On many occasions we were presented with chai or chaach (a yogurt-based drink) while we spoke about irrigation practices or filled plastic baggies with soil.
Both in the field and in the lab, my research tested my adaptability and persistence. The weather and the equipment did not always work in my favor. While I pride myself on being independent and being able to do things by myself, navigating research in an unfamiliar setting forced me to get comfortable asking questions and asking others for help. Thankfully, my lab mates and field assistants have been instrumental in helping me to complete my research.
Come February, I got to welcome friends and family visiting me in India. While I have lived here for almost two years and talked to them about my experiences, India was a world never seen by their eyes, never tasted with thier toungues and never felt with their hearts. I was able to share my life in India and show them the beauty of a nation with great diversity in its environments, cultures and history. With friends, I shared great talks over delicious meals, explored new cities and adventured out on a safari. With my family, I was able to share the majesty of the Himalayas, the holiness of the Ganges River and the connections I had made with the wonderful people in my community.
In the next few weeks, I will begin to say goodbye to the people who have made India home to me. I am grateful to all the aunties who have always made sure I am well fed. "Why are you eating outside food?" they say. "Come, eat with us." I am grateful for the uncles who have treated me as their own, telling me, "There is no difference between you and my daughters.
