A handshake.

I have never showed love in a handshake before I came to India. I didn't realize that you could actually. In the culture here, girls and boys mostly only shake hands. Even if you are good friends, its simply that way.

So as I said my fair-wells to the students I shook the guys hands as if I was giving them a hug. It is still so strange for me to care so much for someone, and not be able to give them a hug. So I looked them in their eyes, and shook thier hands like I meant it.

Some handshakes I will never forget. I can tell when they shake them back, and its like if they were to give me a hug. I bet people shake hands longer in India then anywhere else.

Side note: I was given goodbye gifts by the students, and friends here. I was pretty overwhelmed with all the kind words, and things they gave me. I wanted to give them back something in return somehow. Even though the gifts were beautiful, and came from such kind hearts, there is something about me, that gifts never satisfy. You know how people talk about how people have different love languages? I guess its like that. I always love the thought behind gifts, but someone's time means so much to me. Its almost like I appreciate the time it took them to get the gift, and effort more then anything.

Then this morning, I received the best gift of all. One that was from the heart, and one that wasn't planned. One that was spontaneous, yet genuine. My friend Prathap and I were joking and talking in the CBC office, and he just said, out of no where, " you want me to get you some Ittly?" I looked at him in surprise, wondering how he knew that would be the perfect present. Ittly is sorta like rice cake, and it comes with some sauces to dip it in. He left straight away, and came back not only with Ittly but soaked through in rain. I don't really know how to express how sweet the whole thing was. I sat down and enjoyed it, using my hand, and knowing this might be my last little taste of India. I told him that his present was perfect, cause I don't have to try to fit in my in suitcases, and it won't get lost, and it won't brake. Though it will stay in my heart and mind for the rest of my life. what a moment. Thanks for being so lovely.

Its been a wonderful 3 months, and I wish I didn't have to close this awesome chapter...

Thank you to all the students for being so wonderful, I know I will see you again so soon.

and to my India Family-The Forgs...you will forever be the coolest people I know. Thank you for always making me laugh, and think, and make decsions. I love you!

p.s. I wrote this pre-leaving India, now I am current in the BIG USA and will be posting a blog soon about the students, and traveling back home. It has been such a blessing to get to go to India again this year. Thank you blog readers for coming by and enjoying my stories. I'll be sure to keep blogging a bit while I am home. xo