Walked Thru Hell and Ended in Heaven
So, I finally made it to Ranchi. Halleluiah! Paramjeet and I set off from Delhi on Sunday. Because of the horrific fog recently, most planes have been delayed at least 6 hours. When I say horrific fog – I mean I couldn’t even see out my window horrific. It’s nuts! So, in typical fashion, at around 9:30 Manjeet said “no delays, we leave at 10!” Ah! I packed my bags quickly – threw on my new Indian Suit (I really did look like MC Hammer…) and we ran out the door. We got the airport with about 45 minutes to spare. Lugging around my two ginormous bags was quite annoying – especially when I broke the handle in a hurried moment – I would. Regardless, I have everything I need so why complain.
We made it thru security – if you didn’t know, it is Indian Republic Day on the 26th. Basically 4th of July – for India. However, with all the disturbances so close, there have been multiple threats against India from Al Qaeda – specifically on airplanes. Oh great! Don’t freak out- it was more related to international flights leaving India. Regardless, I’m fine I’m fine. I mean really – everyone is in danger somewhere, right?
SO! We made it to the check-in line and it was HUGE. There are no rules here again cutting (didn’t we learn this rule in 1st grade?) so lines mean nothing. Thank goodness Paramjeet was with me. She weaseled her way to some unopened line and got us in. What a woman. We checked our bags and headed to security. (Might I add some random man said, “You look very lovely in our Indian Apparel.” He was being very nice. I struggled with this “suit” all day. The scarf kept falling off, the pants are so baggy they kept getting twisted and I know I looked like a moron. It will definitely take getting used to. (Tangent – sorry.) SO- It took another 30 mins to get to the other side of this line as well. I thought it was pretty fascinating that there were separate lines for men and women. Huh. I also saw women that had to be from the Middle East – they had the black burkas on that showed NOTHING. How they see is beyond me but I still find it kind of beautiful in a very historical and loyal kind of way.
So, if you ever want to fly in style, fly Air India. Holy Cow! (Wait, maybe inappropriate.) Holy Smokes! Not only did every seat have a TV like you were flying international, but they served hot meals to everyone, unlimited drinks AND actual silverware. Whoa baby. When was the last time you remember using metal forks on a plane?
After a short hour ride we landed in Ranchi. We landed in Hell. It felt like I was back in the slums of Kenya. This is the kind of thing where you just want to sit back and take it all in – not much to say anyways. Good thing no one in the car spoke English – no one does – so it wasn’t like I had to talk anyways. Cows where everywhere, chickens everywhere, naked babies were roaming the streets, men where huddled on old tired ‘hanging out,’ women were carrying baskets the size of Texas on their heads – amazing. There is garbage EVERYWHERE. Everywhere smells of smoke. It is definitely much warmer here (Thank God) but that also enhances the smells.
We drove about 40 minutes to Sooch Village. Once you turn off the main road you start seeing posts for “Sooch Village,” it got pretty exciting. As you drive down this side road you basically see nothing. You are in a field – kind of like the middle of nowhere Texas. All rock. Suddenly off to the side you see all the bright white buildings and you know you are almost there. I almost peed my pants. We finally pull in and the first thing you see is the administration building (my home). Ok guys, really, it was like a hotel. Really pretty tile floors – the room I’m in is ginormous. My own bathroom (with hot water- sometimes), a balcony and a huge bed! And (as I’m in it now) when I put my mosquito net on it looks like a Goddess bed with the curtains hanging down the side- or at least that I what I tell myself. I’m disregarding the spider the size of my hand in the upper corner of the ceiling….
So, we pull in and throw our stuff in our rooms. I will go into more detail about he facilities later, as trying to do that now would keep me up all night. Its 10:45- well past the bedtime around here. We walked into the first house and the most precious little guy (probably no taller than my knee) comes running up to us, and heads straight for Paramjeet legs. Picture Jerry Hughes heading for Colt McCoy. Yes, that strong. Any who- he had the biggest smile – I mean both sets of teeth showing- and just gives her a huge hug. Then, he notices big white girl and does the same to me. As Paramjeet toured the house to see everything I was playing with this little guy – so so funny, even cuter. Confession – I’m going to have the hardest time remembering all the names. I can barely remember how to say hi in Hindi. It will take time.
The children all headed for “recess” then into this gazebo looking structure for their Sunday afternoon religious lesson. It was amazing. Seriously, this is a God place. (Actually, the kids can practice whatever religoun they come in as) but to me, it’s a God place. As the sun was setting you could hear the echos of the little ones singing after the Hindi (I think) religious teacher. It was just one of the moments. Even more, the stars were coming out and I saw at least 3 shooting star. Picture texas hill country – put it in the middle of india, lots of cute little kids and no English langueage- that is where I am.
With that, and MANY more stories to tell - will close up for the night. It has been a long day but even typing English is a Godsend. I miss listening to conversations I understanding – I miss even more speaking out language.
Hoep you are all doing well and I will update as soon as I can!
Much love from India,
Katelyn
