As of 7:30 pm Monday I was done. I am sore, exhausted and have very tender feet, but all in all it was a success! I ended up sleeping during the night as one of my male companions fell through, which left me out of options. It can be scary to wander around the woods at home during the night, but it is plain stupid to do it in India. So India and I resolved our differences around 8 pm on Saturday, as I set my alarm and collapsed into bed.
However, while the walk is over the fundraising has just begun! We will continue keeping track of the money donated to Tong Len until June 30th, as we attempt our goal of $12,000! Remember to email me (hzimm32[AT]gmail[DOT]com) when you donate to Tong Len, so as to keep track of the total amount raised.
With more detail to come, the highlights included:
1. Walking up a path on my 2nd trip uphill behind on of the construction workers (female) that lives in the slum. Sharing her companionship in silence, after exchanging a namaste, and simply admiring her alligator-textured skin. Reminding me far before the fatigue set it how demanding life can be on so many people in this world.
2. Being humbled by a coolie (Indian physical laborer who carries astonishingly large loads for very little money), as I saw him carrying a refrigerator on his back up the hill!
3. Seeing Rajini’s (a beautiful little girl from the slum) smiling face pop out from a tuk-tuk truck’s window, as she was out collecting trash with her father. Her little beaming face motivated me back up the hill.
4. Spending about 5 dollars total on all meals, which included: fresh cantaloupe, mangoes and watermelon (I consumed copious amounts on all 3), pani puri, two plates of chana, the best lassi I have ever consumed, spicy chinese noodles, a samosa, 2 bottles of maaza (mango juice drink), and a mango and orange ice cream – MMMMMMM!
5. Dreamily walking, and drooling, behind the ice truck as he made his morning deliveries. This also reminded me of the stories my mom used to tell me, of ice being delivered daily to keep “ice boxes” cool.
5. Running (while being timed by Martina) on the second to last lap, while trying to subdue my giggles as I passed Indians like they were stationary (most of them were actually stationary) for the 20th-time. I believe I helped re-define what a crazy white westerner is for these folks 
6. Presently preparing to crawl into bed, after finishing the day with laundry (which is a workout in India - envision scrubbing clothes on your hands and knees, on the bathroom floor).
A huge thank you to Martina, who kept my motivation and spirit high!
To Yangchen for kicking me out of bed this morning and doing the first lap of the day with me.
To Mary for assistance with ideas and invaluable editing help.
To Marski for far exceeding the calls of a best friend in supporting this venture and promoting the work of Tong Len.
And to all of my lovely friends and supporters who have donated and helped to spread the word!
