The past 36 hours of traveling have been very challenging, but I'm glad to finally be in the city. I haven't been able to find a room yet, but I had to duck into this internet cafe to get away from a person who wouldn't stop hounding me for money.
I had a 12 hour layover in New Delhi which was emotionally challenging, but I knew that God was there with me. I'm so thankful to my missionary friend , Elise, for giving me the book Crazy Love. I started reading it in the airport and it's really put things in perspective for me. I find that I'm okay if I focus on how big God is instead of how overwhelmed I am. It will probably also help when I'm able to sleep.
I'm a little concerned about my marathon training while I'm here. There's no way I could run on the streets here. I'll have to find a gym somewhere. It might be hard to find a gym that allows women.
The city of Kolkata is insane. There are cows eating garbage and dogs following the cows as if they are the pack-leaders. My cab driver kicked me out when he realized he didn't know where the YMCA was, but the most amazing couple came over to me and told me they would take me to it. They had their personal driver take me to the YMCA and the man walked in with me, but it was booked. I was supposed to have a reservation, but I guess I didn't. The other YMCA was booked also. That couple reminded me a lot of my parents. They said they have a daughter working in Connecticut.
I'm on Sudder street which is where all the hostels are, so I know I'm not far from finding a room. I have my orientation tomorrow at 3pm, and I'm looking forward to getting started.
I idolize comfort, and this trip is forcing me to be further from my comfort zone than ever.
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Hey Colleen,
ReplyDeleteJust got back to KU. Theres two feet of snow everywhere and we're workin on a 6ft snow fort till school starts. I envy your experience, sounds sweet already. The Y might be booked but you didn't go there looking for structure you went for something else. I know you'll be fine and I'm proud of you. I'll keep up with this blog tellin you about what I'm doin but keep it comin with these stories of dogs and cows, I'd love to be able to smell and taste India when you write. I won't miss a day of you blogging I promise. Love you.
-Fes
hi colleen,
ReplyDeleteits the Pruetts looks like India has been challenging. But we know you can do it. If you remembered Harrison's class has been studying India.
If you could can you bring back a couple of things and take lots of pictures?! Harrison would love that and so would his class.
love you lots,
the Pruetts
just rereading this older post. amazing how far you've come already. and now you're more than halfway done with your journey. i can't wait to see what happens in this second half of the trip. thinking of you constantly. love you.
ReplyDeletecaitlin