It is truly unlike any other experience I’ve had, getting to know people my age from all over the world and having that special connection that Rotary gives us. It’s pretty magical. Right now there are about 20 kids in Pune, all of which are pretty awesome in their own ways. But this idea makes sense really, I mean we are all taken out of our homes, away from family, friends, and everyone we know, and thrown into a completely new setting where we don’t ever know what the hell is going on. And we get to stay there for a year. Haha, it’s not so bad. When you meet your fellow RYE’s you realize they are in the exact same boat as you, going through the same feelings and having the same thoughts as you. This is the beginning of the cool part, because you use that connection to make friends with these people, and start to realize all the other things you have in common. You really grow with these people, and lean on them for support when you need it, all as you try to figure out about the culture you’ve been placed in. After two months in Pune, I can tell that these friendships aren’t like any other I’ve had before. Each laugh you share with these people will be remembered as part of your year abroad, something that each and every one of the RYE’s will hold close to their hearts for the rest of their lives. It is quite a big deal, people!
P.S. Sorry for the barfification of blogs I just had. The past five or however many I just posted were all well overdue. So there they are, finally able to be put out of my mind so I can work on the next three biguns :) 1. Street Food, 2. Aurangabad, and 3. Karnataka. Love you all!
So is “barfification”an English, Hindi, German, Swahili, Spanish or Raenish word??
Just wondering. (Lovin’ your blogs girl, very interesting and amusing, ya know – amuseresting.)
Dear Raena,
Thank you for your barfification editions. When are you publishing your new dictionary for older people?
Seriously, we are saddened by the death of Grandpa Dahl. We are grateful that he did not suffer much towards the end of this life. We will see him again when God raises us from the dead to be with our Savior forever.
We love you, Gma and Gpa
I definitely know what you mean about RYE friends, Raena. Isn’t it a great connection?! Although, yes, native friends are a must as well and can become just as great friends, the RYErs usually are lifelong friends simply because you all share such a unique experience. Just make friends of every kind, and your exchange experience will be a much richer experience (although my guess is that you already know that).:)
~Naomi