Blog #49: River

After returning to classes today from yesterday's Holi break, my USAC director and local legend Smriti decided to host everyone from my program at her house for dinner. It wasn't just dinner, though... it was a potluck smorgasbord.

From fruit skewers to samosas, pesto pasta to biryani, we went all in. Seriously. I ate SO much food.

(Quick side story- When I was young I was kind of stupid so I imagined that the food I ate just went all the way down my totally hollow body and started filling me up beginning at my feet. When I felt really full, I assumed it was because I had filled literally my entire body with the completely undigested food I had consumed, so in this situation I'd say I was full from my toes to my head, and boy did I feel like that.)

The food was good, but the company was better. There was lots of laughing, much of it at, not with, each other. Different conversations flooded Smriti's apartment as people talked about spring break plans, where they bought their chicken, the way Oskar yawns, and how to pronounce 'Nevada' and 'pajamas'.

Eventually, everyone started grabbing their empty China Pearl takeout tupperware, calling an Uber, and heading out. Everyone except Mary Alice, Sarah, and me, that is.

The three of us stayed chatting with Smriti, caught a glimpse of her guitar, and ended up singing and playing a multitude of songs as we chilled on her couch. From Amy Winehouse's 'Valerie' to Fleetwood Mac's 'Landslide' (which, seriously, never gets old) we sat and just sang some simple tunes.

Of all the songs we sing, though, there is one that's my favorite- River, by Leon Bridges. It's been one of my favorite songs for a long time, but after the three of us took it up and started singing it together all of the time, it became even more special. The beautiful simplicity of it reminds me of how happy I am when I'm doing nothing more than singing and enjoying the company of the people around me. It's simple, it's beautiful, and it's loaded with memories of singing it with Mary Alice and Sarah in my apartment, in the back of an auto, in class, and now in Smriti's apartment.

Now, no matter where I am, I know that the second that song comes on, the first thing that will come to my mind is a picture of Sarah and Mary Alice. I'm grateful for these wonderful friends who bring so much light and beauty into my life, and I'm grateful to Smriti for letting us overstay our welcome tonight.

P.S. The three of us have discussed potential names for our "girl group" (lolol), but this has been a more difficult process than applying for my Visa to come here, so if you have any suggestions please help a girl out.