Yes, I'm on my way

In........out.............In........OUT........breath deep. Smell deep! Know I love you. YOU!

Breathing in the sun entered my veins. Breathing out anxiety loosens its grip. Everyday has been as filling as draining. So this last weekend was necessary. Five girlfriends and I planned a quick weekend trip to the Ellora and Ajunta Caves. We hopped on a ten-hour train hoping to leave behind heavy baggage (not physically, of course). I have never been “the only girl in a relationship” girl, but I have never been in love either. I was proud and excited to be there for each of these girls. Three of them have broken up with their boyfriends upon being in India. Already we have each changed so much within these last two months and we found a need to each other. We struck a balance and kept each other positive. Some vented, some listened, all understood. I love each one of these girls and care for them as my own girls in California. We had amazing conversations about sex, gender, race, sexuality, roles, culture, politics, art, and love. Each of us are different majors and different backgrounds but “this is India.” We come together on the common ground that we are lost among the crowds of people, we are open to life, and we are not settling. I was surprised by my role and voice I held with these girls. I came back to campus smiling and praise on my lips; tired and smelly too.(the view from Ellora caves with Tess, Amanda, Molly, Jessie, and Julia!)

I have just begun to travel daily with just one other girl to yoga of campus. This is a bigger deal than I can articulate. Then after this weekend of traveling with just a small group of girls, I am beginning to gain confidence. Every street smart I thought I had is on some corner in San Diego. I am having to re learn basic ideas: never give out your number, look both ways constantly, always argue until you pay 5rupees, never look down, only enter the front of the bus, never ask for a map, above all NO WINKING. Ok, I am laughing even writing these rules, but there are completely true.

So here is the matter of fact, I’m learning my way around (not avoiding, but diving in and flowing) Hyderabad, my mind, IBS, art, girls, and heartaches…

And here is note to each one of you struggling with breathing, with traffic, with money, with mother nature, please remember, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1john)

Dear friend, can’t wait to meet you again…on my way