Inner thoughts

Dear you,

I miss home. I miss my family. I miss my friends, especially my girlfriend. I cannot wait to see a ton of great faces in mid august when I return to UD for my final year, although sad many of my bestest friends have moved on to bigger and better things. I miss my relatives, the grandparents, the aunts and uncles, the little cousins and the big cousins. The emails help, but its not the same as sitting next to someone sharing stories sipping on a high ball or grandmas lemonadeJ

I was talking to Mary Ellen about things back home a few weeks ago and we both agreed we missed the small strange things most. One thing I certainly missed this summer are the picnics. It is such an American cultural tradition to have a big barbeque with all types of side dishes, desserts, drinks. Some have fireworks, some play corn hole, some get rained on and are forced to move inside. Eating the watermelon and sneaking an extra cookie, even though you already had about half dozen. These are special summer treats. What a strange thing to long for…

I miss not being able to go down to UD for a weekend and have some fun in the sun with everyone in the area. Not being able to go fishing, even though every day I wear outfits designed for fishing (totally ideal for what im doing just the same). I miss driving. I miss the convenience of a cell phone and reliable power and internet. I miss tinkering. I miss eating chicken breast and drinking protein shakes and I certainly miss working out. I miss the grocery stores and drive throughs and the fast paced America. I miss not being covered in sweat when I go to bed and when I wake up. I miss my sense of security at all times.

I miss clean drinking water and a hot shower. I miss the comfortability of my bed and the cleanliness of my clothes. I miss being healthy, ready to tackle the world. I miss getting dressed up and going out. Strangely, I miss the routine, the grind, the plan for the day.

These last 9 weeks have not been easy. There have been many bumps and bruises, countless cuts and scrapes, unending mosquito and ant bites, daily illnesses and problems to be dealt with. Ive gotten mad at Mary Ellen, mad at my self, mad at friends back home. Ive been dehydrated for multiple days. Ive gotten scared and ive been lost several times. Ive been cheated in the market. Ive cut some of my clothes and lost my favorite bandanna.

But there are two very important things…

First, I'm not ready to come home. I have then craziest most hectic , difficult travel of my life ahead of me. It certainly wont be easy and will definitely test us mentally and physically and emotionally. We will ride 3 trains for a total of +47 hours, several airplanes, busses, cramped taxis and small cots all lie in front of us. I wont have internet access for many days. This is all part of our ‘mini vacation’ some of the time we will be trekking, some visiting temples, some time meeting people and certainly a portion of the trip trying to find something (the temple, a shop, a toilet). All this excites me. I cant wait. And in 2 weeks from today I turn 23, at the Taj Mahal.

Second. This trip has been incredible for me. It has tested me and helped me realign myself. I am not there yet, but I am finding an inner peace. I miss and love very many of you out there. Ill be home soon. Keep praying for me, its helping, I am certain of that.

With Love,

-tim, tbonz, timmy, timothy edward

Cheers.