I've Left

Well, it certainly wasn’t easy—in more ways than one—but I have actually left India. I’m writing this blog entry as I sit a gate of the Frankfurt airport for six hours. (It would be really nice if I could post it from here, but, no, I don’t have an Internet connection. So I’ll use this text to post after I arrive home.)

Why was it hard? Well, first there was the packing. Yes, I bought too much stuff. Even after pulling out some things that I brought from home and can easily and cheaply replace when I get back there, fitting it all into my two large suitcases, carry-on, and laptop bag didn’t seem quite doable. I did end up leaving behind a couple books, but not much else that I would really have liked to fit. You might be amused to know that I’m wearing a watch on each arm—has worked out rather well, because I can set them to different time zones—as well as a couple bangle bracelets. And no, that wasn’t a fashion decision. (Those suitcases are REALLY packed.)

As you might guess, it was also rather hard emotionally. Having my landlady in tears after praying for my trip was a bit of a surprise, though for weeks now she’s been telling anyone who would listen how much she’s going to miss me. I’ll miss her, too. And saying good-bye to the group at work? No tears, but certainly sadness. I remind myself that we’ll still instant message, talk, and even have video conferences, but as I’m hugging a co-worker good-bye (only females, of course) it’s so evident that it will never be the same.

I’m sure I’ll be glad to be back home. It will have to feel good to blend in with everyone else around, and to just automatically know what’s appropriate in the culture. I expect to enjoy driving again, and am pretty sure I’ll be fine with not bargaining over prices.

But when I left Orlando six months ago, it was with a confidence that I’d return shortly. India? I refuse to say I won’t be back—sorry, Mom—but the future, as always, is a mystery. If there are more adventures like this one to be had, don't count me out!

Can It Be?

Nearly six months in India already? Yes, having arrived here on October 21st, the time has come to head back to the US. I'll be catching a plane in Chennai to do so in the wee hours of Thursday, April 17th. (Not quite supper time the previous day back in Orlando and Ohio.)

Am I eager to get back home? Well, as I've packed and said my good-byes, I have become excited about seeing everyone back home, and getting back to things I'm familiar with, such as driving in an orderly fashion down streets with marked lanes!

Am I eager to leave? That's a different story. There have been a few moments where an interaction here has left me wondering how I can possibly go. This has been an adventure beyond my dreams, and it's hard to see it end.

As a matter of fact, I've begun compiling a list of reasons that I need to come back. (Sorry, Mom.) While I've fit a few new experiences into my last week here--I've always needed a sense of urgency to really get moving--it just hasn't been possible to do it all. Doesn't look as though I'm going to be able to:

1. Ride a "government" bus, the ones that take people around the city. Mary and I had talked about doing this, since she had done it once or twice with an Indian, but it never worked out.
2. Ride a share auto, which is a larger version of an auto rickshaw that has a defined route and can sure squeeze a lot of people on (which is the fun part, of course).
3. Check out the tower that's just a 10 to 15 minute walk from the office and would let me look out over a portion of Anna Nagar (the part of Chennai where I live and work).
4. Visit the ministry of Jacob Beera, which is, I'm told, just an overnight train trip from Chennai. I've been familiar with his ministry of children's homes and evangelistic crusades since the 80s. Can't believe I didn't work at arranging a visit, since he's located in the state just above Tamil Nadu.
5. Attend a Christian wedding. I know two people getting married (not to each other) in May, and probably would have been invited to both, but alas, I'll have to settle for pictures.

Hmm. I'm sure there were more. I'll work on it. But for now, I'm working on fitting things in my suitcases and somehow saying good-bye to a land and people that are quite firmly entrenched in my heart.