Something to Scream About

Currently our children are dressing up like rock stars. It is my oldest child’s desire to become a rock star. The other day she asked me what the steps are to become a rock star. I do remember dressing up like Tina Turner one Halloween, so I can relate to her on a certain level, although I don’t remember seeking vocational counseling on the subject. Most of her rock star songs, that she makes up, have to do with love reaching some sort of mountain top experience. I say go for it Ani, Rock On.

Did you know that at 7:00 a.m. every morning, we get serenaded by a marching band? Sweet deal, eh? Our bedroom is about 30 feet from the sports field of a boarding school. At 7:00 a.m. every morning, they have some sort of assembly at the sports field, 30 feet from our bedroom with a marching band. Not hearing a marching band, at 7:00 a.m. every morning, is highly underrated. I think some people could give up coffee. It’s really not a wake up call, because the Palm Kids are early risers, to say the least. At least James and Jovie are, so we are awake, but still, come on people... marching band, 7:00 a.m., 30 feet from our bedroom.

We had a graduate from the aftercare program this week. Esther, who has been with Freedom Firm for two years now, moved out of Roja, the Aftercare house, today. She will be staying at a hostel in town - to save money - and working at a shop in town. During her stay with Freedom Firm, Esther learned English, Math skills, took two computer training courses - passing with flying colors - and made loads of jewelry for FF’s jewelry business. We are so proud of her.

Esther with Jovie (Note: We do not need to blur Esther's eyes in this photo because she is over 18 and has given her consent.)

Esther's graduation ceremony. Note James.

Previous picture, close up. This boy is up to no good.

I was having this thought the last few days, that, being here, we are a bit protected from the employment and financial hardships at home. India is not in any better shape, but we are protected from India’s hardships as well, because it’s not our home either. I feel like we are missing this huge, increasingly hard season that many of our friends and family are going through. And we don't understand fully what our Indian friends feel here. I don't know what to do with it, maybe just acknowledge it. But I at least want to float the thoughts around, to see if there is anything I need to “do” about it.

So, we celebrated Passover with matzah that a friend from the States sent over. And the Honey Baked Ham, that my mom brought over, was taken out of the freezer tonight to thaw for Easter. Love the import business that we have created here. Passover and Easter are the first holidays where we have memories in India made from last year’s celebration. It doesn’t feel as unsettling walking into them this year.

Passover dinner.

By the way, thank you to everyone who submitted ideas for naming the motorcycle last week. We got some good names, but if there are others, let us know this week!

I have something to scream about. Now that April has been flipped to on the calender, I can officially say, “I’M FLYING BACK TO THE STATES NEXT MONTH!”