see, some people might not want their age declared on the internet by their daughters--but im positive she is ok with it. and that piece of her i respect and admire so much, her confidence in herself and her experiences, and her honesty and openness.
this past monday, i spent a night at my friend kristina's orphanage, ashiana, where she will have her last day tomorrow. ive heard so much from her in the past two months about it--the conditions, the women who run it, and of course the children and how they've completely won her heart. it came as no surprise that these kids totally embraced me (figuratively and literally!) into their lives after i was there for 20 minutes, and wanted to know when i would come again.
dinnertime at ashianai have never been to an orphanage before. the reaction was so intense, the realization of another aspect of my privileged and blessed life that i took for granted: two parents who love me so, so much, and an entire family that has been by my side my entire life. they raised me, cared for me, made sure i ate well and brushed my teeth, attended parent-teacher conferences at school, took me to piano lessons and art and dance classes, arranged my playdates, hosted my birthday parties, forgave me for my mistakes, instilled in me core values, spoke to me in 2 languages, accepted our differences, gave me a college education, gave me a future, and always believed in me...excessively.
kristina's kids do not have anyone looking out for them in this way--she is trying, in one summer, to do this all to some extent. to remind them to take their baths and to simultaneously inspire them to have confidence to break free from the towering limitations they face. watching her experience this only makes it even more drastic how much i was given in comparison.
my mother is a strong, courageous, and incredibly warm person. she just started a new job this summer, full-time in denver, and she loves it. i've heard people say they they're "too old" to start a new career, that it's "too late" to do something like that. but my mom is living proof that it is never, ever to late to start anew, to chase after new goals, to be active in determining how your own road turns.
with 6 days left in india, i am doing more and more reflecting upon my time here. i feel like last summer was a giant lesson in the worth of education--how hard teaching is, and how much i have been exposed to given my opportunities to learn from all kinds of wise people (some, like dorothy and alice, indeed just have "default wisdom"). this summer, it's been even more eye-opening--showing me how much i never fully appreciated: meals, being able to afford fruits and vegetables, healthcare, access to clean water, pride as a female, freedom to choose who i love, chances and resources to see the world...i suppose it does take coming to a place like this to truly open your eyes. for that, i will eternally be grateful for this summer.
and back to my mom, and my dad-- thank you.
one of my favorite pictures of my mom and me, taken last summer on the 3rd floor balcony of my uncle's house in Taipei