"And I'll try, yes I'll try, to touch the world, like you've touched my life.."

"You can have everything I am

and perfect everything I'm not

I am willing 

I'm not afraid

You give me strength when I say

I want to be your hands

I want to be your feet

I'll go where you send me."

Happy 4th of July!

It's been a pretty good week so far... except for yesterday. India decided to initiate me along with 6 other people with what we have nicknamed "the locomotions". I was up all night with an upset stomach (we'll leave it at that) and I didn't leave my bed for more than 2 hours combined yesterday. It sucked, but hopefully the worst is over. I'm going to take a little break from the Indian cuisine though. The thought of it right now almost puts me in a relapse. The good news is that I woke up this morning feeling pretty good besides a minor headache. No big. 

Work this week has gone well but it has also been very challenging. I have three students that I am assigned to work with. 

1. Surbhi - (pronounced Soo bee) she is my most challenging. I'm working with her to recognize her name and identify colors. She has very limited speech, if any and it is difficult for her to concentrate. Not to mention she is very stubborn. The other day she coughed in my face and wiped a thick juicy booger on my shirt during our lesson time. It's frustrating but there's still hope. 

2. Anchal - this little girl is adorable. I'm working with her on numbers and colors. She is eight years old and she loves to dance! Seriously the joy in this little girl's heart brings tears to my eyes. And her laugh...  I love her. 

3. Abhinandan - (I'm not even going to try to teach you how to say this on here) Abhinandan has Down Syndrome and he is so fun to work with. He is also a dancer and we were breaking it down during dance time the other day. He's got moves! I'm working with him on writing skills.  I've only just started working with him so I do not have all the goals for him yet but I'm sure he'll do great. 

The thing about the school here is that physical discipline is regularly used and it makes me really uncomfortable. It's hard for me to get used to and it's hard not to say anything. I have to remember that I'm in a totally different culture.. but still. It's hard to watch. I'm all about the positive reinforcement and I'm going to suggest a few ideas that will hopefully be taken into consideration. 

Today we have a picnic with all the kids and their parents. It should be fun and they are putting on their dance for everyone. I can't wait. I don't really have a lesson planned for today since I was on a life hiatus yesterday so I'm hoping I don't have to teach today. 

Moving on..

I am sooo hungry. I think I am going to compile a list of food that I crave while I am over here. I know it is only the 6th day but still I would do anything for a fresh salad. I also miss running! I feel so lazy without doing any type of exercise. I'm pretty sure that it has thrown my body for a loop too. I don't go too many days without a good run or playing soccer. I might have to join in a game of cricket with the staff one of these nights. 

We also made a trip up to McLeod to meet with a Tibetan lama. It was supposed to be a lecture but we got there, he sat down and said "I don't know what to say, any questions?" I wasn't prepared for that but it turned out alright. He explained the situation of exile and even told of his own story when he fled to India with his parents when he was very young. It was quite interesting. We took a little time to explore and went to see the Dalai Lama lives. I think we're going to head back up there today to do a little more exploring since we were on limited time. 

I really miss my family. It's family weekend up at the cottage right now and I'm so sad that I can't be there with them. It is the first year I've ever missed it and I wish I could teleport myself home for the weekend. Plus, most of you have heard me talk about the Young Americans. It's the dinner theater that we got to every year up there. It is seriously one of my favorite things ever. I hope they all have a great time though. I'll just have to wait until next year... 

"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you."

Psalm 143