Will I ever go back to India? I don't know. Even if I do make it back, it will not be visiting schools, or with the wonderful Vidya. This adventure has been so rewarding and so invigorating that I can't truly believe that it's over. I guess that's just how life works, right? You eventually have to start putting your knowledge and experience to use. And I am ready to see how this journey has and will change my (former) everyday life.
I expected to feel different being in India. Not just in a sensory way, but being in a country so different from my own that is perceived and interpreted as another world I expected some feeling of different-ness. Yet, everywhere you go there is hope. There is love. There is determination and amazing aspirations. India and the United States may differ in economic standing, yet the stand is the same on humans and their primal right to, and need for happiness.
Flying over the mountains on our descent into Seattle, reminded me of a lesson I learned the first time I traveled abroad (that I will probably have to re-learn for the rest of my life). The beauty of these far-away lands often makes us forget the beauty that has always surrounded us in our home. We get to drive by magnificent snow-covered mountains everyday of our lives! And we can immerse ourselves in the beauty of Puget Sound whenever we please! We spend so much time in this atmosphere that we (or at least I admittedly) forget just how blessed I am to live in such a visually-amazing part of the world.
The culture of the U.S. and the Pacific Northwest is so varied in rituals, religions, and practices, but we can all be connected by the stunning landscape that we often forget that we share (and also our addiction to coffee).
comments:
I just have to thank you for journaling your experiences in India. I was on the last study abroad trip to India with Vidya two years ago, and to read about somebody else experiencing the things I did has been bringing back so many amazing memories and tears to my eyes.
I'm so glad that you came to realize what I did while I was there as well: when you walk around Chennai and see all of the abject poverty, you are stunned and inspired to see that those people are full of hope, full of passion, full of life. I never met anyone who didn't smile, even though when I'd look at how they have to live it makes me want to cry. It's like as long as they have friends and or family around, there is nothing to be sad about, and that is a great life lesson. It makes all of my 'problems' at home seem so petty and reminds me to just put a smile on my face and channel some Indian energy!
Your sarees and mehindi are beautiful! Still got mine in my closet!
Sincerely,
Anneliese Kellogg
c/o 2011
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