13 Years

I'm back at the orphanage, MBKG Pannai or Family Village Farm, in the countryside near Vellore, Tamil Nadu.

The last time I was here...
I was 19 years old.
I stayed for 3 months.
I had seen zero other parts of India or Indian culture, or the world.
I made friends with Avinash Sundas.
None of the cottages were protected from the rain, etc.
All the children ate sitting on the floor.
The grounds were not landscaped.
There were cows and chickens to be cared for and utilized.
The room  I stayed in had no toilet paper, towel, or shower head.
We walked between the home and school.
There was no Internet.
There were babies in the nursery.
Ma'am Vatsala was principal of the school.
My sponsored child, Raghul, was 9 months old.
The playground for the children was meager and outdated.
The school had 2 buildings and stopped at 10th standard.

Now...
I'm 32.
I will be here only a week.
I have seen much more of the world.
Avi is starting his Masters in Psychiatry and is getting married in December!
All of the cottages are now covered.
There is a new dining hall with tables and chairs!
The landscaping looks beautiful and welcoming.
There are no more cows and chickens...the focus is on academics.
There is toilet paper!!! And a new toilet and a shower - there's even hot water if you want it!
There are 4 beautiful buses that take the home children to and from school.
There is internet...and even wifi...even if only in the offiice.
No more babies - government made a new rule that they cannot accept anyone under 2 years old now.
Ma'am retired in May...though I hope she will come visit!
Raghul is 13 years old and in 9th standard (grade) - he's got a great smile and seems very excited that I'm here.
There is a brand new, colorful children's park!
The school now has 3 buildings, a nice basketball court, and goes till 12th standard.

In 13 years so very much has changed, but some things most definitely have not.

The driver and one of my favorite cooks are the same...they remember me!
There is still a delicious bakery.
All 200+ kids want your attention.
The grandmothers don't speak any English.
The administration still feels they make the rules and you must follow them...even at 32 after traveling all over India by yourself.
I'm staying in the exact same room - with my same little lizard and insect friends 
I'm experiencing a similar feeling of inadequacy or ill preparedness...it seems that though this time I'm very prepared to teach or offer help in the school,  now they would like me to paint a mural in the library- not exactly my expertise.
You still have to wait...for everything.  Patience is something that I'm having to remind myself is not a special attribute here...it's expected.
It's just as hard to convince the ladies that I've had enough to eat- their hospitality, when it comes to food, has no end.