In early February my family returns to India. For Laura and I, it is our second trip. For our daughter, Ruchi, it is the first trip home since she came to live with us thirteen years ago. It will be much more than a vacation. It will be a personal milestone and a defining experience.
The trip centers on Ruchi’s return to the city she was born in, New Delhi. We fly from the US into Mumbai and after a couple of days to settle in and get situated we are off to Delhi. There we will take Ruchi back to her roots, exploring the neighborhoods where she likely grew up. It’s a very big deal and we have been preparing for it on multiple fronts. In addition to the logistics of travel agents and vaccinations, we have been having engaging conversations about expectations to harmonize our intentions and think collectively about what might happen.
It reminds me of my days in improv theater: prepare for anything and expect nothing. In other words, do all the prep possible and then be fully open to whatever happens.
I am sure the sights, sounds, and smells will be stirring. This trip has been a long time coming and we are all excited, with a bit of anxiety thrown in. We are fortunate to have good friends who are helping us with the planning and serendipitously will be in Mumbai when we land to spend the first couple of days with us. They have lent their experience to assisting us with logistics and their hearts to making us feel comfortable. We are so fortunate.
Is there something this week that beckons you from a distance, to do something out of the ordinary?
“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure. ”
– Joseph Campbell
