It's been six months since I ventured entirely out of the realm of my comfort zone and visited India. My last "reflections" post was written about 4.5 months ago, and I was still disappointed with both my experience, and my reaction to that experience. Probably more to my reaction if I'm being honest.
Still when asked about my trip, I am hesitant. My typical response goes something like, "Umm, well, it was challenging..." To which questions follow and a discussion ensues. I then, more often than not, find myself explaining my experiences, the people, the culture, the political situation, the wedding we "crashed..."
Today, I took part in a Non-Traditional Student Study Abroad Information...something or other. Basically, it was some of us non-traditionals sharing our study abroad experiences with other non-traditionals that might be thinking about going abroad. I was able to answer questions, share a snip-it of my experience (the positive snip-its as we were trying to "sell" the programs). I enjoyed discussing our experiences among others who went to places like Peru, Ireland, Italy, and China.
The more I talk about my experience, the more I realize that I really learned very much! Though I do hope to go back to India one day, I can't say that I'm chomping at the bit to get back. This could have very much to do with the absolutely miserable trek required just to get there. Those 27 hours of travel might have truly been the most miserable travel hours I've spent. A French child sleeping across my lap is not my idea of a great flight, after all.
However, the experience itself is growing on me. As I begin to remember, I catch myself smiling at Nate's sweet and fresh excitement at everything! Zaheer's kind and gentlemanly behavior, making sure that the girls were safe and protected. Briana was thoughtful, emotional, excited, and in awe of India and her glory. Kearstyn, fierce and sassy, ready for anything. Rebeca with her strong will and emotions, and Connor and Alex, Fraternity brothers for life and all that it entails. Dr. Dembla seeing India through an entirely new set of eyes for the first time ever in her life. And Ria: Respectful and funny, full of tradition and beauty. My confidante, my friend, my sister while I was away from my sister.
Our student hosts who were kind, inviting, gracious, and so hardworking. They were up for anything as long as we were excited about it. They loved our naivety about their culture and life (Crossing the street requires hand holding in Mumbai. Seriously.). They were accepting and inquisitive; American sarcasm is entirely lost on them, and they are easy to entertain.
I find that as the sting of disappointment ebbs, curiosity and gratitude take its place. I am blessed to have the ability to work hard and fulfill dreams of seeing the world. I worked hard to earn that experience. To find myself hurt and full of sad, disappointed memories is absolutely unacceptable. I gained memories and lessons from every single second of that experience. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Frayed emotions, fragile moments, exciting new experiences, and a heart full of love are some of what I left with. Memories are what I have now. In addition to periodic discussions via text with Zohra, the oh-so-sweet Indian student with whom I share Harry Potter, Grey's Anatomy, and so much more.
Most importantly, more importantly than all I learned, and experienced, and saw, and did, I remember how excited I was to come home to the most important people in my life: My Erik and our family.
Still when asked about my trip, I am hesitant. My typical response goes something like, "Umm, well, it was challenging..." To which questions follow and a discussion ensues. I then, more often than not, find myself explaining my experiences, the people, the culture, the political situation, the wedding we "crashed..."
Today, I took part in a Non-Traditional Student Study Abroad Information...something or other. Basically, it was some of us non-traditionals sharing our study abroad experiences with other non-traditionals that might be thinking about going abroad. I was able to answer questions, share a snip-it of my experience (the positive snip-its as we were trying to "sell" the programs). I enjoyed discussing our experiences among others who went to places like Peru, Ireland, Italy, and China.
The more I talk about my experience, the more I realize that I really learned very much! Though I do hope to go back to India one day, I can't say that I'm chomping at the bit to get back. This could have very much to do with the absolutely miserable trek required just to get there. Those 27 hours of travel might have truly been the most miserable travel hours I've spent. A French child sleeping across my lap is not my idea of a great flight, after all.
However, the experience itself is growing on me. As I begin to remember, I catch myself smiling at Nate's sweet and fresh excitement at everything! Zaheer's kind and gentlemanly behavior, making sure that the girls were safe and protected. Briana was thoughtful, emotional, excited, and in awe of India and her glory. Kearstyn, fierce and sassy, ready for anything. Rebeca with her strong will and emotions, and Connor and Alex, Fraternity brothers for life and all that it entails. Dr. Dembla seeing India through an entirely new set of eyes for the first time ever in her life. And Ria: Respectful and funny, full of tradition and beauty. My confidante, my friend, my sister while I was away from my sister.
Our student hosts who were kind, inviting, gracious, and so hardworking. They were up for anything as long as we were excited about it. They loved our naivety about their culture and life (Crossing the street requires hand holding in Mumbai. Seriously.). They were accepting and inquisitive; American sarcasm is entirely lost on them, and they are easy to entertain.
I find that as the sting of disappointment ebbs, curiosity and gratitude take its place. I am blessed to have the ability to work hard and fulfill dreams of seeing the world. I worked hard to earn that experience. To find myself hurt and full of sad, disappointed memories is absolutely unacceptable. I gained memories and lessons from every single second of that experience. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Frayed emotions, fragile moments, exciting new experiences, and a heart full of love are some of what I left with. Memories are what I have now. In addition to periodic discussions via text with Zohra, the oh-so-sweet Indian student with whom I share Harry Potter, Grey's Anatomy, and so much more.
Most importantly, more importantly than all I learned, and experienced, and saw, and did, I remember how excited I was to come home to the most important people in my life: My Erik and our family.
