Sunday, February 03, 2008

Making Your Way in the World Today Takes Everything You Got...

Hi all! Sorry to have delayed in writing you. As you know I have been trying to organize a Spring training session in 4 different aftercare homes in Mumbai and at the same time trying to find myself a place to live. So far 1 out of 2 has worked out; I found a nice apartment in a great area. Actually just 2 days after I signed the lease the apartment had it’s first ever get-to-know your neighbors party which allowed me to get acquainted with everyone in my building. We had such a great time talking, eating, and even playing games. Now when I walk to the market I always see someone to say hello to. Also, I will be having 2 American roommates, one of which is here already, her name is Lilia. And the other, Melissa, arrives this evening around mid-night, hope she is a little bit of an introvert to help balance the crazy that is Stephanie/Lilia.
Finding an apartment in Mumbai is not easy or cheap. The landlord was asking for a deposit of 2 laks (= $5,000). Luckily, he came down to 1 lak but still! Then there are all these fees that no one ever tells you about. The agent fee (the man how helped us find apartments) get a fee equal to 1 months rent, which means for us we have to pay him $640 for a few messily hours of work. The lease registration fee ($50), buying a stove and gas cylinders ($?), buying and installing a water filter ($200), and a dozen other miscellaneous costs.

But starting the training in the different homes has been an even bigger challenge, simply because it is a much slower process. The girls’ skill levels are not at the level I was lead to believe they were so we are starting at the very beginning and cutting some of the projects. I think everything is going to work out, it’s just difficult to get people to try something new. If you think about it, pray that things run smoothly and that the details come together.
Thanks, love you, and will write again soon!