Dixika--She was the first real friend I made in this town, but she got a job that requires her to travel all the time. I'd almost given up on ever seeing her again...and then a beautiful thing happened. I was on my way to the bazaar, looking down, listening to music, and when I looked up she was right in front me with a huge smile on her face. The next day I was at her house for lunch and it was the best time. She even gave me New Year's card. It has a scary picture of the Hindu goddess, Durga, on it but I didn't care. We're friends again!
Nitu--She owns a beauty parlor. I used to teach her English in her shop and then we'd have lunch and she'd never let me pay for it. She had a lot of financial problems for awhile but when I took her a Christmas present a few days back she seemed on top of the world so things must be better. Nitu has an attitude. It's fun--she gets this little smirk on her face and moves her head from side to side. She also has a big heart. I went with her to visit her grandmother in the hospital one day and it was really moving to be there with her family during that time. Her grandmother is at home now.
Jimmy--He works at a cafe I really like. He always knows what I want when I come in. Jimmy is a very talented artist and shows me his notebook with all his drawings. He also loves music and is on a deep quest for truth. Jimmy is very quiet, but once he trusts you he never stops talking. We have great conversations, and I always walk away with my mind full and a twinge of sadness in my heart. I want my friend to find what he is looking for.
Jessie--She owns the shop below Nitu's. She has smile that lights up the room, but it's easy to tell she is lonely. Jessie confides a lot in me and I don't always know what to say to her. Mostly we listen to each other for a long time and then find something to laugh about. Jessie is really pretty. She could be in a Bollywood movie but she wouldn't believe me if I told her that. I think I'll tell her anyway.
Sunita--She owns a shop on the road to my house. I think she will start teaching me Hindi next month. Her English is really good and her laugh sounds like bells. Usually she sits outside her shop in the sun and knits or talks to people. One day it was cold and rainy so she invited me inside and gave me black tea. You know how you just feel peace when you meet certain people? That's how I felt when I met Sunita.
Kamal--He works in a travel shop next to Sunita. He's from a nearby village and always offers to give me a ride home on his motorcycle. I always tell him I want to walk. He has shy eyes and a really good spirit. I don't usually talk much to men here, but I always feel at ease around Kamal. He is polite and sincere.
There are others I could talk about. Maybe I will get to them later, but I think this is good for now. It's amazing how community can give you a sense of belonging somewhere. The other day I walked home after talking with Jimmy and really felt like this was my town. I have friends. I have a computer guy. I have a tailor. I have grocery guy and a jewelry guy and a guy I buy books from. I know the Airtel people, the police officers, the doctors, and most of the restaurant owners. This is my town. And it's great.
Well, now that I've said all that I've posted some pictures below. We had a cool friend come into town to help us with some things and we went hiking one day. It was wonderful, but what's new? Hiking here is always great. Tonight some kids we love came to watch a movie at our house and our landlord's family is coming over tomorrow. THEN, our team is coming for Christmas. AND THEN, I will be reunited with two dear friends in Singapore. I feel completely joyous right now...and tired. I've been told about 20 times this week that I 'look weak' and should 'take rest.' I also broke my capillaries...I know...you're thinking, 'what are you talking about?' Well, I sat too close to my heater and the blood vessels in my leg are inflamed or something. I'm not sure when they will get back to normal, but I sure miss the days of central heating.
4 comments:
Nice snow person there. Thanks for sharing another part of your life with us. I think I would like your town too!
CAN WE MAKE SNOWPEOPLE WHEN WE COME?????? I AM SOO EXCITED TO SEE YOUR FACE IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS!!!
As I was reading your post, the country song "This is my town.." was playing in my head.. :) If only blogspot had the capabilities for music, then that would be the perfect mood music. Maybe I'll get to see you briefly in a couple of days.
rafiki!! hujambo!! holy crap, do i miss you... i made some chai yesterday. it just doesn't taste as good without your company... counting down the days until we can have another b & n date... or at least until i get to see you again... krismasi njema!!
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