Goodbye GRAVIS (for now)

The sand's starting to get hot under my feet here in Rajasthan, both literally and figuratively. With my projects for GRAVIS done and not enough time to start a new one, and the office feeling full, I decided to depart a couple weeks early. I've been anxious to travel, is pretty much what it comes down to, to see more of India before heading up to Nepal.
On monday I decided that I would be leaving GRAVIS on thursday. I thought the time would pass slowly, for there wasn't much work to do, but the time flew past and I felt rushed and anxious on the last day, barely able to get to the train station on time with all the last minute preparations. Saying goodbye to all of my friends at GRAVIS did not seem real, I think I will just need to come back in the next couple years. Prakash ji (my boss) sang me a little poem song about leaving on my last meeting with him. The office staff had a party for me with samosas and sweets, and Anurag ji, Indrani ji, Rahul ji, Prem ji and Steph ji all came to the train station to see me off. I stored my bags away on board and sat by the window as my friends stood tensely on the platform, anticipating another staff member, Varun ji, to make it to the train in time to give me a pair of jodhpuri jhoti (beautifully decorated sandals). Despite his rush, he didn't make it in time, so as the train rolled out of the station my anxious friends and I waved to eachother as the rain started to come down in inconsistent splashes.

I left with a feeling of incompleteness, perhaps I should have waited to fully "complete the cycle" as my dad told me before he left... But is there any use in drawing out a cycle if one feels unproductive? I think perhaps it's better just to stop while you're ahead.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with GRAVIS and become part of the community! Rajendra ji, Shailendra ji, Prakash ji, Shashi ji, Abdul ji, accounting staff and all the field staff- thank you! You will remain in my heart always.