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May 31, 2019 - 2019: vada ka yuva
He was at the school today, lying underneath one of the green benches that was in front of Mihar School during the children’s prayer. Off-white with a char-colored face, he lay there napping in the 10 am sun. We had no idea what an impact he was about to make on us. We soon befriended the stray, and he began to follow us from classroom to classroom, contemplatively observing the children, the lessons, and us.
He’s a slow soul, always moving deliberately with a plan, with a purpose. His eyes close, and his mind wanders off to some other place. Even though his mind is gone, he is completely present. A comforting aura encircles him, peace, and calm ooze from him infectiously. Baxter’s one-pointed awareness has all the honed talent of the greatest yogis.
At lunch he walked up to us, and Vishali, our translator, was the first to give into his beggar’s eyes. Later, when the time came for us to depart, Baxter loyally followed us up the short hike through the village, to the spot where our driver was waiting. Confusion disrupted poor Baxter’s meditation as we refused him entry to our vehicle.
He leaps into the car; we pull him out. Again, he leaps with determination; we sadly pull him out. Again, and again, and again, and again, he leaps. We pull him out. The backdoor slams shut and the car takes off on the narrow mountain path, thankfully we aren’t driving backwards this time. ( The previous day there was no space for the driver to turn around so he drove backwards for a mile until he could )
Baxter runs off towards us. His face shows more determination, more concentration than ever, as he chases us. His eyes furrow with effort as he scrambles over boulders, potholes, leaps across chasms, slides down, climbs up, nothing will stop him. Our hearts are queasy on this emotional rollercoaster, as Baxter falls back, and advances. Our intellects wrestle with our empathic instincts, except for Haidee who doesn’t have a heart, and wants Baxter to live a meaningless existence, void of any love or affection. ( That was sarcasm, Haidee is an incredibly kind human )
Baxter’s tongue loses connection with his throat, it flops out of his mouth in exhaustion. His legs shake, as our hearts break. With each twist, and turn Baxter falls behind a centimeter. Bursts of divine energy rush into him, and he once again advances. All this time a psychic battle is being waged inside of him, the forces of determination at one end, and the forces of thirst, and exhaustion at the other. Thirst wins out, and we lose sight of Baxter.
We tear up, leaning out of the window almost to the point of falling out. It seems we have lost him. While Bridger vlogs, Collin pessimistically, or perhaps realistically declares that we will never see him again. Ella starts to laugh/cry ( Ella wasn’t crying about Baxter, she was crying for some other reason ) while I start to pray. Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namah Shivaya, Om Namah Shivaya. My lips dance furiously as I try to summon divine aid.
We pass the first, and thank God the only fork in the road, I almost falter. How will Baxter find us now!!! <<< Insert Sobbing Emoji Here >>> After almost running over a few cows, monkeys, goats, velociraptor dog crows ( The term I coined, for the birds the gutturally growl like dinosaurs. ) , and children we arrive at Jibhi Camp. If Baxter won’t give up, I won’t give up. I run down the road Baxterwards, my lips are still moving piously. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Bridger begins to scream in joyous, amazed relief, it’s Baxter. I run after him, embrace this incredible being. Whitney, and I try to give him a drink, he’s nearly collapsing with thirst. His lungs move in and out rhythmically, he’s hyperventilating. I sprint up the stone steps to grab one of the buckets, frantically filling it. I rush it to Baxter; he slurps down the water at a blinding speed.
Baxter is home … and Tracie is going to be ticked. (Tracie would like to add that She would not be ticked, she would just be sad about Chloe.)
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We bond with a stray
Loyally chasing our car
He is here to stay
God came through for us
Gave Baxter strength in his legs
You can make it friend!
Amazing writing. I miss you and am so glad you can have this experience.
John Winkler
Loving Baxter from afar! But why is Ella laugh/cry?
What a blessing that Baxter found his way; never give up! This was such an inspiring story.
Love your story Jonas, and am enjoying all of the other stories very much! I love enjoying this experience with you even if only thru blogs and from half way around the world!
What an incredible story. I am so glad Baxter made it! Your writing is beautiful too! It is so fun to see pictures of you and your group and to experience some of what you are through your stories and photos. Have a great rest of your trip!
Jonah, I just have to comment to compliment you on your wonderful writing! I really enjoyed your storytelling. Please consider studying creative writing in college. I believe you have a talent that should be pursued! Side note: if it helps to encourage you, I taught English Composition and English Literature for many years at ACC. Start there if you have no other plans. Their creative writing program is actually really well funded and staffed. I’d be happy to talk further with you about this when you return I’d you’d like. — Marylynne Lawson
Jonas,
I loved this story about Baxter! I could visualize it the whole time I read it! I was cheering for him too! I hope at some point he makes a return before you all leave.
Well done with all your hard work. Enjoy your last week!
Lorie Grothe
Jonas, you really do have a way with words. I can visualize what you are saying as well as feel the emotions. Our connections with animals as well as with people says a lot about who we are and who we are becoming. I enjoy reading the blog entries with the stories and emotions they describe and evoke. I am so glad that you could go. Looking forward to hearing more and seeing pictures when you return.
Jim Winkler