worried Godmother checking in Dear Derek, I too, like your Uncle John, have been woefully lacking in posting comments, and it's been a while since I've checked your blog. There's been big, bad goings on in Mumbai and I'm worried. Please next time you get the chance, update your blog - again - and let us know you're alright. I'm so glad you have had so many profound experiences, in the smallest and simplest of ways you are encountering things which make you go "hmmm..." This is always good. Let me suggest carrying your Rosary with you, too - and using it!!! I didn't see it, so maybe it was under something :-)
Our Lady of Velankanni, pray for you and for all in India, especially all those hit by these recent attacks, and for all Christians in India facing horrendous persecution in these difficult days. And I do second Uncle John's remarks - your writing is wonderful, interesting and very descriptive!
Love, your Godmother
Johnny come lately Derek ... I'm sorry to say I just now read all of your blogs for the very first time .. but I enjoyed them all IMMENSELY. Thanks for sharing ... you're a wonderful writer. It's clear that your journey is more spiritual and emotional than physical (now I know why you picked India). When did this young boy grow into such a fine, introspective, inquisitive, and caring young man?? :-)
Keep enjoying this wonderful adventure we call life. Have fun, be safe, and we'll see when you soon. Love ya' .. Uncle John
The harmonium looks like an interesting instrument. Is it difficult to play? I was trying to figure out what you were doing with your left hand. Anyway, glad you are learning new things and enjoying your time in India. We are all waiting (patiently) for you to come home........counting the days!!
We love you!!
Oops, forget To adjust what I said just now.....
I havent received a package from my mother she sent over three weeks ago
but it seems that letters (like the one from my sister) arrive faster than packages.
so if you want to send any PACKAGES, do it now.
Letters seem to arrive within about a week.
Thanks!
just saying hi Hey Derek! Your blogs are great, so vivid - well written. Jake was concerned about you last night after hearing more about problems in India right now. He can't wait to see you and hopes to be able to play video games with you if we see you at Christmas. Ry and Mia both say, 'hi Derek!' They are busy playing make believe, Mia is a baby in a cage or something - yikes! Oh, Ryan adds - have a nice trip! Love, Jake Ry Mia Joe and Me:)
Wow! Way cool! Kelly just forwarded your blog to me.....what a cool experience..you look happy and in your element. I am so glad it is going well!! Continue to enjoy. thinking of you sue
Derek, the sitar is gorgeous - will you be able to get it back home with you?
Thanks for keeping us all updated, I'm always glad to see your posts though I'm a bit sad that I missed your calls twice last week Keep having an amazing time! Sarah
I just love reading about your life in India and the pictures are great! That beat up old camera is working out great -- get shocked by it lately?! Continue to learn, grow and enjoy. Be safe and make smart choices. We are really looking forward to your return! We love you and are proud of you!
Proud Mama :-)
look the part? A little to pale I'm thinking, but what an experience. I can't wait till you get home. I'm hoping there will be a party with lots of pictures and stories. (and maybe some Indian food?)
door #12 So door #12 is "Public call office". (That's what Harjinder, my co-worker, said.) But, you didn't go in and make a call to me? Ha-ha! Glad you are having fun. Please be careful! Did you wash your hands after playing in Donkey Dung?!
Love you!
Mom :-)
Great pictures and excellent text! I am so happy that you are doing well and learning and growing. Continue to enjoy and have a great time. We really miss you and love you!
Mom :-)
I miss you Derek -
You will need a few free minutes to be able to read this. But, I miss you dearly, so so much. I feel like a ... lame-o because that one day you called I was asleep and I don't even remember what we said. A day or so ago, I was making dinner, and I swear to god, I heard YOUR voice you vividly said "MOM!" like, as if you were running up the stairs and you wanted to tell her something, I almost started crying because I realized how much I missed you.
Wow, do I NOT feel bad for you, you have a maid? And a house? and ... good food? I mean, c'mon even I could do that. But I love you. Without you and Kaylee in the house I just sit around and myspace all day. I cannot wait until December.
"Born a poor young country boy--Mother Nature's son
All day long I'm sitting singing songs for everyone.
Sit beside a mountain stream--see her waters rise
Listen to the pretty sound of music as she flies.
Find me in my field of grass--Mother Nature's son
Swaying daises sing a lazy song beneath the sun.
Mother Nature's son."
Just know, everything in my daily life reminds me of you. I think of you daily and my love for you has grown since your departure, because I realize just how much you mean.
Hey, so anyways.
What to hear about me?
yeah you do!
I am a big high schooler... :D
I love my Drama class, it is rad.
I like Yogaloties, its rad too.
English sucks and I have a D.
Science is okay, I have Ms. Priest.
I have Digital Communications. yawn.
and, I have Math, with the coolest teacher ever.
This week is homecoming :)
Monday - Sports day, I wore moms old marathon T-shirt.
Tuesday - Formal Day, we had an assembly... stupidness.
Wednesday - Neon day, I wore some cool purple tights, cool shoes, a jean skirt, PINK FANNY PACK, Bright blue shirt and yellow jacket thingy.
Thursday (today) - Frontier day, so I wore a flannel shirt and some shorts... whatever boring day.
Friday - IM WEARING ORANGE ! of course.
Then, Saturday is the dance. and I got some new clothes for that.
anyways, I love you.
Love, Julia
Hey Derek
Loved the blog!! Can't wait to hear your stories in person! Oh, and don't get used to having a servant clean your clothes and room!!!
We miss you lots and love you!
Mom :-)
Hey Derek I loved your blog! Sounds like you are doing well and learning lots. Please stay safe and healthy! Big hug for ya! We miss you and love you.
Mom :-)
I know what you mean I know what you mean, not necessarily fun but important experiences. My best experiences in Israel were the times I was crying- no joke. And not cause I was happy either. But they will be the experiences that stick with me and shape me. As one Orthodox Yeshiva student taught me, "Crying is the soul sweating". So bring on the sweat and the tears. Traveling is certainly one hell of a trip. I look forward to hearing about your experiences and more dinners together in the spring!
-love Lauren
Me too!! About the traffic...I have not heard more cars honking in my life than in Boston...I got honked at in a crosswalk when it was my turn to walk!! I just got my laptop and one of the first places I went was your blog. I love you very much and I miss you and wish I could call you about college, music, relationship stuff all the time...alas...you are having a life experience.
I found the best Christmas present for you...original and screams Derek!! I will think of you when the temperature drops to subzero (as it inevitably will) and say at least I'm not in sweltering heat! I love you very much and there is so much I want to share with you about my experiences, but they will have to wait...I get home the 19th or 20th of December. See you then!
All the love and luck in the world!
Namaste!
Kaylee :)
(sister)
i'm pretty sure it's been three months...it's probably time to come home now. :)
glad you are still alive. stop speaking english and you'll get hindi. (at least learn something sexy that you can repeat back to me later. ha!)
i watched the director's cut of imaginationland for you/us. it made me sad. but it's pretty flipping funny, too. :)
kaylee's in boston. didn't get to see her before she left. sad. need to call her.
life goes on without you here in the western hemisphere...barely!
take care buddy!
ZH
Zack
non-member comment
oidshf
you are here in my living room. and i got the second view on this blog...possibly the first! w00t...z. i am glad you are back. happy sunday