This is my first blog entry in a long time. New blog. I decided to finally create one for memories sake. Plus, I am one of those people that introspects for a living. The prefix is just as important as the root. Therefore, my purpose in blogging right now is just as important as the trip in itself. As one can assume from the title, this blog will primarily be focused on India. I believe it is important to reflect on everything that we go through in life and all of our hopes and dreams because they somehow guide us to develop or grow as human beings. We all have such unique lives, and the beauty lies in sharing the good with others.

I tend to write a lot, so don't expect this blog to be concise. I figured I could write in a diary, or I could write on the internet. My mind is constantly blooming with thoughts and ideas, and I need to let it out!

As I put my breakfast aside while thinking about the trip, I realize all the studying I have yet to do before I can even really start gathering supplies and packing. I am putting booking tickets off until I take this exam and pass it. The trip is a great motivator to study, but often times nowadays, I find myself drifting off into imagination-nation. I dream of the dusty roads of India, the gush of wind on the face when riding on a motorcycle or scooter, the excitement of being amidst so many people who don't even seem like strangers. There is some magic to that land on which I took birth. I find familiarity in everyone I meet there. Somehow, my family's friend's family's friend is like my own family.

This year will be the first Diwali I get to actually celebrate in India, and that too with my dad's side of the family since 1996. I'm hoping to be able to hold some of my nieces and nephews for the first time! I haven't attended any of my cousin's weddings in India since 1997. hmm

I am excited to volunteer with NGOs. When I wrote my college essay 4 years ago, I wrote this is what I want to do with my degree. Now, this is what I am going to do with my education. I know the risks involved, and I am not scared. I know the challenges I may face, but I am prepared. In life, there is no perfect time based on anyone else's watch but your own. The perfect time is when you are ready...and it somehow took my mom's cancer diagnosis to make me realize I shouldn't put my dream off any longer because life is full of uncertainties. I am sacrificing a lot to go to India, but my parents have sacrificed even more when raising their family. The root of my parents' values they passed down-India. Despite however India is-good and bad-I love it unconditionally. I have never left that bond in the years I have lived here. In fact, the bond only grew stronger.

I will try to make it a point to end with a quote that inspires me.
"My life is my message" -Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi aka our beloved Gandhiji