"God gives, but doesn't share." - Haitian Proverb

...This meant, as public health champion Paul Farmer expains, "God gives us humans everything we need to flourish, but he's not the one who's supposed to divvy up the loot. That charge was laid upon us."

Time here already feels like an adventurer's dream come true. Staying in a room with a view of the Himalayas that costs $6 US dollars a night. Hiked to a Bhuddist mountain retreat, past wiley leaping monkeys that grab pant legs and food if not careful. Took Indian drumming lessons. Ate delicious Tibetan dinner with three companions from Germany and Alaska. Later today, hiking to nearby waterfalls. Tomorrow, trekking to nearby peak.

On morning of day three, already anxious to start volunteering. Should have my assignment by the 6th, probably teaching English. Been reading too much about Paul Farmer, in Mountains Beyond Mountains. Best book ever, a gift from Amy. Tells the story of a man with superhuman passion for providing medical care to poor communities in Haiti (now he's in Africa). Very powerful, entertaining, insightful. Highly recommended reading. Places God in an interesting light (see quote above).

On a related note, was accepted into Johns Hopkins School of Public Health for International Health/Peace Corps program. Feeling more and more passionate about studying there, to learn skills that will enable a greater impact. At the moment I feel somewhat impotent to make the kind of positive impact I want to make. Teaching English is wonderful and useful, but I can't save lives with it. Nor can I redistribute massive inequalities of wealth, but I suppose nobody can do that. Also can't clean up irreversible damage to environment by reckless use of natural gas (Parts of India are especially bad - millions of cars and bad roads, city air is heavy with smog. But at least they don't have SUVs). Guess I have to focus on what I can change, pick one area that I can effect and do my best.

Learning to live with less here. Room has hot water, but not using any. Bringing water filter was wise as it means I don't buy botted water = less waste. Going to move into simpler living quarters. One more weekend of fun adventures, after that hopefully work begins. Pictures of monkeys coming soon.