There is always a reason.

There was a reason my dad taught me to ride a bike: so I could bike in Chicago and in India. There was a reason my mom fed us spicy Thai currys: so I could eat spicy currys in India. There is a reason why I always loved to sit cross-legged (or "Indian style") at my mom's dining room table: because one day I'd be eating on the floor, cross-legged in India.

Everything is going great still. I spend several hours everyday at Ramtedki (the slum). Visiting homes and teaching the children (English, Marathi, Math, Drawing). I see the CSW women at least once a week. Hope that in these next five weeks it is more frequent than that.

My birthday celebration was really nice. In the morning the HCC office celebrated with cake, the children in Ramtedki sang me Happy Birthday and ate candy, then I had a dinner at my place. Surita (who I go to Ramtedki with) helped me put it together. I helped her make chicken curry and rice for twelve guests. And I wore a saree for the first time! I would not have picked any other way to spend my birthday in India. Thank you for all the birthday wishes!

I've been able to attend many prayer meetings. I'm learning a lot about prayer.

Something else I have had a chance to spend more time doing: keeping life simple and trusting in God.

Hannah Joy.