Catching Up!

For everyone reading this around the globe aka my family, friends and old co-workers, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for further updates!  Things the past two weeks have been rather hectic and crazy.  This post is going to do a little 'catch-up' on information.

My roommate, Lillie, and I are dressed to impress!

First, following my grand arrival in Southeast Asia I realized I was in for a heck of a lot more than what I had previously bargained.  Everyone has those moments of desperation while starting something new where the only thoughts entertained are things along the lines of 'is it time to go home yet?' etc.  I have quickly realized that I have to learn the language.  Asap.  I knew this, but have put it off in hopes of figuring out just which language is most useful.  Telugu is the foremost language in the city, with English and Hindi.  However, Telugu is not a useful language to me following this fellowship.  It's kind of like how I learned so much Kinyarwanda last year, only to have lost all my skills after leaving Rwanda.  I have entertained the idea of learning Hindi, but have continuously questioned its use to me after this year if I decide not to work exclusively in India.  I would like my language choice to help provide me with a marketable skill so that my big-kid job following grad school will possibly 1. pay more and 2. be more exciting.  After talking to my school owner (more on this in a minute) I realized another popular language among the Muslim community in Hyderabad is Urdu.  This language is also spoken elsewhere, particularly in Pakistan.  Job searching with a not-so-common language fluency that is related to a highly sensitive area for the government could help me out later on!  Urdu is actually a language closely related to Hindi.  Because of this, many people have said Hindi should be the way to go.  I have been trying to find an Urdu/English translation book in the city, but no luck thus far.  Also, finding a tutor has been hard since most people learn Urdu through their family and religious center.  I haven't made up my mind yet, but hopefully after meeting with my school I can clarify my options.  I believe Urdu is widely spoken by teachers and students.

Moving on to my school: Mohammed Memorial Educational Society. I met my school owner the other day, Mr. Mustaq, and am very excited to begin work!  I was supposed to meet with him at the school this past Monday but once again the IDEX schedule changed.  Surprised? Not really.  I was then supposed to go this past Wednesday, but I had a lovely visit planned to the FRRO (Foreign Regional Registration Office) so I could register as a foreign resident.  Thursday was out since Mr. Mustaq was away from the school, and although I am supposed to go tomorrow I'm not sure if that will work either because our IDEX meeting is supposedly extremely important tomorrow.  Either way, Mr. Mustaq gave me the directions by bus for the school so I'm excited to try that out instead of taking those awful auto rickshaws!  We'll see if I ever actually get there.... But during our very brief meeting, Mr. Mustaq and I quickly discussed a few ideas for this year.  I can't wait to bring back the books and Leappad Learning systems for the new library!  Also, he seemed thrilled at the idea of pairing his school with more outside organizations since it would provide services at little-to-no cost for him/the school.  Overall, I know it is going to be a tough year; but I cannot wait to begin working on a legitimate schedule that will allow me the freedom to truly impact Mohammed Memorial.

p.s. It is located on Dairy Farm Road..... I feel like smelly cows will be surrounding the neighborhood.  Goodness I hope not!  

Britney Spears sing-a-long?

I'm trying to think of other exciting things that have occurred the past two weeks.  Like I mentioned, yesterday I went to the FRRO and have officially been deemed worthy of Indian residency!  Seemed a little redundant considering all of the papers submitted had already been turned into the Indian government in my application for a visa.... oh well.  It didn't take long at all!  Other fellows' did, but I guess I was lucky.  Other fun things include meeting all of the other fellows, parts of our training, and exploring the city.  Our group went to a karaoke bar one night which was really fun!  All of us blonde fellows thought it would be hilarious to sing Britney Spears, but unfortunately the DJ never called our turn.  Probably a good thing!  A weird thing here though, every place closes extremely early.  Like 11:30pm.  All of my sorority sisters in Cape Girardeau are probably having small heart attacks just imagining a bar closing at that time!  Another interesting thing is that some of the 'hip' places are Hard Rock Cafe and TGIFriday's.  'Merica!  haha I couldn't believe it!

Old City

Inside the Charminar

I have also been sick.  I don't think it was from food or water.  I was getting a lot of mosquito bites and decided to spray DEET bug spray.... unfortunately the humidity had me sweating like a sinner in church, so the DEET was everywhere (even my face and hands).  I'm betting that I ingested some because I was throwing up for 2-3 days following the day I sprayed myself.  It may have been something else, but my bet is on the bug spray.   I actually missed the Heritage Walk through the old city, the Charminar, and breakfast at the palace. Ugh.  I made it to the meeting spot, but after throwing up that morning's water and banana next to  the bus stop.... I figured it was time to go home.  I paid a bit more with an auto to get home, and then tipped him an extra ten rupees because he stopped halfway through so I could throw up.  So glad to have had a nice/semi-understanding auto driver for once.  

My eye after the swelling began to go down....

&& on top of being sick, one day recently I woke up and my right eye was swollen shut.  We think maybe some kind of bite or allergic reaction?  Good news: it went away after a few rounds of benadryl and eye drops.  Bad news:  I looked hilariously stupid.    

Birthday girl, Mariam!

What have I learned? People here are actually really friendly.  It took me a bit to appreciate this, but I'm starting to understand.  Sometimes the staring really is uncomfortable, but realizing the men do not have x-ray vision helps to ease my mind.  When I (or my silly auto drivers) need directions, asking anyone on the street is a quick and (usually) easy way to get from point A to point B.  Also, it is really fun to have women in saris and in burquas come up to me asking me random questions, usually out of both curiosity and their perpetual need to practice their English.  Another nice gesture?  Random people wanting to have us over for dinner.  We met a lovely mother and daughter from Chile at the vegetable market who are here teaching.  We went to their house a few days later to break the fast (Ramzan is currently happening!  Happy fasting!).  It was also her daughter's birthday, so we ate dinner with their friends from Sudan, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.  It was a nice night ending with cake and a fun game of Uno.  Yes, I did win once!  

  

Another day I will devote a post to all of the fun places to shop and all the 'cool' things I've bought to make living here easier.  For example, the picture wall I've made above my too cool for school sheet set from Big Bazaar India?  That's making my life easier!  

Maybe I'll also remember some more interesting stories from the past two weeks.... I know there are a lot more!  But to leave you all with a fun little laugh: I saw this sign on the way home from the FRRO.... GENIUS COLLEGE!  They sure have set the bar high for themselves....

Struggles.

Keeping my cool under the pressure of obtaining a visa? Check.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.  Be cheerful.  Strive to be happy.  

Every day resilient people face the world head on, managing to live and prosper with their decisions and actions.  The struggles and triumphs of life,whether large or small, are what make each day fascinating.  I learned long ago that every person has a cross to bear, often hidden, and it can change continuously throughout life. Little or small, each process affects each of us differently.  I've always had a tough time with this because I walk the line between wanting to save the world by 'helping' everyone, and understanding my own limitations.  I hate to admit when I cannot achieve something I have set my mind toward.  Because of this, setbacks affect me a lot!

Luckily for me, I have led a blessed life.  I have worked hard to achieve goals, and can often maneuver plans to avoid major derailments.  However, being from the Midwest (and my momma's family is from TN) means some Bible belt sayings have been ingrained into me since birth:

• If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it.
• I know God won't give me more than I can handle, but I just wish He didn't trust me so much.
• If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.

.... just to name a few.  Good news, I have been fairly successful thus far and God has liked my plans and has never let me break under the weight of any life problems.  But when I decided to take a year off after graduating my life plans began to change, causing unavoidable struggles that I wasn't quite prepared for.  I'm not going to pretend that I didn't put myself in this position; however, I hate when I feel like I can't make something happen or when my plans get thrown around.  Lately I have been re-examining those old gospel sayings and letting loose a bit more, and putting a bit more trust into my prayers.  After all, being upset will not help me out any.  With that being said, I know I am still perfectly capable of throwing  a massive temper tantrum!  This past week proved that, even if it was done fairly privately.  This weekend also showed me that prayers and hard work do pay off.


Andrew and I drove to Chicago so I could apply in-person for a same-day visa.  Unfortunately I had been misinformed, and same-day visas were not issued for such a long employment duration.  My new employer in the U.S. that deals with the IDEX Fellowship, along with my newest employers in India, had supplied me with all of the documents necessary for my application.  For anyone planning to apply for a long-term visa to India (especially for employment, etc) get prepared!  Wow!  Very long process. I was lucky enough to deal with some very nice and helpful people at the Consulate's outsourcing office.  I suggest you read everything at least twice before beginning and print multiple copies of each item in order to make sorting and organizing easier.  p.s. Wal-Mart does not allow you to print pictures in 2" x 2" dimensions, and the passport photos are not quite 2x2.  I suggest you take your head-shot a little farther back, and then trip a wallet size down to a 2x2.  Good luck!


Weird, but apparently my original employment visa application was rejected (ish)....  Luckily, I not only kept my cool in the office, but was complimented and thanked by the staff for being so positive and understanding! Ha!  It wasn't anyone's fault, it is just a frustrating process with lots of paperwork.  But the process is in place to protect the country and its citizens so I took a breath and dealt with it.  Although I thought I was screwed at this point, the office informed me they had re-submitted my paperwork under an entry visa (usually reserved for Indians..... my blonde hair and blue eyes definitely do not qualify me!) and would stay in contact with me even though I was leaving Chicago.  It was nice to see that they cared so much about their jobs and the people they were working with each day.  


Even though I kept my cool in the office, and was incredibly thankful for the help, I was distraught in the car on the way home and admittedly had a private breakdown after leaving the office.  After the initial blowup I clammed up, not speaking again until after passing Joliet.  After we just talked normally, I started to feel better.  Thank goodness Andy's so supportive!    


I was just worried since it was so late in the day, and I had no way to speak to my employers or do anything else with the application.  But the next morning I was able to confirm with my employers that this visa is acceptable with them and that the Consulate had recommended this for me (which hopefully means approval,right?!).  I didn't hear anything until yesterday (Fri) and finally received the email I had been waiting for.... my visa had been approved!  Until I am holding my passport and visa in my hands, I don't think I'll quite believe it.  However, it is so very wonderful to know that I'm allowed in the country!! 

Did I mention little Toby Chestnut came with us to the Windy City?

My struggle was one I never even thought I'd have:  I completely underestimated this process.  I still have a lot going on, and the stress hasn't completely left, but things are looking up.  And although the time in Chicago was busy and stressful, I really did have an amazing time with my two boys!  I am really going to miss Andy and our little puppy, Toby.  It is hard to believe that I leave in T-18 days.  Unbelievable!  I appreciate all of the prayers and support from my family and friends lately.  And sorry to everyone who has had to listen to me cry over this process!  Leaving so soon has left me highly emotional! I think I'll end this now; sorry for the terribly long post!  Next post I'll write about all the cool experiences from the Chicago trip, including our visit to the Little India neighborhood!  Hopefully this helped some lonesome soon-to-be traveler who is lost with this process.  Keep calm and carry on <3          

It's Official! I'm Going to India!

The countdown has begun.

T-25 Days until Graduation from Southeast Missouri State U.
T-55 Days until I take the dreaded LSAT.
T-85 Days until I leave for Hyderabad, India.

It's Official: I'm going to India for ten months!  I'm the first to admit that I never dreamed this is the path that my life would take.  What happened to the relatively 'safe' 9-5 lawyer gig I had previously planned to pursue?  No idea.  Seriously though, my dream of studying law is still present, it's just been semi-put on hold for a year.  I planned to take a gap year after graduation and before law school, but I had no idea I would be spending my year like this!  However, I like this path that my life has taken, and I doubt I would have been happy sitting behind a desk anytime in the near future.

Here's the deal: I love the idea of being a lawyer.  Through my college internship I've had the opportunity to work for an amazing group of lawyers who truly exemplify all of the 'great' things about being an attorney.  But with this job I also see frustrations;  I've realized that the majority of all cases are plead out and many are sentenced below the recommended guidelines.  It shocked me.  It shouldn't have, because I've learned these things in my classes.  I also understand that 'Law & Order' isn't a correct interpretation of our justice system.  But, I guess I just expected a little more .... justice.  I think I could eventually settle into this atmosphere, but not yet.  After all, these professionals I work with do an amazing amount of work and truly serve the public.  I just do not yet have the patience or perseverance that I see in my bosses.  I feel like I would too quickly lose faith in both humanity and our justice system.  My altruistic 'save the world' attitude keeps pushing me to work in areas where I know I can make a difference.  

So.... India, huh?  Yeah everyone, India.  Last summer I was lucky enough to embark on a month-long experience to Rwanda, Africa, and when I announced this news I got the 'uh...what?' look too.  Seriously.  If you aren't my mom, dad, Andy, or grandparents then you should probably relax a bit.  I'll be fine!  Rwanda stole my heart, and it solidified my devotion to work abroad in areas of sustainable development, which works with vulnerable groups (for example: women and children).  If you drag your attention to the map on the right..... well that's India!  That darker green section near the southern portion is Andrha Pradesh, and Hyderabad is located in this area.  The city is fairly conservative and comprised of a lot of varying cultural and political ideas and influences.  Now what in the world will I be doing in India for ten months?  Well, I'll answer that in much greater detail in my next post.  No worries.  But for now, let me quickly sum it up: 

I am accepting an IDEX Fellowship in the field of Social Enterprise.  I applied thinking it was a long-shot and that I didn't stand a chance.  Goodness I love it when I'm wrong!  Apparently out of 1,200 applicants I made the cut.  I'll be joining about 60 other recent graduates in Hyderabad, India.  Each of us will be working with an affordable private school located in a very poor area of the city, catering solely to the poorest of children in the slums.  NO, I will not be teaching English.  That is not sustainable.  The whole point of the fellowship is to work with these schools and their administrator's to 1. identify what needs improvement 2. create a plan with sustainable features and 3. then implement said plan.  The goal is to create solutions that can be continued by the citizens once foreigners like myself have left the country.  We are working with schools and education because we all know that education means societal improvement aka the path to eradication of poverty!  

That's it in a nutshell.  Yeah, I know there are tons of questions left unanswered, but like I said I'll cover a lot of that in my next post.  I think the reason people give me 'the look' is because they have questions/they are worried about me.  Again, no worries!  I'll be just fine.  Promise!  I think a lot of other people wonder about the time frame.  They're right, ten months is a pretty long time.  In the grad scheme of things, though, it isn't too bad.  Without the love and support of my family and friends it would be a lot harder.  Don't get me wrong, they hate that I'm going.  But.... they understand.  Usually.

Mom 1. Guilting me to come home more 2. Trying to remain 'neutral' 3. Only cries when holidays are mentioned (duh I can't come home for Thanksgiving mom) 4. Wants to console herself by 'borrowing' all of the clothes I can't take with me and using all of my craft stuff

Dad 1. Thinks his baby girl cannot take care of herself aka thinks I'm still 7 years old 2. Constantly asks if planning this trip is interfering with my LSAT study 3. Curious if any law schools will accept me.... I mean I hope so?! 4. Listens but likes to change the subject a lot so he doesn't have to think about it and be super sad that I'm leaving

Grandparents 1. In denial.... but much more aware than last summer when I announced my Rwanda trip 2. Gram repeats everything dad says about the LSAT.  He has her trained! haha       

So as you can see, the countdown has begun.  Weird that everything is like 30 days apart?  Oh well, easier for me to keep up with my countdown that way!  Cannot wait to graduate since that comes first.  BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in the areas of Political Science, Speech Communication, & Criminal Justice.  I currently have a terrible dose of senioritis.  The LSAT follows, and it is going to be horrible.  I've been studying for so long that if I don't do well then there must be something wrong with the test.  After graduation I have a full month of no work and no school; purely LSAT study time.  Greeeeeat.  Anyone who has ever had a logic class or opened a prep book can relate to my pain here.  Both of my jobs are tied to being a student so I lose them as of May 12 which is fine since studying for the LSAT is more important at that point.  After the LSAT, I have a full month of nothing to do but enjoy my time with family and friends (& pack).  That month will seriously be Heaven.         

Click here to see an interesting video the IDEX crew found about my future 'home' city: Hyderabad.  The guy rapping talks a lot about biryani.... a local food that is pretty famous.  Can't wait to try it!  It was shot in Hyderabad so you'll get some great shots of the city.  Sorry for how cheesy it is!