01 May 2012
On the train into NYC to go for the third time to India visa center. Who would have thought it would be so difficult to get a visa. The first difficulty was the need to get an employment visa which is stated clearly on the India visa web site. If one is volunteering with an NGO then one is required to get an employment visa. You might think the same as I did but I am not going to be employed by the NGO. So what information do I need? Good question and even the visa outsourcing place didn't know. So, I'm here for the third time. Wish me luck!
On the train into NYC to go for the third time to India visa center. Who would have thought it would be so difficult to get a visa. The first difficulty was the need to get an employment visa which is stated clearly on the India visa web site. If one is volunteering with an NGO then one is required to get an employment visa. You might think the same as I did but I am not going to be employed by the NGO. So what information do I need? Good question and even the visa outsourcing place didn't know. So, I'm here for the third time. Wish me luck!
I am trying to stay calm and believe that for some reason I was not meant to start at Project HOPE on May 1st. OK, it is what it is and all I can do is keep trying.
I have sort of packed for my six months. The temperature in New Delhi will be around 100 degrees. My fellow Indians at work think that I will need to dress conservatively in the office. Seema suggested that I just buy clothes over there, long sleeve tops and leggings. That sounds good to me as I like the thin cotton Indian clothes. I'll come home with a new wardrobe. Most of the items in my suitcase are consumables such as hard to get items, sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries.
My greatest fear is the crowds in the city and the smells. I have heard some horror stories about people defecating on the streets-not good. Imagine the smells heightened by the heat, crowds and I haven't even talked about the monsoon season which starts in June and runs into July!
When I applied for the GHF program I had hoped to be based in Africa. When we apply, the GHF program matches you with the NGO, so we don't get to choose. This is pushing me bit more out of my comfort zone. When I think about this I am reminded of the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. The story is about a boy trying to find a treasure and only until he has gone through some very difficult situations is he able to find that his treasure is in his back yard. Often we are searching for happiness but can't find it because we are not ready. Having experiences/adventures enhances our life and we can become more content with what we have and find that happiness has been there all along. Often, only when we change how we think, from experiences can we be content.
I go through life and try to make the best of it. I have wonderful friends and family who love me and care about me and a good home. I have visited some wonderful places and along the way have accomplished two Masters degrees. Am I still searching for happiness or am I trying to make the best of what the world has to offer. This is what I believe is true and I have a good life.
This is indeed a good way to keeping in touch. Your writing made me feel we were talking in person. I like your intriguing thought about finding happiness. Wish you the best!
ReplyDeleteI think it is good to continually search for happiness. Happiness is transient. Once you obtain some amazing thing that makes you happy, you begin to take it for granted. So happiness must be renewed. You have talked to me about the project you want to do when you come back to work in the states. That is a great plan to continue your happiness and enjoyment of life.
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