As I sit on the computer in the internet cafe excited about my late night flight back home to the US, I can't even begin to tell you the difference this one month journey in India has made in my life.
My standards have changed more than anything. There not as high. I don't think there's any place in the world that is both gratifying and terrifying like India. I haven't even scaled the surface in one month, but what I have seen and felt is immense. No one would understand it unless they did the same journey.
This trip was supposed to be about doing something meaningful both to myself and to other people. It turned out to be a life altering experience and completely went in a whole new direction but is more meaningful than I ever imagined it to be and a great lesson in life.
I hate the phrase "everything happens for a reason...." but in all honesty it does.
-I signed up for the womens project and got moved to an orphan project which thru me for a loop. Even though I did not finish my work at the home, I have no regrets about leaving. I was able to see what it is like and meet some beautiful little girls who my roommates said still asked about me until the last day. :) Meeting those little boys (the rooftop labor kids) and sitting with them was what moved me the most at the home. If nothing else, I am glad to have met them even for a short time. Their faces don't leave my mind.
-My work at at the womens project would have been in Bangalore for a full 30 days. Although Bangalore is a big city, it got bombed 8 times yesterday.
-The other volunteers from this project I have met from all over Europe and the US will be lifelong friends. I've had a fabulous time with each and every one of them when we were together. I've laughed so much at the worst times.
-Kashmir. The ten days in Kashmir alone changed me mentally. I don't have to go into detail but I will tell you that every woman needs to do a soul searching journey for herself. I'm not talking islands and pina coladas. I'm talking real life. I'm talking about what YOU want. We can make all the excuses we want, but until we get out of our perfect (so called) bubble, you won't know what you're missing out on spiritually or emotionally. I was never weak to begin with but in the last few months my life has needed some change and this my friends has made me truly realize that if I were ever alone in the world, which I hope not to be, but if so I would be just fine.
Anyway, thank you all for keeping up with me. It has been a fascinating experience that I will share in pictures with you in a few days.
I can't wait to have some of my husband's coffee & cream .
I miss traffic with no horns. I miss my bed.
Sushi.
Dry heat.
However, I will miss seeing cows in the street and monkeys on trees. ;)
Thank you again.
xo
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12 comments:
Oh Ruby, I'm glad this experience has been such a moving one for you. Have a safe flight back and I can't wait to hear more when I see you. You're gonna make an awesome Momma one day too "boobie" :)
Hugs! CAll when you have time and are recovered a bit, I look forward to hearing from you.
I can't believe it's been a month already! Easy for me to say, huh?! LOL Hoping you're having a safe flight back!
I always envisioned the growth we can all see from you Ruby. Living in countries that have so much less than what we're used to does something to a sincere soul. This journey will leave footprints on your heart that will last your lifetime. I am grateful you stayed the course for the month and grateful that you shared your highs and lows. What an inspiring journey.
Enjoy the looking at your "old" world with new and refreshing eyes. If I were a betting man, I would believe that we will see whole new perspective from your work from now on. Wonderful stuff.
Thank you
I know that this has been a truly enriching experience for you. I can't wait to hear all about it! I miss you and love you tons!!!+
Safe flight home. I can't wait to see India through your eyes.
I am so glad you stayed there to find in yourself what you were looking for. You should be so proud. Have a safe trip home!
Ah Ruby, All good things come to an end, and this Wonderfully, fantastic, amazing life altering trip waits for it's next amazing woman. It's been a blast following along with you and clinging to every post as if I was there. Thank you truly for blogging about this experience and letting us all somewhat experience it with you. Can't wait to read more and see all the 5D images. Take care. //enoch
Your last 4 paragraphs made me cry! You go girl. I swear I can't wait to hug you! Talked to M this morning and he said you slept 10 hours on the plane. That's good. I'm sure you'll be talking lots for the rest of the day. It's gonna be weird for sure. I was on the Oregon coast for the last 4 days and today feels strange. Miss you sooooo much and can't wait to see you. Love Ya, Natalie
I have checked in here whenever I could during my trip to Bolivia, and now I am home so I have time to comment. I'm so glad this was such a great and life-changing experience for you. We all need those at times in our lives. When I read that your plan for the women's project got changed, all I could think was that God had other plans for you. I don't necessarily believe that "everything happens for a reason," but I do believe that God is in control and can redeem anysituation and use it for His glory.
I wish I lived closer so I could stop by sometime and see all your images and hear all about it firsthand.
OMG, welcome home, woman! I can't wait to see you!! When are we having coffee!?!? That dry heat comment is cracking me up-you are killin' me!
Where's the 5D shots? Get to steppin', would ya? LOL!
MWAH! Glad to have you back, even if you are slightly altered.
Georgia
"My husband's coffee and cream". I'm not sure what that means, but I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with brewing beans :)
You're such an inspiration and a strong woman. You show me that no matter what, things are going to be OK, even in the worst situations! You have a strong belief in yourself, and that has proven to be so beneficial in all of the great accomplishments you've made.
PS. Can you go somewhere else and write about it please? I have nothing to read now.
I'm offended. I didn't make the list of the things you missed this month! Sushi made it and not me.
I'm gonna go eat Cleo's food now. You can make it up to me by grilling and blending a filet mignon for me. Thanks.
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