Blog #16: Being Welcomed

The power went out in my apartment last night, which meant I had no wifi. No wifi meant I couldn’t post my blog! Even though I didn’t post it yesterday, I did still write a short blog, so I’d say it counts.

One of the greatest things I’ve experienced here in India so far is the welcoming attitude of everyone around me, particularly other students at Christ University. They have not just welcomed me with open arms, but gone out of their way to include me in their own experiences on campus and throughout the city.

About a week and a half ago, a friend from campus spontaneously said that I should join the choir for a special project. It would only last a week and a half, and practice was only for one hour each day! I figured it couldn’t hurt to try, so I grabbed as many USAC friends as I could, and we joined the choir. Day after day, I made new friends in choir practice, and simply got to immerse myself in student life at Christ.

Yesterday, we spent half of our day recording the songs we had practiced, along with a music video for them. It was a long day, but I so enjoyed spending it with the friends I had made and even making new friends throughout the day. It was such a fun experience, and I’m so grateful that I was welcomed by everybody involved.

Whether it’s joining the choir, going to a movie or a concert, or anything else that comes along, there always seems to be a group of people who welcome and invite me to join. Because of this, I have made some amazing friends, and gotten the chance to experience life here in Bangalore as other students do.