Settling In

After a quiet first week on the hillside, Woodstock is now bustling with the first of the weeklong all-staff meetings. Altogether there are over 150 staff (residence, teaching, admin, and support) with an additional 150 employees (janitors, cooks, guards, etc), so the energy of the place is quickly returning. When the 450 students arrive next weekend, the place will truly be buzzing with excitement.

My first week back was very enjoyable. Monsoon is late this year, which is both a blessing and a curse. The locals are very concerned about the lack of rainfall. Without enough rain, the area is in extreme danger of draught (and wildfires) next spring. However, it has been nice to be able to spend free time outside. The crew of new staff this year is very adventurous, so we have done quite a bit of hiking and exploring in our free time. We've also had a good amount of time to just hang out and get to know each other. At one orientation meeting, we were asked to briefly summarize where we are from. At most staff meetings, this might take 15 minutes. At Woodstock, as I should have known, no one has a one word answer for what they call home. An hour later, our jaws were all dropped at how incredibly diverse and interesting our group is. It is unbelievable to work with such people.
Oncoming monsoon clouds. View from campus.

Snapshot from a a day hike with new staff to Kaplani village (5km east of Woodstock).


As far as actually settling in, the transition has been very smooth. I have my own apartment in the high school girls dormitory (Midlands). It is the perfect size for one person with a living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and what I call the "awkard room" for random storage. The apt came funished with furniture and appliances, but I have done quite a bit of shopping to make it feel homey. I was happily surprised to find out that my friend Laura and I have apartments across the hall from each other. Four other Midlands dorm parents live in the building as well. So far it has been great, but when 120 high school girls move in, I might change my mind :)

Overall, it feels fantastic to be back. Things are mostly the same, with the exception of friends who are no longer here and new construction. The new gym should be completed within a month or so and the high school boys dormitory by winter. Mussoorie has a new restaurant, but otherwise seems the same. It has been fun to visit with the tailors and shop keepers as I walk through town.