6 months/ 200 days aboard!

Yup I am alive, well and still in the UK. Phew, I know some people had started to worry, or worse people have waited so long for me to post another blog that they just gave up on me. That's OK, like many things in this world this too can be amended, and having patience is sometimes very important. So I have finally made it to the six month point, and must say it feels a bit strange. A lot can happen in six months, for that matter in a day. One's whole world could change in a matter of minutes, ask victims of hurricanes, war, death and disasters. I must say that I am happy I made it to this threshold without major crises. The question is were there any doubts in my mind? Of course!

The past few months that I have been away from my lovely blog entries, have been difficult ones. I started to feel the pressure of what am I going to do next after this year is over with. I received some news from home that my father was facing some serious health issues though the prognosis was good; I began to feel lonelier than I had in months. My work at the YMCA was starting to...hmm in polite words, not stretch me as much as I would like. To be fair, however, all things weren't bad. I did get make a trip home to see my father (I do not recommend this unless its an emergency, going home and coming back was way harder than I could have ever imagined, but I will get into that another time). Another friend from home came to visit, and I have continued to learn, and adapt to my life in England. Oh, and did I mention I got to go to Morocco and Milan on quick little jaunts. Not bad huh? :-) But at the end of the day is this enough, six months....what have I accomplished? Have I changed lives? Perhaps mine. Made a difference at the West Bromwich YMCA? Sadly I fear that I haven't done any of these things.

But here is a list of things I do feel I have accomplished over the past six months:

Monisha's Top Ten list For the first six months in the UK!

10. Learned how to speak proper English (ok still working on that one)
9. Learned how to ride the bus, train, plane, and everything in between.
8. There is more to England than London. (But London is def pretty cool)
7. How to work with people in a different light, ie different managerial practices, customs, and structures.
6. Some people don't want to be helped, and some just need you to listen. (What a revelation!)
5. A Christmas that was centered around giving to others. (The true spirit?)
4. Was forced to learn independence. Yes I had independence before, but being alone in another country teaches you much more.
3. Had the opportunity to travel to amazing and fascinating places.
2. Gained a better understanding of myself, sometimes I liked what I saw, sometimes I didn't. (More insight and growth).
1. Built warm and strong friendships, that will last forever! (I just know).

The journey is at its half way mark, is it over or has it only just begun? Is the sun setting or rising? Over the next few months, I will continue to think about the possibilities and mysteries that are in store for me. And as frustrating as it can be, I will try to put my best foot forward at the YMCA.

Peace and Cheers!