Post 1

I made it safe and sound to the Ashram. I am typing this up on my laptop and will post it later on my blog, because we currently don’t have any internet. Right now it is about 8:30 a.m. your time and about 6 p.m. my time. I just got my room all set up. Right now, I’m not sharing with anybody, but at any time, they could assign someone to be my roommate. I don’t know where they’ll fit, but I guess we’ll figure that out when the time comes.

Well, where do I start? I have so many stories to tell you. I’m going to make titles for each of the topics, so I don’t forget and I’ll fill them as I have time.

Crying

I really thought I would be able to say goodbye to Jesus without crying. I don’t know who I was trying to fool. I was flooded with SO MANY emotions at once, all I could was cry. Of course I felt nervous and a little scared. Of course I felt sad at having to leave Jesus for 6 weeks. But what really did me in was the overwhelming gratitude I felt at having the most understanding and selfless husband in the world. Not once did express jealousy over the fact that I was traveling without him. (It is a dream of ours to do a lot of traveling together.) Not once did show an ounce of resentment. His only focus was making sure I was prepared for this trip so I could enjoy it.

Food

I hate to admit it, but I think I was seduced by the airline food!! It was shockingly good and there was so MUCH! It seemed like every time I turned around they were feeding us. Every meal came with a main course, at least two-three sides, a bread roll, dessert, water, and then your choice of coffee or tea. Now, mind you that most this food was not pre-packaged like we are used to. Most of this food was served in actual dishes (plastic). Also, they came around with actual tea pots and coffee pots and poured your choice of drink for you. I really enjoyed the meals.

The People

Indians, from what I can tell, are not a patient people. I used to think that I was an impatient person, but compared to these people, I could be a model of patience. They don’t seem to have any special rules or courtesies for women, children, and the elderly. And they have no sense of what a line is or how it works. Most of them I have found are very friendly and helpful. Well, that is except for the younger women, who will stare and giggle at me. I really think that they think I am a Lesbian, what with my super short hair, pants, and non-dainty ways. At first, I thought I was imagining things (and that is still a possibility) but it seems a bit coincidental that all the young girls stare a little too long and start whispering to their friends. However, I remember being that age. All my friends and I did was make fun of people who didn’t look like, talk like, and behave just like us.

The Driving (a.k.a. The Suicide Attempting)

I tried to remain as calm as possible during the 3 hour taxi ride, which is hard to do. I’m not sure why they have lines dividing the roads into lanes -- they don’t pay attention to them. So far, this is my understanding of Indian driving: Pass up as many vehicles on the road as possible, as fast as you can. Feel free to pass on a curve. Honk to let the driver in front of you know that they are going too slow, that you are passing them, or just for the fun of it. Flash your headlights to let the on coming car know that if one of you doesn’t get out of the way fast, there will be a head-on collision. Then, get back into your lane at the last possible second, just to show you’re not chicken.

The Sights

India reminds me a lot of Mexico. As far as the poverty, living conditions, and what-not. The backwaters and ocean views are gorgeous. The crappy thing is that we are not allowed to take photos inside the ashram -- not even of the beautiful views!! (That is a very dumb rule in my humble opinion. I might have to break it on the last day I’m here.) There are coconut trees and banana plants everywhere you look. The waves crashing on the shore are pretty big and pretty dangerous I hear.

The Ashram

Interesting. That is the best I can explain it for now. I’m still learning all the rules and routines. Everyone is helpful and patient with me as I ask and re-ask questions. At first I thought I had no electricity in my room. I tracked down the electrical guys and they sent someone right away. Turns out there is a switch (outside of my room) that has to be turned on before the electricity will work. I don’t understand the purpose of this switch and I don’t like the idea of someone being able to turn off my power. There are people here from many different places. The ones I’m pretty sure of are Spain, France, and Poland. But, I’m sure there are many more. I’ve purchased my first ashram approved outfit. I figured I’m getting enough stares with the hair, I’ll at least make sure my clothes fit in. It is also recommended that you do this so as not to offend the very traditional community around the ashram (which come and visit throughout the day). Today and probably tomorrow, and plan to stay to myself and observe a lot. I don’t feel like participating in any of the activities yet and I have not visited the seva office. Turns out at this ashram, seva is an option. They ask that you volunteer 2 hours a day to some task. I saw a sign that said they were looking for English teachers at one of the grade schools that Amma has set up. I thought that sounded like fun. It might mean that I’ll get to leave the ashram on a regular basis, which I think I’m going to need to do to get through this 6 weeks. It’s funny. I’ve been thinking how the 6 weeks was going to fly by. But now that I’m here, and I feel each minute passing slowly by, I’m thinking... “Wow, SIX WEEKS at an ashram! What were you thinking?”

XOXOXOXOXOXO to all! Love you and miss you.

Take Off

Well, in about 8 hours anyway. We leave for Chicago in 2. We're having lunch with Neil (Jesus' writer friend) and then off to O'Hare. I'm not sure when I'll be able to post again, due to wifi access or lack of.

I'm packed. I'll be lucky if they let me carry everything on board. I'm prepared though, if they make me check my bag. All my essentials will come on board with me.

Jesus has remained calm and a voice of reason for me, as I try to pack everything and anything. I, on the other hand, am doing good to keep from breaking down into a nervous wreck.

Breathe, Gloria, breathe.

1

My family from Texas called one-right-after-the-other this evening to wish me well on my trip. It was very coincidental. It's like they were all thinking about me at the same time. Just as I was finishing up one conversation, the next one would beep in.

My dad... always my dad. He can't help himself, I guess. He wants his little girl to be safe, but he goes about it in the wrong way. After giving me some helpful reminders and wishing me a safe trip, he said, "Don't trust anyone! Don't even blink your eyes! You never know what people might do when they're poor and hungry. They might say, 'Hmmmm, look at her, she looks tasty, then chop you up and eat you." I could hear my mom in the background telling him something which I'm sure meant, STOP IT! You're not supposed to scare her!

Now, before you go freaking out and thinking that my dad is a little psychotic, let me explain. My dad likes to speak in analogies. For example, there is this oldies song called "Little Red Riding Hood" which, of course, is about a Big Bad Wolf who wants to get Little RRH. He would always remind me that there are lots of Big Bad Wolves out there and so I had to be on the look out. It was basically the same message. He doesn't really think there are cannibals in India. (Well, at least I hope he doesn't.)

Hmmm, you think I might be a little anxious (and therefore need this trip) because I was constantly reminded "Don't trust anyone"? ;-) I just have to smile. I love him, even though he's a bit of a freak.

I was VERY excited to hear my nephew (in Texas) say, "I love you Aunt Go-Go!" and "Have a nice trip!" Which really sounded like "I luv u gyo-gyo" and "trip"... but it still counts. It means a lot to me because I NEVER get to see him. Then my brother told me that he'll cry and beg for Aunt Go-Go. I guess the videos on our web gallery that I made for him were a big hit (well that is all but the one with the bug masks -- that just freaked him out). Apparently, he'll beg to see Aunt Go-Go again and again. I feel so special!!! Isn't it amazing that the adoration of a small child can make you feel so important?

Speaking of the web gallery, I will probably post all my pictures there as a storage place while I"m in India. I'll probably only post a few of them to my blog. If you're interested, feel free to browse. Right now there are a lot of photos from Mexico (and those goofy videos).

http://gallery.mac.com/losmoya1999

2

The Bon Voyage Dinner at the Taj was very nice. I love it when family, friends, and good food all come together. It is a beautiful thing. I really appreciate everyone who was able to make time to come out tonight. Those who weren't able, I understand. But, you'll have to check out the food there if you haven't already. It's great. I have a picture of the dinner, and I'm trying to figure out how to post it on the blog. I want it embedded in the text. Normally I just highlight a pic from Google Images and then copy and paste. But this is my own image, and so I'm not sure how to do it. I'll figure something out.

I already have an adapter just for my laptop, but I need one for my phone and camera too. So, today I bought another adapter. But get this... apparently you need an adapter for this adapter! Have you ever heard of anything so redundant? I was not a happy camper. But, also I think I just didn't like the salesman who was pushing it on me. I think I probably allowed myself to be bullied into buying it. I just want to have what I need so I don't have to spend my precious India time running around looking for stuff. You know?

And just for fun, Jesus and I each bought a nano ipod. We've each bought cheaper no name brands of mp3 players before, but they've never lasted. And since we've become such big Mac fans, we thought -- why not?

Some people have asked me, "How is Jesus doing? Is he O.K. with you going to India for 6 weeks?" To answer that question, I won't be gone 24 hours before he's out with the guys for drinks. I think he'll be just fine. :)

I just received a confirmation on my taxi pick-up and I checked my flights last night and so far everything is still good to go. So, tomorrow is the last day for packing and goodbyes. Then, I'm off.....

3

<----- Like the new pic? First let me say that I normally HATE taking pictures. I will almost certainly close my eyes (it is like a reflex -- somehow I feel safer with my eyes closed). But, now that I have a webcam built into my laptop and I know that no one is on the other side of that camera focusing all their attention on my face, taking pictures is different. I actually had fun playing around with the camera and posing today.

What else did I do today? Well, I thought I needed to add a little more stress and worry to my life before I left on this peace-seeking journey, so I went and turned in my resume for a Spanish teaching position at Stanley Clark. Now, the only reason they would hire me is if they are desperate, because they are keenly aware that I lack fluency in Spanish and my vocabulary isn't that strong. But, they did seem a little desperate and they seemed willing to work with me (like pay for classes to improve my Spanish).

So, if they offer the job to me, then I have a choice to make. Do I take pay-cut for a less stressful job that sounds like fun to me (and offers some money towards my masters)? Or, do I stick with my commitment to Muessel (where I am supposed to be team leader next year), keep the better pay, and learn to deal with the stress? I mean -- that is what this whole trip to India is supposed to be about, right?

**Sigh**

I did some last minute shopping for my trip. Just little travel sized things. I also withdrew my money today. I have my traveler's checks and some cash to take with me. All I have to do now, is just finish packing, confirm my flight and taxi, and I'm ready to go!!

4

Guess who was in the paper today?

EAST INDIAN SPIRITUAL LEADER, 'THE HUGGING SAINT,' VISITS U.S.

is how the title read. I was unable to find a link on the SBT website. Perhaps because it comes from the California Times?? Anyway, Amma, the hugging saint, is on a North American tour. Pretty cool. Maybe one day I'll actually get to meet her. In the meantime, I'll just hang out at her Ashram for a few weeks.

Well, I watched my Anne McAlpin video today. She is some travel guru. She has all these tips on how to pack, what to pack, etc. My aunt bought the book with dvd for me along with a couple of her products; the security wallet (silk) that goes around my waist and a purse size bag with lots of pockets that can hold a towel/blanket/scarf/sarong (one piece of cloth that functions as all of those things). Pretty nifty.

Then, I checked AirIndia's regulations on baggage. I had to find a converter because Americans are the only people that I know of that don't use the metric system (except maybe the British). Just to find out that my carry-on (or as they call it "hand baggage") is too big. Nice thing is there is a detachable day pack on the front. If I remove that, it will meet the maximum allowed dimensions. The problem then is, how MANY carry-ons can I take. I didn't see any notice about it on line, so I e-mailed them. We'll see how quickly I get a response.

Something you've got to love about the Indian people is their use of the English language. I mean, I normally think of English as a blah kind of language. Spanish, Italian, French, those are the romantic languages. But when the Indian get a hold of it, they turn into something beautiful. For example, read the following out take from a description of their airline food:

"The exotic blend of herbs and spices, and the intricate preparatory methods, are all intended to let the aromas and flavors sink into the fare and your senses. Not only does the food smell or look gorgeous, it fires your appetite until you and your taste buds succumb to temptation. And the seduction is total! Efforts to resist indulgence often prove futile. But you will feel no remorse because such sublime and experiences are a step closer to spirituality."

I mean, come on. Have you ever heard anything so, so ... ridiculously romantic said about airline food?

5

OK, I think we've finally settled. We are meeting at the Taj Indian Restaurant on Saturday, June 7th at 5:00 p.m. for my Bon Voyage Send Off. It is located at 508 W. McKinley Ave in the same shopping center as the K-mart on the corner of Grape Road.

Jesus and I will provide appetizers and pitchers of water, tea, or pop (sorry, no alcohol). You can come when you like for as long as you like. My guess is we'll be there from about 5:00-6:30 p.m. (7:00 p.m. at the latest). If you're interested in dinner, plates run about $10.00. My favorite, the Vegetarian Thali runs $12.95, but it is so much food, you could easily split it between two people. Please come, everyone is welcome. Just let me know if you plan on coming so we know how many to expect. Thanks!

Jesus and I actually ate there tonight for dinner and we did split the Vegetarian Thali. It was interesting that while I was eating/talking with Jesus I had an insight. I thought, "Maybe this is why I haven't gotten pregnant. God wanted me to take this journey and he/she/it knew I wouldn't do it if I was pregnant or had a baby."

I started packing today. Just a little at a time.

6

I'm starting to feel like Suzy Homemaker. Just two days of laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, etc. and boom the transformation is complete. Of course I'm doing these things because they need to be done, but I was doing pretty good there at putting them off for as long as possible. Now that I I actually have the time and energy I don't mind doing it. It helps to imagine that I'm getting the house ready for Jesus so he is not so overwhelmed by things when I'm gone. When really, he'll probably keep the house in better order than I do (once I'm out of the way).

So other than being a lazy bum this morning and sleeping in until 10:45 a.m. and cleaning/organizing, I haven't done much else. I've been wondering how soon in advance I should start packing. I need to get a good idea of what I'm going to actually take and how much room I have to take it all. Inevitably there will be last minute things I'm going to want to shove in like Hand Wipes or something.

Oh, I did register/enroll for my fall class at IUSB. Time to start the Masters. Blah :p I am not looking forward to going back to papers and research and homework.

7

I finally purchased the travel insurance for my trip. My travel agent (Sandra at TCU) was not very helpful. :( Neither was the Customer Service Representative at TravelSafe. :( But regardless of the rude non-helpful people I dealt with today, I still have my insurance. Whew! One more thing off my list.

So, I think I've mentioned before how I tend to lean on Jesus a lot. This is one of the reasons we decided he couldn't come to India. I need to do it all by myself. Anyway, I REALLY lean on him when it comes to technology. So today when we had some technical trouble with our phone line and internet I let him talk to the phone company. He had to leave for lunch before the problem was resolved, so I had to take care of it. And guess what?....

I did! I actually went outside, opened the phone service box, and re-wired the phone lines!! I'm such a big girl. ;)

8

I just finished the India section of the book Eat, Pray, Love. What's funny is that I'm not so concerned with traveling on a plane halfway across the world or traveling in a taxi with a complete stranger for 3 hours through scarcely populated villages anymore. No, after reading that section again, now I am more concerned with traveling on my spiritual journey.

I know that everyone is different and so their spiritual travels will be different as well. So I can't go basing everything off of what Liz Gilbert writes. But I have already imagined that my physical and emotional cleansing would be extremely difficult for me. It is a scary experience to let go of everything that is familiar to you (no matter how poisonous it might be). I plan on letting go of my most comforting crutches: my husband, sugar, control (imagined and real), and fear. Hearing her account has got me focused more on preparing for my spiritual journey than on my physical journey.

I see this as a good thing. First of all, I didn't use the words "scared". This word used to pop up in every other sentence I spoke. And I'm not just using a different word -- I can honestly say, I am concerned and focused but not "scared". Second, there is little I can control when it comes to flying and riding in a taxi. I can only control what I think, feel, and do. So, isn't it better that I be focused on what I CAN control, than on what I WANT to control?

Hah! After writing that last sentence I realized that my whole life I have expected God to worry about my spiritual journey and let me take care of everything else. But now I think it is the other way around. I think God takes care of everything else so that we can focus on our own spirituality!