Final thought about a journey to India

Sept. 28, 2009

Nearly 30 days ago I left on a journey to India. During those 30 days I have had many experiences ranging from finding a video arcade while lost in Delhi (first pic), to getting a flat tire on narrow winding Indian roads (second pic), to hiking in the Himalayan mountains (third pic).

The difficult thing with traveling is you can never fully convey the sights, smells, emotions, and the experience. You can talk until you are blue in your face and still those listening will not completely understand. It is the blessing and curse of traveling. You experience great sights, sounds, smells, and emotions that you want to share, but unfortunately you cannot fully convey those things. No video, picture, sound bit, or story can complete the picture. Therefore I have to integrate the experiences from this trip into my practice and self all while knowing that I can only truly share this experience with the 18 other people that went on TSSW's 2009 India Expedition.

I have not fully processed this experience, but I can say that the religious adherence in India has effected my view of religion in Social Work practice. I know that I will do some reading on how religion effects mental health and I am sure to integrate that into my practice more. There are other ways this experience will effect my practice, but I also know there are ways this experience will change me on a personal level. Those changes are yet to be revealed, but I am sure as the jet-lag wears off...those changes will reveal themselves.

Children and Mandy Conger in arcade found in Delhi while walking aimlessly through Delhi streets.

Laura (a guide from LHA) fainting because of a flat tire on our drive to Dharamsala.

(Front) Keri, Carroll, Fran, and Rebecca hiking up to Triund. The hike took one day, and we slept on Triund at about 9,500 feet for two days.

Two monks bathing in the river below Bagsu falls.

Michael Smith hanging prayer flags for our group.

Throwing flour at the end of the prayer flag hanging ceremony.

My learning partner and me.

--- Will Moeller