Hey everyone!
A few have asked that I start a blog to
update on what's going on! Writing is definitely not my specialty, so I am new to
this whole blogging thing. I don't leave
till the beginning of June, but I thought I should let some of you all know
what has been going on. First, I would like to thank those who have supported
me through prayer and/or financially. This trip wouldn't be happening if it
were you all.
For those of you who had no idea that I
was going to India, I plan on doing my internship in a children's home in
Kulpahar, India. I plan to be there for a little over two months. In order for
me to earn my degree in Management of Non-Profit organizations, I have to
complete an internship. But I look at this opportunity more than just a checklist towards graduation. I want my internship to provide me with a positive influence and quality exposure to my field of study, all while being able to give back.
I am so excited for this opportunity!
When this school year begun, I did not even think that I would be traveling
overseas. Planning for this trip has been really exciting, and from the very
beginning things seem to have been falling in place.
Between the time I started planning till
now, I have sent out letters, obtained my passport, visa, and have gotten shots
(ouch). My medication for malaria came in yesterday, so I plan to get a ride to
Walgreens sometime this weekend to pick it up.
I have committed to High Point Travel to
book my flight, but picking a date has been a little complicated. Kulpahar
Kid's Home (KKH) is 8 hours away from the airport in Delhi, so finding a date
where they can come out of their way to meet me has been changing almost daily
within the past week. It is so important to me that I arrive at a convenient
time for them. So I am just praying for God to be working out the details in
that area especially. I plan on getting a definite answer this week.
As soon as I arrive, the plan is for me
and Linda (in charge of hostiles at KKH) to visit the Red Fort in Delhi, and
then on June 5 we will go to Agra to see the BEAUTIFUL Taj Mahal. Afterwards,
we will then head over to KKH.
One thing Sharon told me (my supervisor)
is 'the most consistent thing about our part of India are her INCONSISTENCIES.'
Learning the language has been a bit interesting and kind of frustrating. I
know some Hindi from watching the Indian movies when I was little. But, it is
hard to pick up since the language is so inconsistent.. Gina and I have been watching some Indian movies
(recent ones, and ones that bring back memories). They actually help!
Before me, KKH has had one other intern,
and her name is Katie Guthrie. She went over to KKH about 5 years ago for her
internship. She actually lives in Johnson City, TN. So I plan to meet up with
her before I go over there. I am REALLY excited to hear about her experience
there.
It is going to be quite a culture shock
for me even though my family is of Indian descent. I will definitely have fun
getting use to a 9.5-10.5 hour time difference, confusing people by looking
Indian but not knowing the language, introducing pedicures/manicures, sharing
technology, introducing microwavable popcorn, teaching English worship songs,
giving devotionals (with a translator) and
SO much more.
As time gets closer and closer, I get
more excited each day knowing that I will be serving there. I could not have
pictured a better opportunity than this. Thank you all for investing time to
read about my journey to India.
In Him,
Alex Sookrajh :)
