Sat Nam Grounding

I woke up this morning feeling energized and curious, much different than what I expected.

The trip up to campus last night from the airport took about 45 minutes on a winding, half-flooded, unpaved road. It was dark, so I had no idea what I was looking at as students and my cousin pointed out buildings and various locations to me through of the rugged school bus windows.

I was exhausted anyway.

We arrived at the top of the hill to an open campus with about 7-8 buildings and a decent sized open field. In the main office building, my cousin led us up to the faculty lounge, which consisted of a dining area, kitchen, large over-seeing porch, and a ladder leading to the roof. It was a new moon.

I believe last nights’ moon was symbolic of what lies ahead of me: new moon, new place, new me.

We met some of the faculty also last night. They have been here 5 months already, and seem a bit clicky. Andrew dove in and joined the post-second-semester party. I was too tired to converse, too curious to sit still, so I had my cousin show me to my room quickly.

My living quarters are a small 8X11 room with a sink, shelf/closet, and a bed made of a thin piece of egg carton foam atop a wood plank, draped in thin sheets. There is a bathroom adjoining my room to other teachers’.

Waking this morning, I feel slightly scared. I think I will bond mostly with Kevin, my cousin. Andrew will most likely join the “boys’ club” and be way too busy.

I anticipate this.

I intend to use my resources so, here, I set my intentions:

1. Learn from the students and locals
2. Learn from my fellow teachers and administration
3. Learn from texts and education materials
4. Meditate on Self

Being present is key. I just need to remember to let myself have fun, too.