Wednesday, September 10, 2008

My First Impressions...

I have arrived safely here in Kerela. It is an absolutely beautiful
place, so green, verdant and lush, truly a tropical paradise. I love
all the palm trees and banana trees. However, as beautiful as the
landscape is there is a lot of visible poverty here. This is very
disheartening and one of the main reasons I have come to Kerela; to
learn about how to respond to such injustices not only in India but in
the U.S.A when I return. I have so much to learn about the social
structures that are in place that keep a caste system or in the case
of America a class system alive today.
I have already experienced some culture shock which according to our
trusted site coordinator doesn't go away completely for 6-9 months. We
have been staying at Thomas John Achen's (pastor) house for the past
week. We, myself and 5 other volunteers from America, are learning
about the culture, the history, and the economy of Kerela and how it
is affected by the rest of the world, especially the U.S. We are also
learning Malayalam, the regional language here in Kerela and having
daily bible studies. I enjoy looking at the bible from a social
justice point of view and seeing how Jesus responded with truth and
with love to many of the injustices of his time, which are very much
still in existence today, such as prejudice and intolerance. I have had many rich
conversations about politics and religion here and look forward to
having many more in the future.
I also have enjoyed some 'delicious' Indian food. Be careful when
using the word delicious here unless you really mean it. Being overly
nice as Americans often do is seen as ingenuine and is discouraged
here. Actions speak louder then words, therefore asking for seconds
implies that you enjoyed the meal. I have loved eating breakfast,
lunch, and dinner with Achen, his wife, all the volunteers, and any
visitors. It is like we are one big happy family. My favorite time of
day is tea time at 4:00. And may I say the tea here is "DELICIOUS."
May I have another cup:).
We have ventured into the city almost everyday, besides the days when
it has rained all day. The Monsoon was suppose to be ending in July
but because of unusual weather patterns (global warming?) it is still
raining in September. I rather enjoy the rain, especially when reading
or learning Malayalam or sleeping. The constant pitter patter of the
rain gives me comfort in this foreign place. On the days it hasn't
rain we have gone shopping for Saree's which we will be wearing most
of the year, visiting friends and family of Achen, and today we got to
ride an Asian elephant. I have enjoyed all our outings although as a
group of white Americans we attract a lot of stares, (which can be
taken as I am the weird white person or as I like to see it, I am
famous!) Oh and in case you ever venture to this part of the world the
driving here is crazy, two lanes turns into four!!! I am out...more to come soon, or at least the next time I get internet access:).

2 comments:

danny said...

Hi Ariel...not sure if my first comment made it through...love your blog, wish I was there.I've always wanted to travel in India. I know its tough, I remember the first 3 months in Malaysia, the language training, the smells, the foods everything was different and the desire to come home was always present... but I come to love it and miss it, even now...we will see you soon because time will pass swiftly...Peace and Love Danny

Unknown said...

Ariel - I am so glad to read about your experience. It sounds beautiful - take pictures. You will be learning so much - and this experience will have a great effect on your life. Stay well, and I look forward to keeping up with your time in India!
blessings,
susan