Dream Dinner and Closing Time

Dream Dinner

During my freshman year of college, a group of my closest friends began an end-of-year tradition during which we enjoyed a meal together and reflected on the year. We called it the Dream Dinner (shout out to the First North ladies :) and concluded every year of college this way. We always closed the evening by sharing how we had been blessed by each other’s friendship throughout the year, laughing until our stomachs ached, and usually shedding a few tears (even though we’d see each other when we returned to school in the fall). Since I graduated college four years ago, I had not experienced such a deep connection with the group of people, and its no secret that the most challenging aspect of being in grad school for me has been a lack of close friendships and coping with a social life in vain. My greatest fear for the future has been that I would never experience the sense of companionship that I had with my friends in college…

Dream Dinner. 

Circa 2006. 

Don't hate me, friends!

But that was before I went to India...

Before leaving for my trip, I tried to rid myself of any expectations, as impossible as that is. I knew that India was going to be so different than Indiana, and although I definitely had an agenda of the things I wanted to accomplish at Ashish, my heart was most hungry for relationships. I decided from day one to give of myself and to show love and compassion in as many ways that my imperfect self is capable. What I ended up receiving, however, was so much greater than I could ever give. I was showered with the most beautiful, generous, and genuine love I have ever been given.

If I could have wished for anything before leaving for India, it would be to have an Indian Dream Dinner—a meal with friends, laughter, and time reflecting on the blessing of each other’s presence. This is exactly what I got, because before my flight on Friday evening, Kim and Kyle invited us to their home for dinner where I enjoyed my last few hours in Delhi with the dearest of friends that I made in India. We spent time enjoying my last Indian meal, celebrating Kyle’s birthday and eating an ugly and beautiful birthday cake, and sharing our favorite memories of our time together. Even though it was only four short weeks that was spent with these people, they have become the most meaningful friends.

Magdalena

Now that I’ve been home for a few days, I feel completely lost without the constant companionship of Magdalena. She was the hardest person for me to say goodbye to because our friendship is so special and we were with each other every single day. Nearly every story I tell those who ask me about my trip starts with, “This one time, Magdalena and I…” She has the most kind and beautiful spirit which was evident in her willingness to love me in the best and worst of times—by letting me sleep in her bed the night I was puking my guts out, by playing music while I cried over cockroaches, and when teaching me German cuss words during a 2-hour power cut in 115 degree heat. Magdalena is such an incredible and talented person and she is one of the few people who is able to match her beauty to her kind heart. She has the ability to make others feel so warm and loved and I am so thankful to have her as my forever friend.

A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow. 

William Shakespeare.

Kim and Kyle

During the daily chaos at Ashish, there were so many moments that I simply had to stand back and be amazed at how good this couple is. Kim and Kyle’s ability to so faithfully devote their lives to Ashish is so admirable. They are such wonderful individuals and parents, and simply being their presence provided with role models for living selflessly in partnerships, parenthood, and in professional settings. Their hospitality allowed me the comfort of occasionally acting like an American, laughing or complaining about the chaos that is India, and allowing their beautiful children to serve as a constant source of comic relief :)

Preeta

Preeta is the kindest and most generous hostess I have ever had the privilege of staying with. She provided me with a home-away-from-home and spoiled me rotten with her delicious food and caring gestures. My belly was never empty while in Preeta’s home, even though she was always telling me, “You never eat!” (I’m having to run a few extra miles a day at home to make up for all that delicious food!). She found one of the few stores in Delhi that sells soy milk and made sure I always had everything I needed (and then some!) while staying with her. Her maternal sense of protectiveness over Magdalena and I made me feel so loved.

Pallavi and Silvina

The smiles, laughter, and knowing ways of these sweet ladies provided me with so much comfort. They welcomed me with such kindness and showed a genuine interest in getting to know me and became such great girl friends to have around while at Ashish.

At the centre, Silvina was always practicing her English with me. Her commitment to trying to communicate with me and get to know me, no matter how difficult, was so appreciated. At times, the two of us would have no idea what each other was saying, and eventually we’d just end up laughing. From Silvina I learned that all work is easier and more pleasant if you smile while doing it.

Pallavi is one of the sweetest individuals I’ve ever met. She is gentle and kind, and has the ability to make others feel so special and loved. She loves others so well. I am amazed at her resilience, brilliance, and dedication and love for her family. Our friendship grew on the day we visited the Taj, when she was kind enough to put up with the antics of us American tourists. She is extremely generous, and gave me the most beautiful jewelry box as a going-away gift. It meant the world to have these two incredible women around while making my last few memories in India.

Closing Time

Its hard to believe my month in India has come to an end. After saying my last goodbyes, I boarded the airplane and headed back to Chicago. It was so nice to have my dad meet me at the airport, a warm embrace from my mom when I walked in the door, and lots of snuggles and kisses from my fur-baby.

My first few days have been so relaxing and comfortable, although my heart and mind feels full of India. Even though it feels so good to be in the comfort of my parents’ home, I can already feel the India-shaped void in my heart…something that can’t be filled by long, hot showers (not from a bucket!), iced coffee from Starbucks, or eating fruits and veggies to my heart’s content. I am having the most difficult time answering the question, “How was India?” because I feel like there are both too many, and not enough, words to describe it—amazing, exhausting, exciting, depressing, ridiculous, chaotic, ugly, beautiful… and I am certain that India is not done with me.

Thank You!

This will be my last post on Kingdom Eyes: India and I wanted to tell you how deeply blessed I feel to have had so many followers and supporters. This blog provided me with a venue to process my experience in India, while also allowing me the opportunity to brag about how lucky I am to have this experience :) But in all seriousness, the large number of page views, emails, comments, and statements that “Hey! I read your blog!” provided me with so much encouragement on this journey. Thank you so much for being part of my Indian adventure!

Bless and be blessed,

Sarah