the actions of my friends.
Now after living with these friends for a year, it will be hard to imagine my life without waking up to at least five of my friends everyday. These people have been beside me through triumphs, healing, and joyous moments. We have been through big life moments and little moments. From praying together to hanging up each other’s boxers and bras on the clothesline. We’ve made countless pots of coffee and tea. We’ve done many hours of manual labor and construction together. We’ve seen each other at our worst and still have chosen to show love. Last June at training camp, I barely knew everyone’s name. This June I have to hug 45 of my family members goodbye.
