BallerZ

We are currently in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala being hosted by the Syrian Orthodox Church in a very fancy hotel. We have been honored many times during ceremonies and events in the past couple days, and have been served an array countless times throughout the trip thus far. It has been a humbling experience, however at times I have felt that I need to serve more. The people here are very prideful that we are their guests, so they feel the need to drive us in fancy cars and lead us into buildings in a parade fashion. I do what I can to answer questions about life in America, however I am more interested about their lives here in India. It is very rare to encounter an experience like this. Two people so curious about the other’s place of coming. I have already learned so much, yet my drive to learn even more is still strong. Oh boy am I thankful for this trip. It has been so rewarding intellectually, culturally, and spiritually.

Also, I have been signing many autographs and people want to take selfies with me. Whenever they ask for an autograph I usually sign as “Abe” and if they ask for a selfie I give them a hug and walk away. Not about the fame life. At least not yet…

I am way too tired to write in more detail. Goodnight. Tomorrow we are going to an Indian wedding because why not.

paz.

Rollar CoasterZ

Today we visited three spectacular places. A girls orphanage, a boys orphanage, and a psychiatric ward.

First, the two orphanages. The girls were ages 3-18. The girls were absolutely wonderful. Filled with life and exuberance. They were incredibly happy to see us which made me feel loved. Although they don’t have family, although they don’t have pillows to rest their heads on, although they don’t have beds to sleep on, and although they don’t have books to pass the time, their actions done exemplify poverty. They joke around and play all day long with no worries about their life. Makes me realize how much “fluff” is in my life.

The boy’s orphanage had 52 boys, however, since it is the Christmas season, a majority of them went back home to extended family. There were six boys who we spent time with who had no family to go to. No relatives left… We couldn’t communicate well because of language barriers, but they called me the “joke man” and we played badminton. They told me to come back so that I can see how successful they become. Haven’t figured out what the take away is yet, but all that I know is that my heart is shattered for the boys. I love them.

Lastly, the ward. The ward shelters both males and females including recovering addicts and prisoners with mental disabilities Super creepy at first. Large cage like rooms housing old men and women who yell randomly and move spontaneously. The lights even went out at one point, marking the start of a horror movie. We didn’t serve at the ward, we mainly just toured the facility. Super eerie. The inspiration for my next horror movie…

Thus far on the trip, any time we arrive anywhere, we are always being served. Water, fruits, and obviously curry. Not only do they provide the food, but they individually go around placing the food on our plates. They don’t have much, but they are so proud to have visitors that they are willing to use their resources to satisfy us. I don’t know about you folks, but when people serve me my heart aches.The people I have met here are wonderful.

Layover Turned Into “Fun Times with bros”

Here I am, in a complimentary hotel room in Dubai. Our first flight was delayed, which made us miss our connecting flight to India. Crazy how stuff works. Me and a couple guys in the group booked a tour of the city from 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM. So I will be right back.

(9 hours later)

Okay, I am back now. I am sitting on a flight to India in the very last seat next to the flight attendants. . One of them actually came up to me and told me that the entire crew is checking me out. “Shutup Aba you love the attention.” Honestly I am super embarrassed and weirded out, but all of the ladies smell wonderful if I am being honest. Scent is my weakness… Anyways I get off track. Dubai is another world. So advanced and so exotic. There are Ferarri’s, buildings exceeding 150 floors, malls with real penguins, ice skating rinks, Estates housing royalty, and humans of all kinds . I truly believe traveling broadens the mind, and just one day in Dubai really challenged my idea of the concept of “capitalism” and what I like to call a “super cool like industrially advanced city.” I will definitely be going back. Not to admire the advanced architecture because that was what yesterday was for. I need to go back for the people. I want to understand them. A country is what it is because of the people that make it up, and unfortunately because of scheduling purposes I didn’t have the opportunity to talk with the locals, but next time. Also I so want to go clubbing there and get wasted with some rad arabs.

One of our group members didn’t make it on the flight because of a visa error. Yikes! Oh, and the whole plane smells like curry. Lastly, some sweet Indian man next to me helped me fix my jammed backpack zipper.

See you soon Cochin, India

The Day Before

Currently I am still in California, doing last minute packing. I still need to pick up a batch of contacts for SIGHT, but anyways I am so excited. Never really blogged before, but I guess I am doing it as a form of reflection, and for my family.

This trip is an odd one. A few undergrad/grad students, Coptic Priests, and Coptic Bishops. Yup, Bishops and Priests. I like to call them Men in Black (they wear black robes). Talk about a squad! I am going to be rolling up with a fresh crew. Although my fresh crew of Men in Black  live a life of holiness and celibacy, my superficial interests tending to revolve around Dragon Ball Z, are very different than theirs. I have nothing in common with them, so conversations should be particularly interesting. Oh, and we have a layover in Dubai. Anyways, I will try and blog each night, but no promises. Excited to learn about the children we will be serving in India, excited to learn about myself and my limits, and most of all excited to be in a new place far away from what I am used to.

 

Here is to all the pretty women in India!