Chacko Homes

Yesterday I moved into my new home, Room #20 at Chacko Homes. This is the place where I will stay for the rest of the year. It is a little retirement village just down the road from Achen’s home.

I have a very nice space here. It is actually the largest amount of space that I have ever had to myself. My room is actually three – a large bedroom with a space for a sink to wash hands or brush teeth, a cute living room with old green furniture, and, of course, a bathroom. And, for all those who have been worried, I have a Western-style flush toilet. But, no, I do not have toilet paper. And guess what? I don’t need any!

So, I am getting settled. My suitcase is unpacked and put away in one corner. I have a large armoire-style cabinet in which I can store all of my clothes, books, and everything else that I managed to shove in my suitcase on my way out a couple weeks ago. I’ve rearranged some of the furniture to make the space feel like my space, and, although it might take some time, I have a feeling I’ll really get used to this place.

Meeting the elderly people with whom I will share meals and friendship is intimidating to me. I normally make friends easily, and there is no reason why I shouldn’t here. Still, I am an outsider here. I am not Indian, and I am not old. I’m sure no one will count it against me, but it is intimidating nevertheless.

It is also slightly lonely. For the past week, I have been living in a house of nine people; and the week before that, I was surrounded by 66 other young adult volunteers. Furthermore, for the past four years, while I was in college, I have been forced to live with others; at the time, I didn’t think I enjoyed sharing my space, but now that I have a space all to myself, I guess I’ll have to get used to the lack of a friend to welcome me home.

So, right now, I’m feeling intimidated, lonely, and, well, quite overwhelmed. I keep telling myself it’s ok; who wouldn’t feel overwhelmed in this situation? And I keep reminding myself that it will pass; aren’t we always afraid of the unknown? Soon enough, this place will not be the unknown; and at that time, I will no longer be afraid.