India in my Dreams

Sometimes I still dream of this place.

A place that I hated and loved, because I hated and loved myself, and I had not yet learned to distinguish between myself and my environment.

This place where a boy tried to become a man, and a man tried to put away boyish things.

Where I confronted fears, reached out and touched them - examined my heart in the jungle's black night.

(Above photo taken by Matt M. - an amazing photographer and fellow volunteer at Rising Star Outreach in 2008).

Where I discovered exotic beauty.  

Where I learned about innocence and faith

and gratitude.

And when I wake up - I don't really miss living in India -

I miss them.