Finally... my speech!

We gave our last presentation just a day before we were scheduled to leave India. I mentioned briefly what I do for a living and that I was exceptionally proud of all of us ladies for not tripping on our saris on the way to the stage. And then I gave the rest of my speech in earnest:

"For our final presentation, we were asked to tell a little about our experiences in India and what we've learned. In basics, we noticed that no one drives on the right side of the road, that 'no' usually means yes--especially at the dinner table and no matter what happens with the electricity, Indians are computer and projector masters! But, most of all, I learned that with a little effort and care, we can make friends with anyone and more importantly easily.

It has been such an honor for us to be invited into all of our hosts' homes, places of business and worship. Being a guest here has been such a magical experience. From morning walks with Archana in Sangli to vocabulary lessons with Gayatri, Pushba and the outgoing GSE team. It's often the smallest moments that make the biggest impact. Even my friend Radha dropped everything this afternoon to help us drape our saris--we look good because of her. That is the spirit of India. Thank you for that.

Naturally, the big moments are just as important. I will always remember the extra effort that Dr. Narke and her husband Sandeep took to make sure I could visit another college in Khalapur. We will always remember our hosts in Dandeli for giving us a white-water rafting adventure and arranging for us to stay in a tent-cabin in a state forest. Seeing all the historical sites in Bijapur with Shrirang was especially memorable. Not only were they unique and intriguing, but Shrirang's generosity in sharing his knowledge and love of history and archeology made the deepest impression on us. Spending the day with him was inspiring.

And so when I think of the famous and wonderful Indian hospitality I will take home with me so much more than photographs, the warm welcomes and the sweet gifts that were given to me. We have all changed. I am reminded of one raindrop falling into a pond. We have been touched like this and now the ripples will go forward to help and inspire others in our respective professions and personal lives. Thank you so much for sharing your lives, interests, ideas with us. We truly hope to be in touch with as many of you as possible. India will always be in our hearts. You will always be in our hearts."

There was no standing ovation for my speech, of course, but I was proud that several of my teammates complimented me on a job well done. India taught me how much I LOVE getting up in front of crowds, that I am a born teacher, that I love relating to an audience. I was dubbed the cheerleader, which I find pretty fitting and funny. I know I would be great as a motivational speaker, but I still love what I'm doing now, and I'm not sure that is the direction my life is supposed to take anyway. Who knows what will happen down the road. One last post about India to come in the next few days--in honor of my friend Susan. After that, it will be on to 'regular stuff' of which I already have several ideas!