Missing...

Hi there…

I can’t believe how much time has passed since I’ve seen you all. I have honestly missed you guys! I’ve often wondered about the amazing conversations I’ve missed out on or the opinions that I never got a chance to hear that would only come from such incredible people…I have learned such a great deal from you all and am very excited to hear that placements are coming through…

It’s been difficult to keep up with the e-mails (as I’d always been horrible at it) and work, but perhaps if you’re going to use this blogger (since I’m still not on Facebook), you can keep me in the loop with what’s happening with everyone. How was the last week of classes? Any pictures to share (hopefully I can upload the photo album from the simulation from the end of the second term)? What did you all get up to?

As for life here in Chennai, India – it’s been very busy. Work, work, work, work. It’s been great though…lots to do – finally went to the field last week (for the week). I must confess, there was a brief moment when I questioned partnering with corporations when this corporate guy came with us to a village. He seemed to have dollar signs in his eyes thinking about the potential in the rural market. I think it burst when it was explained that the goal wasn’t to drive the villagers further into debt and that no matter how beneficial the product is for them, a cost too high is a cost too high.

Other than that, I wrote a communication strategy all by myself! I wish I had some help from you lovely folks as I’m sure it would have been a trillion times better! I also helped whip up a log frame – on the fly for that matter – for an emergency proposal (thanks to Tim and Matt M. for our lovely Goma “template.”) – which by the way got funding! Have also trained a few of the guys on some computer based stuff and am working on trying to build the department’s capacity…but how is India, you might ask?

Admittedly, it took a lot longer than I anticipated to get settled in. The main reason being that things were a bit disorganized when I got here (shocker, I know)…the work itself was set before I left, so there was never any question about that, but as far as accommodation, INTERNET (you don’t realize how much you love it – REALLY love it – til it’s gone), phone and eating at the same place morning, noon and night for the first week goes…it did drive me a little crazy. But now that I’ve settled into my place (which is quite spacious – fully furnished 2 A/C bedrooms with its own bathroom, washing machine, balcony - and it’s a 2 minute walk from the office) I’ve had a chance to venture a bit and I have to say…I’m falling in love with this place. Perhaps one day I can find the words to explain it…but for those of you who have already been here, you know what I’m talking about. It’s got that, deep breath kind of feel when you think about it (in a good way) – peaceful, beautiful and yet so chaotic. And what makes it that much more is the people…they are absolutely wonderful…truly, truly beautiful! There’s still so much to discover and I don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance to fully discover all its secrets…has anyone about any country though?

Anyhow, would love to hear about your side of the world…please continue to use this blogger. And Matt D. put me in that little database of yours please J…can’t remember all the details you want, but I think it goes something like this:

Name: Jean Capili
E-mail: jeancapili@gmail.com
Country : India (city of Chennai/Madras)
Organization: World Vision Canada/India

Again, I miss you guys! I really wish I had the opportunity to get to know some of you more…perhaps now is the time…?

Take care.

Jean