Journal Entry 9/6/06

Well, days like today, I suppose, are made to lift one out of a slump and give some perspective. After worrying and meditating on not feeling like I had a purpose here, as well as wanting to get out more and meet more people, I feel as though today was a step forward. This morning the 1st Class teacher was out, so Raydene and I had to teach all morning - English, Science and math. While the kids are all adorable, they were just a terror to teach - talking, hitting, running all over the place...It was by far the most challenging thing I've done so far here, but that made it so much more rewarding. It was so great to get to know the kids a bit better as well.
Then, I basically took the rest of the afternoon off to read - finished my 2nd book and did some Lonely Planet research for my travels. Then I walked into Laxman Julha by myself for the first time to go check my email. I know my way around pretty well now, and every time I go out I see someone I know (mostly volunteers @ Ramana's as well as the internet cafe owners who are very nice). I ran into Jared (Jared and Liz are a young, very cool Aussie couple volunteering at Ramana's) and talked to them a bit about their travels. Then I stopped in to the German Bakery (another regular place now) for a water and a cinnamon roll, and ran into another volunteer, Tanya. I ended up running into Liz and Marc, 2 other volunteers, who asked me to join them for dinner. it was great to get out and to get to know some of the other volunteers a bit better. All are very cool people whom i'd like to know better for sure.
Tonight, after Satsang, Maggie and I made tea in the kitchen (which has become our nightly routine), and a bunch of the kids were in the kitchen with us. We all danced and sang and had a great time with the kids. I feel like I'm starting to slowly adjust. I haven't even been here a week yet, but it feels like so much longer. My first DAY felt like a week! It's so hard to imagine that a week ago I was in Marin, living a completely different life. I definitely feel worlds away....I love it.