first wanted to say that the reading's been great so far. it's so cool to see that everyone is having such a different experience post-college, and that everyone is really finding something (even if it's more questions) in this journey.
i am currently writing from Delhi, India - where I will be for only a few more short days. I came to India with a fellowship I recieved from an international development organization based in the US. They support all local, grassroots NGOs working in developing countries and often send volunteers to these organizations - to learn about local development issues, from a local perspective.
So, in late August, after a brief summer flirtation with Saratoga restaurant life followed by an epic cross country trip to LA (where my family moved, just 10 days before I left for India) .. I landed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. There, I attended a month long training and orientation with 10 other recent college grads who are also placed in different organizations all around India.
(river near where I stayed...it was beautiful, though somewhat brown)
(rural area, crazy landscape with black rocks)
I felt extremely lucky to be placed in a rural area, where all kinds of new and beautiful plants flourished just outside my window and all around me. 
(visit to a village, all the children with their teacher who showed me around)
The landscape was unlike any I'd ever seen, and the community was warm and welcoming - though no one spoke English. Just as I was getting into things there, I had to leave as some problems were caused by some of the NGO staff.
I've come to Delhi now to figure things out but will likely be heading up toward a city called Bhuj, located in the sand deserts of India. There, I will work to organize and train various women's groups, helping them to take control over local issues.
It's been a long and interesting adjustment and I've had to really change the expectations I had of this entire upcoming ten months. Many things will be different now that I am in another part of India, one that is hot (115 degrees in the summer months) and dry - more like a small city than a rural area. And trying to create a life (getting an apartment here, learning to cook, getting into a schedule of working life) in a totally foreign country sometimes feels like a daunting task - but an exciting one at that!
A few things I have learned for sure
- the village life is beautiful: so harmonious and peaceful, despite the lack of resource, there is a contentedness that is entirely fulfilling.
- we have a long time to explore, just because we are not able to have one kind of experience right now - it doesnt mean we can't have it later.
- communication doesn't have to happen through language
- writing and yoga are important daily practices to kee
So, I have a lot more things to share, but if you're into it - you can also read my blog - katielivesindia.blogspot.com ! (sorry for the self promotion)
otherwise, if anyone is interesting in exploring my area of India, (beautiful crafts, desert climate, recently rebuilding sustainable structures after an earthquake in 2001) you have a free place to stay and I will most certainly cook you all the indian recipies I am adding to my repetoire. (currently...rice)
hope everyone is well ! looking forward to reading more posts!
Katie
Katie- I love you.
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