An Easy Decision

A few days ago, my friends finished their time in their villages. They packed their bags, gave out hugs and photographs, and left their communities. I’m the last one living in a village. Now, when I hear rats scuttling in my room, when my toes turn numb from the cold water while I shower, when I find another stone in my rice, I can no longer comfort myself that somewhere miles away, my friends are struggling through the same things.

I decided to extend my grant months ago. It wasn’t even really a decision for me – it was that easy. But when I talked to people back home, I realized it can sometimes be difficult for people to understand why I would want to stay. It was such a jarring contrast for me, that it was hard for people to see what I love and find so fulfilling about life in my little village at the top of a hill when I see it so clearly.

So here goes:

• People genuinely care how you’re doing. I was sick a few days ago. Sick enough that I stayed in bed all day hunkered under my blankets. Unfortunately for my desire for solitude, I had a stream of visitors. Students brought me little homemade sweets, the fruit and vegetable shop sent a grapefruit, a woman came by with tea, and so many other things. And since then, people still stop me on the street all the time to ask how I’m feeling and make sure I’m feeling better. I love how much everyone in the village truly cares about each other.

• The views are amazing. Beautiful rolling hills as fall as the eye can see with the Himalayas towering in the background, keeps my spirits up no matter what.

I get to work with these kids. Hands down, my favorite part of my day is being with them. Sometimes when they’re all busy working on something, I’ll just look around, absorb their energy, and laugh. Everything from their energetic, “Good morning Ms. Katie!” to their optimism and maturity always makes me thrilled to be here. I spend eight hours with them (more if I’m doing home visits), and when they leave, I can’t wait to see them the next day.

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• Everyday, adventure awaits. Whether it’s playing with new-born baby goats, getting chased by the monkeys that terrorize my village (actually they just terrorize me), or playing a game of soccer, there’s always something to do. It’s not always fun (like placing cow dung on the floors to make a new layer of floor or sitting around for a two-hour worship session), but it’s always interesting.

I’m obviously writing this from the perspective that I’m here temporarily. I call get to call the daily challenges “adventures”, but they just call them “life”, just like you probably wouldn’t marvel at the “adventure” of grocery shopping or any other routine part of your day.

When I think about the fact that I’m leaving in a few months, it hurts. I truly love this little village and my life here. But now I know: anyone can thrive anywhere as long as they’re surrounded by people who care about them.

I don’t know how I got to be so lucky.