Everything in this home, the huge family photos on the wall, the stuffed animals on display, the way Sabin sir called his wife and daughter "madam," the jampacked shelves of books well read, the humble one room dining/living/sleeping combo space, the heavenly smells coming from the kitchen, the collection of big and small shoes in front of the door, and the many smiles exchanged between Sabin sir and his wife and daughter shouted "this is a happy home full of love!!" to me. Within ten minutes I found myself unable to suppress my grin and nearly got the giggles just from pure happiness. Somehow, the feeling was so tangible and undeniable there was no choice but to smile the whole time and have a really nice time....and that's what I did :)
I have enjoyed getting to know Sabin sir while working here. He is one of those "life long learners" who is always seeking to understand others and gather new information. Many of our conversations begin like this: after exchanging namastes, he will catch my eye and say, "actually Bipana sister, in American culture....it is like this, no?" Sometimes he asks me to critique his teaching style and give him suggestions. He is my senior and asking me for advice...this is uncommon in Nepali culture and it is one reason I respect his character. He always seems to reassure me that I am making an impacts here and that the children won't forget this time in their lives.
So, it was so lovely to be invited in his home for kaja which turned into dinner and then some. It is Hyesus last day on Sarlahi. I'm glad we could all enjoy this home together. When we sat down, Sanskrita (cutest 5 yr old i have met in a long time) quickly assumed the role of our entertainer. She bravely stood in front of us and recited every English rhyme/song she knew... Without stopping. It was so cute how well rehearsed she was, with hand motions, a very very loud voice.. It was like she was on autoplay. Then throughout the evening, she would randomly spell a word "mushroom: mush-r-o-o-m, mushroom." "ball: b-a-l-l, ball".
We, Anu, Hyesu, Daeha, Sandip, Sabin sir, and I, ate THE BEST MEAL i have eaten in Nepal. Really, it was amazing. It began with popper (Nepali chip like thing), next a bento box dish arrived: creamy potato curry, delicious mushroom soup with fresh vegetables, tomato hachar, and small roti... Then the most mitho rice pudding/porage. It was so creamy, had nuts, raisins, and a hint of chai flavor. The first bite took me back to Christmas time, enjoying Danish rice pudding with Cecilie and josh in Mayanmar this year. I took a picture for you josh and cile!
Everytime I thought I was making progress on the meal, more would appear. Each dish was replenished before I could think to reject. I was soooo full by the end but really enjoyed every part. Thank you Pragya Didi (Sabin sir ko wife) for this experience to "write home about!" I will definitely take you up on your offer to come again :) I hope soon.
After sharing food, we played the most epic game of snakes and ladders, lit by flashlight. This game seems to have the risk of being endless. After the first hour, I finally reached place "100" but after a short applause, Sabin sir said, "ok good, now lets see who will reach square 1 first! You must go backward to really win.." now I was hoping for snakes, dodging the ladders. This extended our game for at least another hour that felt like three.
Normally I might have stopped earlier, but I so enjoyed watching this small family have so much fun together playing a simple game. They literally looked like the people on the back of the game box who are having the time of their lives, cracking up with surprise in their eyes everytime someone landed on a snake or ladder. Precious. It's moments like this that I want to remember well. I really value the feeling in this home and hope people will feel this way when they come to my family's home one day.
What can I do now to cultivate this kind of happiness in my future? When I am in love with my family, how can I share this love with others? Can people feel love and happiness when they come into my living place or when they interact with me? I hope so.
Maybe a happy home can be created anywhere, in a big house, a small house, a stucko house, or a mud and bamboo one.
I am grateful to have a clear image and memory in my mind to attach to the term "happy home." I will do my best to create this feeling in our center's Happy Home.
No comments:
Post a Comment