First days of karma yoga

While here at Mount Madonna, I'm required to work 28 hours each week. It is my practice of karma yoga- selfless service. I was given my schedule and it looks like Fridays are my busiest days and that I have very quiet days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays.

I had my first work shift yesterday afternoon which was labeled at "Tea" on my schedule. I'd heard rumors that I would be serving tea to Babaji... which terrified me. I envisioned myself kneeling at the feet of this holy man, trying not to be a fumbling idiot and avoiding spilling tea on him while breaking some dozen sacred rules that I didn't even know existed. All the other YSCers were really excited for me, as I was the only one who was scheduled for this shift. Me, I just wanted to give the shift away. 2.5 hours serving this silent monk?!?! Yikes!
I had "eaten lunch with him" that noontime, which really meant that I sat on the floor along with 20 others in a semi circle around his chair while he joked silently with a few people. He smiled and teased and was very lighthearted and clever. That calmed me down a bit; even though this guy is, like, enlightened, he obviously has a great sense of humor and is pretty laid back.
After lunch I went to my room to call my mommy while I had a few minutes, and thinking my shift started at 1:30 lounged about. At 1:20 I actually look at my schedule and see that I was supposed to be there at 1:00! Crap! Late to my first shift AND late for serving the master his tea! Who knew what the consequences would be.

Turns out, when Babaji is here at MMC (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) there is a tea time at 2:30 when he has his tea and members of the community and visitors alike can join in for a social of sorts. I spent time with Arpita prepping snacks and serving the guests, and SHE served Babaji. I was so uncomfortable being so close to him though... he just intimidates me I guess. I think it's the silent thing... I don't know what to say to him, you know? But as I was serving the visitors, he wrote a message on his chalk board and a woman, Sati, said "He's wondering if you're Jewish." I look at Babaji and smile and said no, to which he responded with another question. "Italian?" No, I said, and I told him of my UK/German heritage. I *think* he may have been kidding around... trying to make me loosen up a bit. Who knows :-)

BTW- if you don't know about Babaji, check him out here.

I had a dip in the hottub last night and slept beautifully.

Today I spent 3 hours in the garden with Dan (a fellow YSCer) and Rebecca turning some beds and pulling weeds. I had an hour for lunch and then was in the kitchen with Morgan (another YSCer) prepping beets, leeks, kale, and doing other miscellaneous things until 6. It's 7 now and I don't know where today has gone... *poof*

Time to watch the sunset.

Namaste.