Send Off Blessings.

Pictures From My India Send Off Event, May 15, 2010.
* Click on individual pictures to see larger image *
A great time was shared!

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Dear Beth, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to help you do good to the world! With best wishes for your trip, Rogerio.

This is what I raised doing the balloon raffle. I bless you with joy, growth, love, support, fear, pain, humor and friendship on your journey! Love you Liz! :o)

I am so proud of you Beth. I wish you goodluck and good health. Don't forget to have lots of fun. The children you will be helping are so lucky to have you. Love you lots, Johann

Can't wait to follow your incredible journey! What an amazing opportunity.

The Preparation Begins

Thank You for Your Support, as I have been able to follow through with some of the major necessities for this journey:

One way ticket to Mumbai -- Yes.
Vaccines -- Check.
One year visa for India -- Done.
Finding a handful of clothing for my first week -- Funny thing being a Westerner in a very Western store trying to find clothes to fit into another world.

So far all of these details have been the easiest to take on. They are concrete and have a beginning and an end.

Up ahead -- to breathe more fully, rest more fully, allow the fear to creep in, continue to reach out to loved ones, take a teacher friend's offer to sit in on her 5th grade class and review her materials, continue reading Phil Cousineau's book, The Art of Pilgrimage, practice my Hindi (I don't speak a lick).

From the beginning, something much bigger than I has been the driving force behind this undertaking. Understanding this has been the best preparation of all. For when I truly stand in this awareness, I am able to acknowledge that it is not about me. May I be of service.

Just Go

Anticipation, planning, excitement, hesitation, fear of the unknown, scarcity, abundance -- it is all here. Taking a breath. Going slow. Speeding up.

Fear comes up again, says hello in its prominent and convincing tone. My faith meets this greeting always, like a child would that doesn't know or believe too much in the business of the world. The child still finding its own voice. This is my practice, to listen to that soft voice with care and curiosity.

In opening up to what the world offers me, I said yes to this teaching opportunity in India. With all of the what ifs and stories my brain can spin -- something so true says "Just Go". It has been with me at other turning points. I have been preparing for this trip and didn't realize it exactly. "Just Go" it says. I have been here before, I will be here again. Just go and see, really see.

Letter for Family and Friends

Dear Friends and Family,

I am sending out this letter to share my excitement about a radical change in my current path. I recently accepted an offer to work in Sangli, a village in Maharashtra, India, as a teacher at a small alternative education school. The school was developed last year through the efforts of SANGRAM, a non-profit organization in Sangli.

SANGRAM began in India in 1992 to support and educate people working in the sex trade industry. SANGRAM offers support groups and advocacy programs to educate and empower women, people of diverse sexualities and those living with HIV/AIDS to carry out their rights. The school will be educating children of those working in the sex trade.

What I have come to see hidden within this opportunity is that I cannot carry out this undertaking alone. In facing the many unknowns and given short preparation time, reaching out to others is essential. To be able to share this means a great deal and however you are able to assist me, I am so grateful. I would not be able to follow through with such an offer if not for the support and shared wisdom of loved ones and my community. This understanding guides me now and throughout this experience.

Any support you can offer, may it be prayer or meditation, encouraging thoughts, insights to share, laughter – may you know that I accept it all with an open heart. In return I will give my efforts to taking a journey, building community abroad, and being of service, all with the intention to grow and return with gifts to give back.

Equally important is needed support of my fundraising goals. SANGRAM at this time has offered to cover room, board, food, and a small monthly stipend throughout the year. However, in a short period of time I will need to raise necessary funds to cover initial travel expenses, preparatory medical/dental care, travelers insurance, visa, and my first expenses upon arrival. If you are interested and able to assist in financially sponsoring a part of these expenses, I would be very appreciative.

My fundraising goal is to reach $2,500 by May 21st, and with your help this can be possible. Your donation will be supporting me and also the efforts of SANGRAM in continuing to develop and diversity the school. As reference, a dollar can go a long way in sustaining village living in India. Your donations can be made in person, through the mail, or online using the Paypal link on my blog site.

My departure date is set for May 31, 2010 and school will begin June 10th. If you are interested in following this experience or receiving more detailed information, please continue to visit this blog as it is updated. Here you can find links to further information about SANGRAM, Sangli, India, fundraising details and donation through Paypal.

I thank you for any energy you can contribute and look forward to sharing this experience with you.

With Love and Gratitude,
Elizabeth