Wrapping up RUHSA November 11, 2008

My final address in India will be:

 

Chelsea Koloski

Indian Institute of Science Field Station

Masinagudi P.O.

Nilgiris District

Tamil Nadu

643223

INDIA

 

Well, to tell the truth I don’t think I’ve been more homesick than I am today. Tate left yesterday back for Germany and I will not be reunited with the St. Olaf group until tomorrow. It’s funny that I can be as lonely as I am with so many darn people around.

 

Enough of the sob story; I have a lot to catch everyone up on!

 

My last week at RUHSA was absolutely amazing. Diwali was an incredible holiday and I felt like it was a mix between Christmas and the 4^th of July. People celebrated in the strangest ways. I saw everything from goats being slaughtered and people drowning chickens, to people lighting off baskets of fireworks and handing out gifts. The streets were adorned with flower garlands and everyone walked around saying “Happy Diwali” which sounded more like “Hoppy Divvolli!”

 

I also spent my last night at Radhika’s house. We spent all afternoon playing with the fold out Frisbees that I brought from home and all evening lighting off firecrackers that Reba described as “a little more cracker than fire.” It sounded like gunshots throughout the country but there was little sparkle and flare.

 

Saying goodbye to Radhika, Pravie, Priya, and Balaji (among others!) was hard. It is unsettling for me to know how my life will unfold verses theirs. I see so much potential in them but know that they will never be given the opportunities that my life has given, and will give, me. I will have many stories about them when I get home. I will without-a-doubt miss them more than anyone in India.

 

My first project also ended. I gave a presentation to a small hospital panel interested in my conclusion. My stark findings in regards to the poor dental health didn’t seem to phase them which leads me to believe that it will still be awhile until rural areas are educated about oral heath. I have hopefully left some sort of footprint on the people of Chennagkuppam!

 

I was planning on posting all about my wonderful travel break now but it will have to wait until tomorrow. I miss you all more than you know. I wish I was there right now.