Strength

October 9, 2008

Tonight we went out to dinner in Panaji, the capital city of Goa.  However, it was not like regular going out to eat.  Our group was split up and smaller groups of us went out on our own to find a place to get some dinner.  We were all in the mood for something western.  I was really excited when we found a Dominos.  It was awesome.  As our group was waiting for our meal 2 other groups of our people walked in for dinner.  It was really nice to see the others from our group.  There was a group of men sitting close to us.  Each man was wearing a Turban.  This isn’t an unusual sight in India but I thought that it was funny to see them eating pizza.  I like going into American restaurants because they are usually air-conditioned.  Goa is so hot!  It is definitely in the high 90s or low 100s today.  We were eating our first Western food in a few days and all of the sudden we heard firecrackers outside.  I looked outside and saw a big parade going by.  We were told that it was the Hindu New Year.  I find it funny that I was sitting in a Dominos Pizza watching a Hindu Parade.  That’s really funny actually.  There’s always so much going on around me and this is just another time when I just don’t know what to think.

I was getting tired and wanted to go back to the church for the night.  Dusty and I decided to catch the last bus back to Old Goa.  We had about 15 minutes to find the bus station.  We set out thinking that we would find a short cut.  This is not what we found.  It was like a scene out of a traveler’s guidebook.  This page in particular would be warning travelers to stay clear of the area.  We walked quickly through dark allies and got lost.  We were walking fast in the wrong direction.  I was getting a little nervous.  There were dogs and rats in the walkway.  I was glad to be with Dusty because he’s bigger than any Indian that I have seen.  Once we finally got clear directions, we found our way to the bus station.  Both of us were covered in sweat from the walk but I was glad to be on the bus.  We both just looked at each other and laughed.  We made it!  I sometimes think about the heart attacks my mom would have if she knew what I was doing in India.  I just have to laugh because if I’m laughing that means that I can’t be crying.  India is starting to bring out a stronger person in me.  I sometimes think that I can’t make it anymore but suddenly I feel stronger.  I wonder if my prayers have been answered.  I prayed to find strength and here it is looking me in the face.