As I write this I am in recovery, so this note will be short and sweet.
Minute One
I've found a woman who possesses what I think might be the most beautiful smile I've ever seen. TL Angam's sister, Nini, doesn't speak a word of English, but she is fluent in the universal language of love. She easily and graciously bestows the gift of her stunning smile upon everyone and everything and I'm pretty sure that no one - even the raindrops and dust bunnies - could help smiling back.
On Wednesday, a dedication is held for a new sanctuary, and while shoes were optional in the old room, they are prohibited here. The new sanctuary is on the top floor and it takes a lung and a half to get up there. This is where I start teaching piano and guitar lessons. It's not worth it to make the hike up and the trek back down, instruments in tow, only to make the journey again an hour later. On Sunday Ruth says, "I never wanted to climb a mountain in heels, but today I will do it. "
I spend the weekend with my friends, Veronica and Woben. We drive into the heart of the city, where I am used as an excuse to get "All-American" cheeseburgers at a restaurant called The Only Place and to spend several hours at one of the biggest shopping malls in India. By the time we are headed home, my feet are sore but my heart is happy. Even though I loved the excitement of the city, I think I still prefer the little villages. People in the villages are more polite and at least they ask before taking pictures!
Minute Two
And life is suddenly put on hold while by body freaks out for three days. I give up trying to figure out the cause of the sickness since, all things considered, it could be anything.
Ruth is very confident in the fortress of health that is her home and she tells me, "No more going out. Everything here is safe, it won't hurt you. But I don't know what's out there." She nurses me to health with guava, bananas, musli and her mother's "secret" health recipe which was warm and sugary and tasted suspiciously like hummingbird food.
Minute Three
And I'm tired again and I need to sleep so that tomorrow I can feel better, write out sheet music, teach about tenses and try to stay okay until I come home.
Two weeks left.
It's a bittersweet fact.
I miss you all.
Goodnight.
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