last day of internship

Namaste!

Saturday was my last day of my internship.  Overall it’s been a great experience and I’m very sad to leave my Indian colleagues.

I’ve learned a lot while working here...about the NGO sector and the complexity of development work, about village life in Western Rajasthan, cross cultural communication and professional collaboration, and most importantly I’ve learned some more about myself. I’ve definitely learned that I don’t want an “office job” (sitting in a hot quiet office from 9-6 got old) and I feel I gained more patience from this experience. 

I’m still processing how “foreigners” can best help in developing countries… The language barrier (which can be overcome) and cultural differences (which can be understood/appreciated but not really overcome) provide challenges to doing impactful work.  I believe the best way to facilitate meaningful, sustainable change is from within the local community.  More reflection and exploration on this is needed… 

Another funny take away from my time at UNNATI, is that I go ½ way around the world to try something different and I end up creating an Intern Orientation Manual, discussing turn over, and doing some executive coaching (among other things)…all activities I did in my “previous” life with Clear Channel University.  I guess you can take the girl out of executive coaching, but you cant take the executive coaching out of the girl. 

Sunday was a fun day off.  I took Anushree to abacus class and then “ran errands” with my friend Michael.  My host family treated me to a special farewell dinner last night.  It was so nice to sit outside and celebrate our time together.  Anushree slept with me last night.  It’ll be hard for us to part.  We are already planning her trip to America to visit me in 7 years….and I know I’ll be back. 

I’ll be leaving Jodhpur on Tuesday to begin my “holiday” travel. During my 1-month journey, I’ll get to see more of India than most Indians will ever get to see in their lifetime.   I have my 1^st 2 weeks “planned” (as much as anything can be planned in India).  I’ll be visiting Jaipur (the Pink City), Agra (Taj Mahal), Delhi and then Varanasi (the holiest site for Hindus-along the Ganges).  I’m blessed to have good friends as travel partners… Bruce is joining me for the Jaipur, Agra, Delhi portion and then Michael and I will connect for Varanasi and beyond. 

I hope you are all well.  Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I embark on my journey.