it's been a lot of years since i've done serious traveling; the kind of traveling that changes a person; the kind that opens up the world, and unleashes perspective. sometimes it's easy to forget. sometimes when i'm so sad or so stressed or so exhausted with the minor difficulties in my own little life i forget. I forget what real suffering looks like. I forget what really matters.
this is my last entry from overseas 6/24/2004
"India passes before me. Here I sit all alone on a train traveling home. Am I going home or leaving it? I'm not so sure anymore. The little curtain that is keeping out the dozens of Indian stares keeps blowing open every time someone walks by. There are certain things I never want to forget. For instance, the endearing 'chai guy' who deems it his duty to announce what he sells at an ear-splitting volume both day and night at 10 minute intervals. No I don't want to forget him. I don't want to forget how good an air conditioning feels in 120 degree weather. I don't want to forget what a blessing filtered water is. I don't want to forget beautiful sunsets or the power of monsoon rains. I could forget sickness like I've never experienced, no privacy, millions of stares, and being followed daily. But no, it will all stay with me because I will remind myself. I will make myself remember.
The sky is beautiful. I think God pays special attention and reveals more of his beauty in the Indian sky because it is lacking everywhere else. As I sit here looking at it, I know I am so blessed. I'm blessed to have seen this sky and the filth under it. I know what really matters. I'm a changed person and not because of India but because of Jesus. Oh may I never forget! May nothing ever keep me from living; from truly living. I have my entire life ahead of me. I don't know what it looks like and it doesn't matter. I know now what really matters."
thank you http://williaminpismo.blogspot.com/
5 comments:
It's a good thing you journal. I forget things because I don't write them down. I always say I should, but I know there will come a time when it's important to me. That time just hasn't come. I envy that in you.
Sounds like India was amazing.
And every time I talk to someone who's been there, they always say, "I've never been that sick in my life." Why???
But I love that you have journals from that time of your life. Fun to look back on.
What an awesome reminder about keeping things in perspective!! The video is powerful - you should put on facebook for more people to see. Thanks Elissa!
Elissa great words!
I love the perspective. And I think i needed it today. Thanks, friend.
Also, your journal writing is detailed and beautiful. :-)
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