Day 1 in Inda

Day 1- I was instantly greeted by India's warm sun and humid temperature. I immediately noticed the docile dogs, even at the airport and the busyness of the people. This appeased some of my anxiety as some of you who know me know that I am petrified by dogs (and I have legitimate reasons for being so fearful of them :(. One moment that made me laugh was approaching our cab and preparing to sit in the right side passenger seat, only to learn that this passenger seat was actually the drivers seat. It was such a western world mistake. I am so programmed to being and acting a certain way. Becoming mindful of not just the moment, but the context is definitely a goal of mine. Driving in India is quite eventful. Cars, 3-wheel taxis, motor-cyles and trucks make up the ensemble of traffic spread across any given Indian street with people dashing from side to side, almost akin to the game frogger. Except people are the frogs and crossing the street is a real life task. Yikes. While driving in the taxi, we were then greeted by India's rain. There is no such thing as light raindrops before a storm as the rain precipitated pretty hard, pretty quickly. I immediately noticed most people who were dwelling outside were immuned to the rain. One woman who was putting together necklaces with her feet that her children were trying to sell stayed put continuing on her work where she was sitting, despite the hard and heavy raindrops that seemed so sudden. My colleagues and I  are staying on the campus of the Tata Institute for Social Sciences (TISS) and the campus is directly parallel to a slum neighborhood here in Mumbai (sounds familiar right?). My view from outside my room overlooks a mountain top, with a house on the hill. The food has been amazing. Last night we ate some type of bean dish with fallafals in a delicious curry chutney. Tea isn't tea out here, its chai. and its the greatest tea I have ever had in my  life. Tea is served with sugar and milk already in it. My uncle Vell (RIP) would have been in love with the tea out here. Staying on this campus will definitely serve to have some amazing benefits: one of which will be the incredible people I will meet. I have already met a professor that teachers at the university of San Diego who is out here on a Fulbright doing research on multi-lingual student's and their challenges adjusting to a classroom. She asked join me for a breakfast and I was blown away by her incredible stories and interests. I pray I meet more people like Dr. Maya and I am looking forward to our morning tea and breakfast chats. My body is still adjusting to the time difference (9.5 hours) but I have been buzzing around since 5:30am Indian time.This journey has just begun but one that is full of promise, growth and excitement. 2 Samuel 7: Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the lord is with you.