Wednesday, October 10, 2001: Internet day and new friends! -- Bidar

Today I received good news from my little computer screen. I got a chance to chat with my 18 year old sister (yesterday actually) and my mom today. I also learned that 3 new volunteers have applied to to join the PeaceBike Hometeam. I think one will be helping with the ClassConnect program and I am very excited about that. One of my college friends wrote me and told me that she was praying for me, and that on her prayer table she has a picture of the WTC building, a cross, a buddha, and a picture of some Afghani people. I was touched by her actions.

Many men here in Bidar are direct when it comes to inquiring about foreigners. I can walk no more than five paces before someone will either shout a question to me, yell "America", or beckon me over for a chat. Sometimes I struggle with the question..."What country are you from?"...or "Native place?" or various other versions. It is for me a great example of a human habit of categorizing... labeling, and generally I don't like living in a box...too stuffy. I suppose there are questions I ask people that help me categorize them in my mind as well. However, I am attempting to refine my questions to be more open ended.

I met two fellows who are studying here - one fellow’s nickname is DP and his friend's nickname is Monu. I spoke with DP about Bidar and we decided that he would show me the Sikh temple the next day. His family is in Delhi and he is here in Bidar at the university, studying computer engineering. This is his fourth and final year here.

Wishing you a good and peaceful thought,

TAD