June 29th countdown.
When I received a text yesterday from Ali, who will be traveling to India with me, that read, “In one week and 3 minutes we’ll be taking off for LAX,” my heart grew full of excitement. For three months, I have known that this week has been awaiting Ali and I and caused so many nerves, anxiety, and excitement. When I tell people I leave in less than a week, they ask me if I am ready, and I truly believe I am as ready as I can ever be. I know that the moment I start work, find my routine, and realize I am in a foreign country for the next two months of my life, I will have the epiphany that nothing can prepare me for the adventure ahead but rather the mentality of expecting the unexpected will help me thrive in my new home.
My adventure to Costco, the many pharmacies, and the doctors have helped me grow confident in the fact that no stomach ache from street food, welt from a mosquito, or dehydration from the sweltering heat cannot be solved by my surplus and prepared first-aid kit. I have told Ali that her in-depth thinking and worrying makes me not worry because I know she thinks of everything, but as I pack my bags, I realize I am the one that has thought of the worst and prepared for it.
I am completely enthused by the idea of working with the women at Destiny. I feel as if I am entering a world where I have copious things to learn and yet endless things to give to the foundation and the women there. I want to forget about my world, my obligations, etc. for just a few weeks and full-heartedly give my life to this foundation.
What I look forward to most is the authenticity of my life there. I won’t have the distractions of day-to-day American lifestyle, allowing me the gift of enjoying the culture, the people, the inconveniences, the work, and my new home. I have a vision in my head of Kolkata as this place of hustle and bustle, loud noises, endless people, sounds, and smells, but meanwhile a place where I will be able to slow down and embrace the lifestyle. To be completely frank, I am just ready to grab my bags, head the LAX, and start this adventure.
