Lovely Mungeli

It has been 4 days since we arrived in Mungeli, and I must say I am absolutely loving it. We were received by the warm welcome of Dr. Anil Henry, the doctor who took on the Christian Mungeli Hospital project. Paige and I got settled in at the Guest House located within the hospital compound, which will be my home for the next 4 weeks.

Our guest house, the lady on the second floor is our lovely cook. She is wonderful!

The Christian Hospital Mungeli can be described as more of a community . The compound does not only include the hospital, but also the staff housing, the guest house, the nursing school and the nurse dormitories. In other words, everyone who works at the hospital also lives within the compound. The people here are all so kind and always willing to help you with anything.

My job here is mostly focused on the Rambo English School located right next to the hospital. Everyday, I make a short walk on the dirt roads of Mungeli to teach Secondary English and Social Science to the students at Rambo. The students do not have much resources to work with; their classrooms are located in a one story house/shed with just one wall to    separate the rooms. However, this did not affect the students' willingness to learn. Their curiosity and eagerness for knowledge even affects me; I try my hardest to teach them well because I know how important it is to them.

My 11th grade students!

During my free time, I have gotten to know many other students who are staying in Mungeli. There are medical students from England, Denmark, Norway, and other parts of India. Through long conversations, pool sessions, and just spending time with one another. I have learned so much about not just Mungeli, but also about other parts of India and other countries through my new friends. Who knew that by living in a small village in India, I am seeing the world.

Until next time!

Touch Down in Delhi

As our plane landed in New Delhi, my heart was filled with excitement. My friend and counter part, Paige and I had decided to spend two days in New Delhi with Isaac and Grace before they depart back to the states. The hot and humid air was my first memory of Delhi, and chaos. It was close to 4 a.m. yet the streets were crowded with people and all sorts of vehicles. The scene would make even  seasoned travelers feel a bit nervous. Luckily, the moment we left the airport we were greeted with warm welcomes from Isaac and Grace (who waited very patiently for us as we got through customs and baggage claim).

New Delhi is the capital of India, a city that I still do not quite know how to describe it. I would say if you are a first time solo traveler or someone who resent massive cultural shock, Delhi is not a place for you. Delhi is a city that demands to be seen and heard. She shows you her beauty, and it is magnificent. To truly enjoy Delhi, you must accept that you will be frustrated at times. I learned to compromise with the culture of Delhi. You learn to bargain almost every time you pull out your wallet , you learn what it really means to firmly say no (seriously), you learn to pick your food options carefully. And most importantly, you learn to get used to being a little confused all the time.

When you get pass all the differences and your frustration, I promise you that Delhi will reveal her beautiful side. The historical architectures will amaze you, the rich and dynamic culture makes you wonder how did the people manage to live peacefully in chaos, and you learn to enjoy the food.. hopefully. Compared to the West, New Delhi is by no means a modern, developed city. However, it is perhaps one of the most vibrant and lively city that I have ever been to.

I loved my experience in Delhi, but as I conclude my first journal in India on my flight to Raipur, I must say that I cannot be more excited to be with the people in Mungeli.