The Importance of Chai [ notes from the field ]

I drank eight cups of tea today. 

I’m lying in bed, another’s, not mine, in a home in Panipat, Harayana. I’m warm beneath my blanket and listening to nothing, a rare moment of near silence in the crazy, chaotic, supercharged world that is India. There are no physical distractions but, even so, my brain wont seem to turn off. It’s buzzing with the homes and faces and stories of the last few hours. And I drank eight cups of tea.

As I sit and think about those little cups of sweet deliciousness, I find it hard not to connect with the once personally preferred, now endlessly frustrating book Three Cups of Tea.  Whatever the outcome of recent news, I feel Greg Mortenson was on to something when he described the importance of tea in Pakistan. Similarly, it seems the mechanics of friendship and business and everyday life in India are fueled on chai. We drink chai in the morning at home and again at work. There are chai breaks in meetings and chai before bed and chai whenever you feel like it in between. If you are invited into someone’s home or office, there will more often than not be an offer (that you would never dream of refusing) of a sweet and steaming cup. I like to think (perhaps I am correct in my assumptions) that any important conversation happening in India, is happening over chai.

As part of my work here on the Subcontinent, in an effort to better understand the realities faced by Dalit individuals, I have had the opportunity to go into the field and meet Dalit people in a variety of communities, as well as the individual activists and advocates working at the grassroots level. During the last day of my trip to Lucknow, and on a more recent trip to Panipat, I’ve attended a monthly meeting of a Women’s Domestic Workers Union and met legal advocates who take cases of atrocities against Dalit’s to the local district court pro-bono. I’ve also met volunteer tutors and Dalit children who study at night, after being forced to abandon their standard course of education. Due to the close connections and relationships formed by my coworkers, I’ve been welcomed into people’s homes to hear their stories and into community meetings to discuss issues and solutions at the local level. And in all of these districts, in all of these homes, over many cups of chai, I’ve sat, and watched, and listened.

Domestic workers at a village meeting, Lucknow, UP, India

Late in the evening, I listened to women from Gronda Village, who work as manual scavengers (cleaning human waste from upper caste homes) for little pay in order to provide for their children’s basic needs and education. They shared how at the end of the day, after their struggle to send their children to school, teachers in the local schools practice untouchability, refusing to teach their children and demanding additional books and resources be supplied from home. The women, some of whom also deal with abusive relationships and alcoholism at home, want to know why their girls should go to school if it is not to be taught, and how they can possibly provide for their family and themselves if they refuse to work as manual scavengers. And I don’t have the answer. The government has promised ration cards for basic needs and scholarships for their children, but the people of Gronda (as is the case for so many) have not seen these promises fulfilled.

Earlier, I met a group of women, men and children, in the Refinery District. They were domestic workers 'employed' by upper caste (or ‘general category’) families working at the refinery. The GC families are provided homes in the district and their children attend school for 50% tuition; they are also allowed to hire a domestic worker, whose salary will be paid by the refinery. This worker, essentially a servant, is provided a single small room on the backside of the property to share with his or her family. According to the government, these workers should receive 3000-4000 Rupees per month (60-80 USD) for basic cleaning and housework with any additional work earning them extra pay. In reality, many of these workers earn little (120R, under 3 dollars) to nothing at all beyond their room. They are expected to be on call 24 hours a day, responding immediately to a chime wired from the main household to their single room. Should a worker refuse additional tasks, or ignore a summons from the homeowners, s/he will simply be forced to pack their bags and leave, loosing his or her home and livelihood in one fell swoop. One of these workers, a relative of the women whose home I was sitting in drinking chai, had been accused by the property owners of stealing. Upon hearing this accusation, the person was arrested  along with a few others, and taken to the police headquarters where they were beaten for 24 hours, after which they were instructed to go home and keep their mouths shut. The activist I came with had became involved through work for another organization. She helped the victim receive medical treatment and later file a lawsuit under the Prevention of Atrocities Act. Though there was clear evidence of police brutality, after months of intimidation, the victim was forced to compromise. To date, even the small compensation granted in the compromise was denied. 

In addition to speaking with various community members, I've watched and listened to activists supported by my NGO, interacting with these groups and struggling to find solutions to the great many issues facing Dalit's across the country. In Lucknow, I met a young women attempting to organize women domestic workers into a labor union. Some women have responded to her work, and moderate achievements have been seen. When organized, the women were able to pressure a homeowner who had been denying due payment to a laborer whom she had fired for being ill and unable to work. Though this activist has generated interest in the union, and women seem to understand the support it can provide workers in times of need, she is having less success helping them understand the benefits of  demanding an equal minimum wage for their labor. "If I do not accept work for whatever payment I am offered," they ask, "how will I support my family and myself?" And again, I do not know the answer.

National Domestic Workers Union: Outside Lucknow, UP, India

A Foundation partner conducts a union meeting, focusing on the topic of demanding  fair minimum wages

What I am learning here, what I am seeing in each and every one of these visits, is that there are no simple answers to the problems facing Dalit communities.  There are questions asked that I can answer in theory, but even in my head my answers sound flat and unconvincing. My foundation does not expect me to know the answers. They don't expect me to solve the problems, for they are not problems I can solve. They expect me to learn; to educate myself so I can understand what and whom the foundation is supporting, and what I am supporting by working here. The expect me to learn, and spread the knowledge I have gained to others, and they expect me to provide support to the foundation where ever my skills allow.

And that is why I am here. I am here to do whatever it is that's asked of me, with the humble hope it will be helpful to my NGO in the work they are doing. I am here to learn and to listen. And hopefully, as I listen, I will begin to understand. And understanding, I think, is the first step in the great ladder towards progress.  

For now, I am thankful to my teachers-- the community members, the activists, my co-workers. I am thankful for the stories they have shared, and the knowledge I have gained from the work my NGO continues to do. I am thankful for the warmth with which I have been welcomed and thankful for the many cups of chai. And I am hopeful that, even when the problem seems too big and all encompassing to tackle, Dalit individuals, with the support from those like the foundation, will inch further towards the path to equality. Further towards the end of caste discrimination. Further towards the finish line in their fight for basic human rights and equality. Listening and Hoping and Fighting. Day by day.

Happy to share a small window to a very different sort of life in a different sort of world that is still our own, 

Emily

[Sidenote: In the event that I am getting annoying, or you simply want a different perspective on the life of a volunteer in India, I've added links to the blogs of a few fellow volunteers in the India section of the right side bar. So have at it my friends, if you so choose. ]

Train[ing]

It’s morning –eight a.m. My companion and I are groggy (seems to be a common occurrence…) and laden with bags that seem to have gained 50 lbs. overnight. We are in Kanpur, enroute to Lucknow, the capitol of Uttar Pradesh. I’m stiff from the previous nights train journey, and staring blankly into space. I am inexplicably calm when, at this point, I should be completely overwhelmed by my surroundings. There are hoards of people, and four times as many packages and luggage parcels filling the platform.  Every few minutes I am jostled by a person or bag and every few minutes one of many men (I presume soldiers or law enforcement of some kind) walks by carrying an enormous riffle. It also doesn’t smell like roses. The screech of an engine tells me a train will arrive, shortly before a blue engine rolls into view. It hasn’t stopped, and certainly hasn’t officially arrived, but after a few seconds the platform looks like one of those chaotic clips you see of the New York Stock Exchange the moment the bell rings. The cars are sliding across the tracks, breaking slightly at each passing second. People are running towards the train, holding onto the railings, jumping into moving door-frames and hanging on for dear life as the train continues to slow, eventually coming to a stop on the platform. In the second after its arrival, it seems like every last person on the platform has rushed the tracks, paying little attention to anything between them and the two feet of air granting entrance to a compartment.  Everyone is determined to be the first through the door. No time for napping. No time for second-guesses. No time for anything. It’s go time. This is when I start to get overwhelmed.

Lucky lucky for me I was one of the few not trying to board the train in question. Also lucky for me, my companion/chaperone mentioned this before I plunged myself into the madness and ended up who-knows-where. Even luckier for me, we had purchased reserved seat tickets and thus avoided the similar mad dash when our own ride arrived. Asssah! I am so lucky!

Now, my friends, we’ve come to the question of the hour? Why was I getting on this train in the first place? As I said, my companion (and co-worker) and I were on our way to Lucknow, about 10 hours East of Delhi. The occasion for the visit was a workshop organized by my NGO, about which I understand you know very little. To be honest I am still trying to sort everything out myself, and find myself filling the space between the lines slowly, one day at a time.  I am still working on the big picture, but I’ll try to answer question number two (What exactly are you doing???) and give you the best I’ve got so far…

The NGO for which I work (henceforth the foundation) was founded to promote equal rights for Dalit (formerly “untouchable”) individuals. In order to do so, the foundation provides small grants to individuals and organizations working on various Dalit issues at the grassroots level in local communities.  It also provides capacity building training in areas such as accounting and fundraising, and legal education and advising, to its partners. Additionally, the foundation provides training to young Dalit Activists through a young professionals program and supports and promotes Dalit Artists and their work. Through its grants and trainings the foundation hopes to empower and aid Dalit’s in their fight for equality.

Got it? No? Not quite sure why they are doing all of this? Not even sure what I mean what I say “Dalit??” Ok, a little history/religious studies lesson…*

India is a predominantly Hindu country and the religion not only helped shape its history, but also continues to permeate many aspects of society today. According to the Hindu tradition, (almost) all people are descendant of the “primal man” Purush and are divided into four castes, or levels, based on origin. The four major castes and their origins are as follows: Brahmins, the highest caste, are said to have come from the head of Purush. The Brahmins are followed by the Kshatriyas from the hands, Vaisyas from the thighs, and Sudras from the feet. These four groups are then divided further into more sub castes than I will ever be able to wrap my brain around. Historically, a person’s caste also dictates their occupation and subsequent place in society. For example, Brahmins are traditionally priests, while Kshatriyas are warriors, and Vaisyas are skilled traders and merchants. In addition to (or as a result of) this system and the occupational roles and social hierarchy it defines, a fourth group exist outside the traditional castes and occupations. This group, those designated as not originating from Purush and thus less worthy that the other groups, were forced into occupations too “impure” for those of the upper castes. These people, the Dalit’s, were then deemed to be “impure,” themselves based on their occupations, often involving animal slaughter, or the removal of animal and human waste or remains. This impurity was deemed so potent, that Dalit’s were forbidden to even drink from the same well or use the same utensils as a member of an upper caste, for fear that the impurity would be passed to the later. Dalits were literally cast to the lowest rungs of society with little means to make their way up the ladder. The caste system largely prevents any movement between castes, and inter-caste marriages were in many cases strictly prohibited.  A person is born into the caste of his or her parents, with the knowledge that his/her children will face the same fate.

To this point, I’ve been using the past tense when describing the plight of Dalit individuals and communities; but the reality is that, for many of India’s Dalit communities, the situation remains unchanged and equally bleak. The caste system is still rigidly enforced in many areas and has pushed beyond religious boundaries, imposing caste hierarchies on Christians, Muslims, Sikhs etc, as well as various tribal groups and minorities finding themselves outside the traditional system. The majority of Dalit’s, whom represent about 16.2 % of India’s 1,170,93800 people, continue to face various levels of caste discrimination in every aspect of life. This can involve segregation and prejudice in school and at the work place, being forced to into bonded labor to pay off enormous debts, having to take up demeaning and unhygienic professions like manual scavenging and, in many cases, finding themselves victim to rampant physical and sexual violence. 

Honestly, it’s a lot to take in and it’s all very intense and overwhelming. That being said, as much caste discrimination seems engrained in society and can seem like an insurmountable problem to solve, there are many dedicated people fighting to do just that. Even earlier, but more prominently since Gandhi preached equality among castes and promoted replacing the term “Untouchables” with “Harijans”, or “Children of G-d,” and Dr. B.R.  Ambedkar, the man considered by most to be the father of the Dalit Rights Movement, helped constitutionally ban the practice of untouchability, individuals and organizations across India have been working tirelessly to eradicate caste-based discrimination. In 1989, Parliament passed the Prevention of Atrocities Act protecting scheduled castes and tribes and in 1997 India elected its first Dalit President. Though these notable (but not all-inclusive) examples mark significant progress in the movement, the race is far from won. The finish line is nowhere in sight. For the millions of people living the realities of caste discrimination, and those still living with the outlawed stigma of untouchability, the fight for equality continues, one day at a time.

So, where does that leave me? It leaves me back in Delhi, having returned from the Lucknow workshop. Having spent 3 days listening to the stories and motivation of 30 Dalit activists, and learning about their past accomplishments, future goals, and work plans. Having met the Young Professionals and having visited one Foundation partner in the field, to observe her work in action (more to come). It leaves me having had many hours to think about the challenges that lie ahead and what my role in the effort will be. Like I said, it’s a lot to take in.

The fact of the matter is that this problem will not be solved in the next two and a half months. Those invested in the fight for equality will continue to fight for years to come with the knowledge that they are trying to pushing a wagon uphill. There will be moments of success and failure, and sometimes it may seem to take all the strength one has to keep the wheels from rolling backwards. All I can do, all I can expect, is to add my hands to the thousands of others on the back of that wagon, even if it seems I will be a mouse among lions.

And that’s where I am.

I am finding my way in India and finding my way at work and reminding myself that a year and a half ago I couldn’t even place my humble abode in Pyeongtaek on a map or figure out how to eat without launching a chopstick across the table, let alone understand anything that was going on in my life. In fact, in the last two weeks I have gained a better understanding of how the foundation works, than I ever had in regards to the inner workings of Banji. Now, if I could just find a place to buy some cheese….

One day.

I’m sorry if this post was confusing, and that I didn’t really get around to a direct answer to question number two. I’ll work on that, I promise. For the time being, I can’t pretend that I am not confused 90% of the time as well.  So, my friends, I ask that you stick around a bit longer. As I learn more about my work, more about India, and more about my place in this world, I’ll be sure to share a little bit with all of you. Maybe, eventually, we will all understand.

For now, I leave you with this little nugget of everyday life, so we can all remember that life is not all work and no play, and also that I really love food.  In my efforts to figure out what and where I am supposed to be eating and what will not, in fact, make my hate my life a few hours down the road, I have taking to snacking on Sev Puri a few afternoons a week.  I am not sure it passes the “no street food” line of advice I was given at orientation, but I’m working with what I’ve got.  It’s basically an amazingly delicious concoction, which I can best describe as a sweet, spicy, crunchy chips and salsa with a spoon type situation. It’s pretty rad, and if it were culturally appropriate I would probably eat a bucket full in each sitting… Super. Size. Please. Nomnomnomnomnom.

राम राम, 

Emily

 

*Please note that I am in no way an expert on either the Hindu religion or the history of the caste system and its implications. I am doing my best to learn as much as I can, as quickly as possible, in order to inform my volunteer work, but a girl can only absorb so much at one time.  What I’ve noted here as a summery of what I have learned so far. Should I find any mistakes or false assumptions in the future, or should anyone inform me of an error I've made, I will make every effort to correct the information presented.

Sources: Caste and Class: U.S. Library of Congress, Wikipedia/org/wiki/Dalit, www.ambedkar.org... I will try to do this more officially in the future.

Namaste, New Delhi.

 It’s a little after midnight in Delhi, about 1 pm back home. I’ve been traveling for the last twenty hours but, as far as I can tell, my brain is functioning at at least 80%. I’ve managed to retrieve my pack and remembered to withdraw some funds, and I’ve successfully (and miraculously) found my name on a crumpled 8x10 sheet of paper. I’d actually had to dig out my glasses to read the sign held aloft by one man in a sea of hundreds, all waiting for what seemed like an unreasonable amount of passengers arriving at the late/early hour. After assuring my welcoming committee was indeed from Hotel Payal (don’t do it, if you can help it…) I followed him to the car and attempted to stay awake for the ride into the city. This should have been easy-peasy, given the sheer number of cars on the road and the corresponding amount of horn honking and break slamming that ensued. I have never in my life witnessed that volume of 1 am traffic and, in my delirium (and to date), could not for the life of me figure out what everyone was doing on the road.  Alas, the wear of travel caught up with me. For about an hour, I faded in an out of consciousness, occasionally waking up to stare in amazement before slipping away again. On one such occasion I actually shook myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming because, in the midst of the cars and trucks and honking and chaos, I saw before me a beautiful white horse draped in a red blanket embroidered with glittering gold. And atop that blanket sat a guard (for lack of a better word) dressed in a crisp red jacket, with gleaming gold buttons. Perhaps I had over estimated that 80% because trotting down the side of the biggest traffic jam I’ve ever been a part of, was what seemed like some sort of cross between a Canadian Mounty and a member of the British Royal Guard. I had to be hallucinating.

Nine groggy hours later (number 7 may or may not have been interrupted by a brass band in the street below…apparently part of a wedding celebration) I found myself in a van, with three other volunteers. We spent the next hour or so learning about each other, talking about our flight/airport/hotel experiences, and discussing our first impressions of Delhi. One volunteer even asked if anyone else had seen a horse on her way into the city... Aha! Either we were having joint hallucinations before ever having met each other, or I am at least as sane as she is!

First impressions being what they are, none of us really had any idea what was going on, and we certainly had no idea where we were going. We had started in the crowded, crazy, over-stimulating, backpacker district and worked our way past the city outskirts, passing loads of construction, glittering corporate offices, new shopping centers, and high-rise complexes reminiscent of Korea. Eventually we entered an area filled with various walled and gated compounds labeled as Farms. Seeing as I can’t see over or through brick walls, I am forced to imagine the land on the other side; something tells me the picture I’ve painted isn’t entirely (or at all) accurate.  After about an hour, we arrived at the orientation site, a research complex slash retreat that, after the chaos of Delhi, seemed like an oasis of calm and wide-open space.

Over the next five days, the seven volunteers were oriented to practical and cultural life in India, as well as the literal, moral, and theoretical implications of volunteering here and elsewhere.  In the first few hours, we were welcomed to India and our volunteer cohort, given an overview of AJWS, wrapped in Sari’s, and taken shopping for some staple Indian clothing here.  After some much needed dinner and a good-ish nights sleep, we dove into topics such as: Health and Safety (Don’t drink village water, Always wear bug spray), an Overview of Indian History, Cultural Do’s and Don’ts (Don’t touch anyone, or any written works with your feet, Always try to finish everything on your plate), and Practical Info for Living in India (Yes the rickshaw driver will try to charge you 3x as much as an Indian, No you should not just go with the flow and pay the inflated price). Orientation also gave us a platform to discuss thoughts on responsible volunteering, ethical photography and blogging, Jewish values in relation to volunteering as well as extensive cultural orientation.

Now, I’ve been through my fair share of orientation and staff trainings and fellowship retreats and usually leave feeling less than stellar about the use of my time and energy. While it is inevitable that some sessions will be more enjoyable than others, and some things simply need to be said and discussed, I felt this orientation left me far more comfortable and far better prepared to dive into my placement than I would have expected. It provided a great “soft entry” into the country and volunteer work, and I found myself repeatedly thinking I wish someone had shown me this before I started teaching in Korea…

Not only did I find many of the sessions relevant and well organized, there was also plenty of time to get to know each other and get to know the country. One evening we were invited to the home of one of our coordinators, an amazingly warm and maternal Indian woman (with a ridiculously impressive background in social justice work in India), who proceeded to provide us with a full-fledged, home-cooked Indian Feast. And this was no I will cook you a few hearty dishes and get you all good and fed sort of dinner party; but, rather a decidedly I am going to fill you with so many delicious things, you will eat so much that you cant breath sort of evening. Our host cooked upwards of 30 different dishes ranging from appetizers and snacks, to mixed dishes, and curries, and breads, and chutneys, and sweets, and far more things than I have ever associated with Indian food in my life.  Given my deep and lasting love for all things food-related… how could she fail to win my heart!

Our final two days of orientation were spent alongside representatives from our NGOs, who took time out of there very busy schedules to get to know us a little better, and participate in sessions outlining our mutual expectations and understanding some of the cultural differences we will face. It was great to finally connect faces with names, and learn a bit more about my NGO and the work they do. I am looking forward to learning more about the many aspects of the organization and my specific projects, and know that this clarity will come in time.

 I look forward to sharing a bit more about my project with you all as it comes, not to mention a bit more about what I am sure will be a wonderful, ridiculous, frustrating, strange, enlightening, and exciting first few weeks in Delhi.

What I won’t be doing is sharing my deepest insights on the Super Bowl and/or Puppy Bowl because I definitely forgot that was happening…. My B. Occupational hazard.

Namaste, Emily

Say goodbye [to the person you were].

1/28/2012 - So, here I am again... sitting in an airport (in Paris, to be exact) half-way to somewhere that is far away from home.

The last few months have been a lovely blend of lazy, crazy, and wonderful. In a nutshell... I spent my time moving out of my childhood home, catching up with old friends and connecting stateside with some GEPIK-Sconnies, having amazing amounts of family time, running with my momma and doggie, and crashing on my sisters couch in the city. It was pretty grand. And then I left, again.

A little over a week ago I was sitting on my friends couch in Madison, catching up on what's been going on since we all returned from Daehanminguk, when my friends asked me about my upcoming move/project/leap-of-faith. I explained about as much as I know:  that I will be working at a local NGO in New Delhi, as part of the AJWS Volunteer Corps for three months, that my foundations supports self-advocacy and social change within the Dalit community, and that I will be working with one of their youth leadership programs, and helping with some professional development for different partners of the NGO. Being the wonderful people they are, my friends ensured me they were jealous that I was going somewhere new, and that the project (as vague as it may seem) sounded very cool/interesting/important, before one of them chimed in with "Well, I guess we better say goodbye to the person you are now."

While, at the time, I thought his statement may be a bit melodramatic, there's more likely than not a bit (or a lot) of truth in my friends insight. I certainly changed during my previous year+ in Asia. I am more patient and easygoing, and can take a silly life-thrown curve-ball-fast-ball-hybrid like it's no ones business (thanks Korea) I've had time to asses those things that are important to me, and recognize those I can leave in the past. And I've (re)learned to appreciate how wonderful it is to come home to the people and places that have known you through it all.

My upcoming experience in India is going to be a whole different ball game than my previous Asia-centered adventures. Sure, I am moving to another country (in Asia) where I don't speak the language, know little about the culture, and generally will have no idea whats going on. I am also moving somewhere where the level of spice in the food is likely to lead to awkward eating-sweating-crying-runny nose situations...perhaps the game is played on the same field, or in the same uniform, or with the same ball. None of those metaphors really seem accurate, but there is something just similar enough, making me feel like I really can do this. And that's where it ends. While I don't know the specifics of my job, and do know that there is no way to anticipate some of the challenges I will face, I am pretty sure that both the work and the work environment (and life in general) will be quite different than my year at Banji 초 and my time in Pyeongtaek. I am sure I will face different struggles and challenges, and learn to question my life and others through a very different lens. Maybe I am saying goodbye to the person I was when I left. Maybe I will be a better version of myself on the other end of the story. For that, my friends, we wait and see. I hope you stick around for the ride, maybe you'll even change a bit yourselves along the way.

Au revoir from Paris... 

नमस्ते from India, 

Emily

_____________________

1/31/2012 - I just wanted to let you all know that I did make it here safe and sound. I am at orientation outside of Delhi, which has been a great soft entry to the country. I've found our sessions thus far extremely helpful, and it has been interesting getting to know the 6 other program participants and the AJWS Staff. I have a few more days here before diving into Delhi head first and have a nagging sensation that this all is just the calm before the storm.. I'll let you know when I get there. e.

Oh heyyy [Update]

Heyyyyy friends! Where have you been??? Or, to be fair, where have I been? Oh, you know... around.

Enough of the conversation with myself? Fine. Where have I been? Welp, when I left you last I was hunkered down in a PC Bang, approximately 6556 miles over the ocean, having just pack up a years worth of life, wrapped up a years worth of job, and cried a years worth of tears. I will assume you all knew I was a huge cry baby already and did not pass judgement.

Moving on, since the end of August I've bounce around quite a bit. More specifically, I spent some time in Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, before hopping on a plane bound for the good old US of A. It was a pretty rad few months, to say the least.

Upon my arrival in the land peanut butter and Diet Coke, I decided to spend a few days in sunny California with some lovelies, exploring a little bit of the lovely city that is San Fransico.  Three owl costumes, one hot fudge sundae and a creepy prison later, I found myself back in my childhood home of Buffalo Grove. For about a second.

A few weeks before I flew home, my dearest mother informed me that we had finally sold the house and would be moving into a rental on her birthday (17 days after my arrival).  This meant two very important things: One, I would arrive home to a flurry of boxes being packed, unpacked, repacked, hauled to the lake, sent to goodwill, labled for the move etc. And two, my mother would celebrate her birthday by having a brownie with a candle forced on her by yours truly, exactly as the movers showed up to start hauling furniture. Wohooo happy birthday mom! All things considered, I decided to be helpful.

Fast forward to the present (a few weeks later) and I am writing to you not from my own, but from my sisters childhood bed, in my new home in brand new (to me) Chicago suburb. The boxes are [mostly] unpacked, the fam is largely settled, Thanksgiving has come and gone, I even got my teeth cleaned.  I have no more excuses.

More lengthy and visual reflections on the past few months of my life will follow; but, for now, it's time to fill you all in on the events that will take place in my life in the near future.

Those of you keeping track at home may remember that a while back I shared with you the exciting news that I will be volunteering with American Jewish World Service as part of AJWS Volunteer Corps this coming winter.

I will be traveling to India to volunteer with a community-based non-profit organization. During my time abroad, I will be donating my time to assist a local organization working against poverty, hunger and disease. While I have yet to learn the specifics of my individual placement, I anticipate a very challenging and rewarding experience. I hope that donating my energy and skills will help advance the quality of life in the community where I will be living and working. I hope that by sharing my knowledge, I can help people create the world they deserve.

As I mentioned, my volunteer work is being organized by American Jewish World Service (AJWS).  

AJWS is an international development organization motivated by Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice. AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. Through grants to grassroots organizations, volunteer service, advocacy and education, AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship within the Jewish community.

Basically, I am trying to use my skills to do some good in the world. And you know what? 

You can help!  Say whatttttttt!?

Over the next few weeks, I will be selling original photographs taken during my time abroad. By purchasing one of these photos, you will be helping me support international development and social justice. All proceeds from the sale of these pieces will be put towards cost of living (room and board) expenses throughout my placement. Any funds remaining at the conclusion of my three month volunteer commitment will be donated directly to the American Jewish World Service, in order to fund similar programs throughout the developing world.

I encourage you to visit my Photo Sale page (using the link under the Beautiful Commotion header) and check the original art for sale! Please feel free (and feel that I want you to!) share the link with anyone whom you think may be interested in either or both the photos and my volunteer efforts.

I am looking forward to sharing my experience, and spreading knowledge about the work AJWS does throughout the world, in the coming months. I encourage you to continue to follow Beautiful Commotion. I would also be happy to provide you with more information regarding the American Jewish World Service and Volunteer Corps.

Thank you so much for your support. Please know that you are making a difference! I am very excited to share this next part of my life, and the knowledge I will gain, with all of you!
For those in Chicago, I look forward to seeing you before I hop on that next plane! I missed you!

For now,
Emily

Dirty Little Secret

Ok, I have another confession and I apologize in advance. It's not that I have been lying to you. I just haven't been telling. Not because I don't want to. Not because I am trying to keep secrets from you. I have just forgotten to tell or haven't had enough information to tell. Now that I've remembered and I do (have slightly more information), I'll get on with it.

First, in my complete and total wonder over the genius that is a chicken-cola-cup and my excitement over the amazing display of badass-ness that was the last Harry Potter movie, I forgot to tell you that I got new glasses. Am I the most Korean ever now? It think so. Also, this is what happens when you move to Korea and don't cut your hair for a year...Also, I just realized there is probably a little to much pattern in this outfit to be acceptable. My bad.

The other thing. That nagging question. That source of a wildly amusing amount of confusion and rumors. "Emily!?!!?? When are you coming home?!?? I hear your coming to visit camp when you come home!! I heard your moving to Africa!!! What are you doing with your life!?!? Are you moving to the city!?! Are you going to teach in Chicago!?!? Oh, that other thing.

Well.... Unclear. No. No. Unclear, but most likely teaching with some other stuff mixed in along the way. No for now, yes eventually, to the last two. Fair?

That didn't make sense? Fine. I guess an explanation is in order. My contract in the ROK ends September first, at which point I will be going to Malaysia for 10 days with some chingus. From there things get a little murky. I will share eventually. Not today.

For now I will tell you that I will most likely find myself back in Chicago-land sometime in the fall. Woohooo, let's hang out! I will be home for a few months to absorb a bit of good old hometown American comfort, crash on people couches in the city and consume as much peanut butter, cheese and Diet Coke as I can get my hands on. I will also probably try to find some short term work and will definitely be doing a bit of personal fundraising beacauseee..........

Woohooooo! Surprise! I am going to India in January!!!!

Now, before you get all "OMG Emily this is so typical! I can't believe you're leaving again! Aren't you ever coming home for good!" let me elaborate because it's actually a really wonderful opportunity and something I am really excited about.

Last month I was accepted, and I recently sent my commitment letter, to the American Jewish World Service (AJWS) Volunteer Corps. Volunteer Corps places Jewish professionals (sometimes it's hard to believe I'm considered a professional...) with grassroots NGOs working to promote and advance social justice and international development, and fight poverty in the developing world. I will be volunteering for about three months in India, though the details of my placement have yet to be determined. I am extremely humbled to have been given such an opportunity and hope that whatever skills I have to offer will make a positive impact on the community in which I am working. I hope that you are as excited as I am about this opportunity and I look forward to sharing my experiences with as many people as possible when the time comes. Asaaaah! On to the next one!

So, where exactly does that leave me? Ideally a bit of Albun Sisters adventures and a successful completion of my Volunteer Corps term of service will bring me to sometime around May 1, 2012. This is my self imposed deadline for being home for good-ish, pulling my Stateside life back together and starting the Windy City job search. Anyone know an Art teacher retiring next Spring? If so, we seriously need to talk....

Well, there you have it. I hope I've cleared the air a bit and, now that you've heard my out, feel free to go back to thinking I am completely ridiculous. 

See you around my friends... eventually. 

Anyeong[hikheseyo].
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