The adventure(s) begin

The adventure(s) have officially begun! I arrived in South Asia early this morning, after one cancelled flight, a subsequent layover in Doha (I was not sure where or what this oil-rich city on the Persian Gulf was until asking a fellow passenger 5 minutes before boarding the plane--that got a laugh), filing claims for two checked bags (still missing) and a lovely ride from the airport escorted by three co-workers through the narrow, noises streets of my new home.

As I battled adrenaline, jet lag and the early morning light creeping through the blinds in my temporary room, my mind raced, replaying the few sights and sounds I'd already experienced and anticipated all I would see and hear today. On top of that, I was trying to figure out what time it was back in DC, where I'd reluctantly left a very big moment in history. Thanks to the world wide web, I'll get my hands on a transcript of the Inaugural speech soon enough--nice reading material as I digest my first South Asian meal (a big bowl of rice with 8 or 10 different sauces to mix in--some were delicious, others, not so much).

Work begins tomorrow. For now, I attempt to rest. Difficult, because even in the 4 minute walk to the corner store to buy shampoo I have witnessed chaos (crossing the street--YIKES--it's like chicken, the game you were never supposed to play as a little kid), beauty (so much color!), brokenness (a frail man asleep in the middle of the sidewalk, undisturbed by the sandals and barefeet stepping over him), and hospitality (the friends who came to the airport at 3:30 am and stayed until 5, or those who helped me navigate the menu for my first authentic meal).

Already my mind is ripe for reflection and my heart is thankful to be here.