Only English this time

Sadly, this will be the last time you are reading from me, this entry will be English only, out of the simple reason that my German has become so bad that I myself can not stand reading it anymore. There is hope since I am writing this on one of the last days of my stay here in India.

The last few weeks were very busy due to a particular church program that took place on St. John’s day. It included a play, singing, choir and flash mob. We spent a lot of time with practices only. On top of that all the last-minute souvenirs and all needed to be taken care of. Furthermore, my health is still on a questionable point which was the reason for me not staying in my work place as well. I as well practiced for something very special which was me singing in my last church service here all by myself in German. That was an amazing experience although it took a lot of convincing from various different people for me to actually do that.

Now I am sitting here with two packed bags and can not believe that one year literally fits into one bag pack and one suitcase. This place has become my home and now I am leaving it. It is a very strange feeling. More than my actual home where I have grown up I have gotten so used to this city and life that even thinking of leaving feels very odd to me. Yes, there are definitely things I am looking forward to at home. One obviously being my family and friends, the liberty and some not unimportant things like a hot shower or no insects (e.g. aunts or cockroaches) or mice in the house, a comfortable bed with a proper mattress, the list can go on and on...  However, I somehow got so accustomed to my standard of living here that it became just part of my daily life and not something I considered as strange or very unpleasant. Very much like the saying you can get accustomed to anything. Now thinking back to this year, staying in Germany would have been easier for sure, life there is easier, leaving everything behind, not knowing anybody and not knowing what to expect was definitely a brave decision. But now in retrospect I am more than happy to have made this decision. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Yes, it was not easy, it was not always pleasant. I encountered a lot of difficulties along the way and various different problems with other people. Was it worth it? Definitely, even though there were tears and sadness, anger and frustration, I would always make the same choice. It made me grow as a person like nothing else ever did. It shaped my personality, it made me overthink many values and priorities. It changed me.

Along this journey I met a lot of wonderful people that are now part of my heart. I found a second home in India, particularly here in Hyderabad. I would like to take this opportunity here to thank a few people that had great influence in making this year definitely the most adventurous and one of the best of my life so far.

Number one being my family at home who always supported me in whichever way they could, in good and bad times. Furthermore, my friends in Germany who managed to make me feel loved and special throughout this entire year by always staying in contact and making me feel less bad about going home.

And also, you readers, thank you for sticking with me for all this time. Reading, commenting, e-mailing, messaging. Thank you for all your kind words and interest in my life here.

On top of that there a lot of people here that I need to thank:

Mary and her family (Roseline, Swetha, Glory, Chinku, Sandra, Nikhil, Sweety etc): You made me part of your family, although we went trough difficult times as well, you supported me through many months and took care of me. I attended countless family functions, we traveled a lot and worked for many hours together. I am deeply grateful for all this support and being part of your little family.

Hostel children and staff: Although probably none of you will read this, you still need to be mentioned here because you were part of my daily life, I enjoyed working with you. We had so many happy moments and laughter.  Although communication was always a bit difficult we managed somehow and you all taught me a lot. I hope I could teach you at least a part of what you taught me. I heard so many life stories that I would have never thought were possible. Thank you for all your trust and all the happy memories.

Church and my Foggies: You people literally made my time here, be it practices, services, gatherings, services, bible studies, praise and worship, prayer, outreach, fund raising etc. I guess in this year I spent more time on all of this than on my actual work and it was so worth it. Thank you for giving me all these opportunities and making me a part of you. No matter how bad my week was, I was always looking forward to seeing you guys. I found a lot of great friends in you and can not express my gratitude towards you all. I miss you already. You played one of the biggest roles in making my time here unforgettable. All the conversations I had with all of you or individuals changed my view on a lot of things. A lot of unforgettable memories are due to all of you! Especially thanks to Mary Akka and Matthew Anna you guys were such a great support and role model at the same time.

The Roy family: Pointless to say how much you mean to me because I know that you are aware of it. You gave me a new family, you took care of me whenever I felt lonely and unwell. You let me stay at your house for a very long time. Without you a lot of things would not have been possible. You were my greatest support. Special thanks to Sheeba and obviously Josh, as well as all their and my support system: I have no words for you. You are the main reason for me not wanting to leave. Whenever I had a difficult time, you made it a point to show me how fun and beautiful life can be here. The countless memories I have with you are treasured in my heart. You made me feel loved in many ways on many days. You were there in the middle of the night, at any given moment, whenever I needed anything. Thank you for putting so much effort in my happiness and well-being. Thank you for everything!

I hope I have not forgotten to mention anyone important. In conclusion what is left to say is only one thing: A part of me has become Indian and that part of my heart will stay here. Needless to say, that this farewell is more bitter than sweet for me.

To end this on a positive note: If you take one thing out of all my entries let it be the following: India is no matter what the media and people say an incredible country. If you ever happen to go or have a chance to go there, take it. Don’t be the typical tourist and go from sight to sight. Look behind the obvious, talk to people, try street food, experience it fully, I promise you will not regret it.