The Clock Is Ticking…
January 17th, 2008
Eating sugarcane on Wednesday, (still) in celebration of Pongal. Lakshmannan and Isaac (left) taught me to pull at the bark with my side teeth, bite into the white, juicy flesh and then spit out the pulp onto the newspaper on the floor.
The sweet smile, captured on film. Augustine was a trip today, so much more animated than he was on Monday and Tuesday. He giggled a ton and actually let me pick him up and hold him without wriggling to the ground; he gestured for the hand-clapping game, and when I said “Vanakkam” to him (”Hello”), he repeated it, pressing his hands together, prayer-like, as is custom.
I’m feeling hesitant, feeling all sorts of things about leaving. This trip is wrapping up faster than I had imagined. While the other volunteers have at least one week left (some have another 3 to 4), I leave here late Saturday night for an early Sunday flight. As much as I’ve gotten out of this trip in such a short time, a part of me feels like I haven’t yet gotten all that I needed to get out of it. There’s so much more I want to soak in, and deeper work I’d love to do here. On the other hand, a hot shower and a grande Starbucks with soy milk would be nice.
Joann,
just caught up on your blog .. it is wonderful!! maybe you should have a new career as travel/adventurer writer ! so interesting with so much great detail and great photos ! your agency ought to send the blog out to potential volunteers ! that little boy, augustine, by the way almost sounds like he has some autistic traits …? can’t wait to read you next entry ! kathy
posted by Kathy Megan (01/17/08 12:30 pm)Joann,
posted by Cindy (01/17/08 7:06 pm)You are breaking my heart and filling me with joy with your tales of Augustine. His smile must make it all so meaningful.
Asi I am so happy that you are having such an amazing and awesome experience.
It must be very rewarding to see little Augustine warming up to you and making progress.
Can’t wait to see you, hug you and hear all about your trip.
Love you,
Mama
posted by Mama (01/17/08 10:09 pm)