So full

… of gratitude. And Indian bread pudding. Damn.

It’s hard to describe the feeling I had yesterday afternoon as friends and family streamed through the door of Passage to India to fill up on spicy curry and contribute to my upcoming journey. Friends from work and friends from childhood. Favorite family members and mourning Eagles fans. Neighbors and people I haven’t seen for years. People who live around the corner, people from other states, and one dear girl who came by plane from Houston. Curry enthusiasts, curry virgins, and those who loathe curry. My contractor-turned-friend and his awesome wife. Moms of friends, and wait for it… people I’ve never met before.

It’s like being the bride or being at your own surprise party; feeling like you barely had the time to catch up with everyone properly before it’s over, and the whole thing is a blur. Can’t believe we forgot to take pictures, but what fun to see all those different people in the same room, filling their plates, (or gingerly picking at some naan) and knowing that they ventured out on that icky, rainy day because I asked for their help and support. It makes me feel like I’m not headed to India solo, to follow a solitary dream, but more like I’m a part of this really large team chasing a goal, and I just happen to be the one out in front with the baton this month. Awesome.

Can’t say enough about Amit at Passage to India, and all the guys there– they made this possible, and did so joyfully with kind words and enthusiasm. (Not to mention, treating Damon & I to lunch. Thank you!) And speaking of Damon — I would never have had the courage to even think about taking this trip after last year, much less have at it so soon without his support and encouragement. He was such a champ yesterday, saving me from feeling awkward by taking over the accounting that I felt so shy about, and designing the fun stickers for our guests that you see here. All him. Lucky girl.

Lastly, it’s hard to say how thankful I am for the wild generosity of everyone who attended yesterday. (And those who couldn’t make it, but sent along a donation in their place!) Humbled by the turnout, and still reeling from the results; you guys went above and beyond. Still working on the math and such, but it looks like I’ll be taking down the “Make a Donation” page of this site within days. Amazing. Thank you, friends. Thank you.

People can be so cool

1. Sunday’s fundraiser is ON. I met with the nicest man at Passage to India, and he couldn’t have been more accomodating or more kind about the upcoming event. Totally open to the idea, and full of helpful suggestions. Seriously — even if they didn’t have the very best tikka masala in the known universe, I’d still <heart> that place.

2. Donation of a plane ticket? I have a dear friend who lives far away, but has been so supportive of this journey of mine. She recently made a connection with an incredibly generous person who, based on this friend’s enthusiastic endorsement of my plans, seems to have decided to support me by contributing round-trip airfare to and from Delhi. That’s right; you heard me. My plane ticket. To have her go to such lengths on my behalf is mind-blowy. To receive such an extraordinary gift from someone I’ve never even met? Well, I’m speechless. And way not worthy. Awaiting confirmation with stunned disbelief…

Save the Date

Okay, the truth of the matter is, when it comes to fundraising, I’m crap and everyone knows it. It makes me terribly uncomfortable. Even when I try to ask, I’m falling all over myself trying not to sound like I’m asking, which, as my dear friend Sue has advised me, means I’m crap. Thus far, despite my meager effots, five people I adore have made extraordinarily generous donations that are beyond what I could have hoped for and more than I deserve. They have inspired me to get serious, and broaden the reach, in the hopes of receiving some small contributions from a larger number of people. So…

On January 14th, I’ll be hosting a fundraiser at Passage to India in Lawrenceville, NJ. It’s our favorite casual Indian restaurant, and we thought it might be a fun way to involve friends and family where you’ll get something in return. So, here’s the deal. Knowing that there are football playoffs late that afternoon and evening, we’re planning a lunchtime buffet shindig — arrive between 12 and 1pm, and for a donation of $30 or more per person, you’ll enjoy steamy naan and savoury dal, the company of family and friends, and you’ll be helping to defray the cost of my service in India. Cool? If you think you can join us, please reply here or send me an eMail, so I can work on the head count for the restaurant and include you in the official eVite next week. Hope you can make it. There’s a rumor that JennyB is preparing a spangled performance…

To Do List

Task #1: Schedule early January doc appointment to get immunizations and anti-malaria Rx. Though this local doc’s tiny Lville office probably stocks hepatitis-a, hepatitis-b, measles and tetnus boosters, I’m guessing she’s plum out of japanese encephalitis & typhoid immunizations. (There’s always a run on them for the holidays, what with all those hard-to-please relatives to shop for.)

Task #2: (And way scarier than all those shots) Get serious about fundraising. What’s worse than asking family and friends for a contribution? Trying to do so around the holidays. Eek. Finally accepted that fundraising is a necessary and legitimate part of this journey and trying to think of creative ways to tackle it that won’t be quite so uncomfortable for me. Buffet dinner at an Indian restaurant with a donation for entry, slightly higher than the restaurant’s charge? Raffle of some sort? Nervously getting to work on those. Crazy that the most intimidating part of heading off to India on my own for this sort of work is not the thing itself, but rather the simple act of asking for something, anything, from anyone. From the comforts of my home, even. Huh. And the learning begins…