Off to India!

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So, here I am on the cusp of my great India adventure.

For those readers who are not familiar with my adventure-to-come, let me explain:

Last January, I went with a small group of friends to the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) regional conference in Ames, IA. It's a big to-do that gives theatre departments and professionals an opportunity to rub elbows, with lots of performances and workshops and competitions. There's a lot going on at any given moment, so we'd occassionally plan to divide and conquer. That way, at least we could share notes afterward. One of the days, my two roommates ended up going to a workshop run by a representative of Artists Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP), while I went to another (and far less interesting) workshop. When they came back, they were absolutely aglow with the idea of traveling to India to teach theatre.

Maybe some more background about me would be helpful at this point. What was so contagious about this idea? Why would someone want to go across the world to teach an art that they can teach in their own backyard? I'm not fearless--like some people have said--for deciding to do this. The question of "Why teaching?" is a simple one: it gives me a sense of purpose. And as for "Why in India?", my initial, superficial response is to say that I have the travel bug. I enjoy being on the move, observing, learning about cultures, and making connections. But just a love of travel doesn't explain why I'm going there as opposed to, say, New York or Florida (where there are other ASTEP programs that work with refugee and immigrant children, respectively). What drew me to India is the magnitude to which it will push my boundaries--as a teacher, a student, and a human being.

Not to say that this wouldn't happen if I went to New York or Florida. Quite to the contrary. However, I feel that in some way, the amount I grow is in direct relation to the distance I go. And now, right after college and before my life begins to normalize, is the perfect time to go to the extremes and have a 3-month adventure abroad.

I was blessed with the opportunity to see a lot of friends and family while I prepared for departure these past three weeks. With the help of some wonderful friends, I put on a couple of fundraising concerts to help offset my travel costs, and they went very well, with two very appreciative and responsive audiences. We actually raised well over my goal, and I cannot help but feel loved and supported as I set out. Of course, I will miss everyone quite a lot, especially my fiancé, family, and close friends (that covers just about everyone, doesn't it?). I love you all so much!

So, in the immortal words of Tigger:

"TTFN, Ta-ta for now!"

Love,

Lynn



P.S. Stay tuned for more info about ASTEP, Shanti Bhavan, and the George Foundation.

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