Thursday, April 8, 2010

Welcome!

Hello! Some of you know me in real life, but for this blog, which is open for anyone to see, I have picked the nickname "Gori Chori" which is Hindi slang for "fair-skinned (white) girl." An Indian friend of mine called me that once, and I thought it was funny. :)

I am 40 years old, and I am a teacher at a very unique and amazing school in the Pacific Northwest (USA). I am starting this blog because I am beginning to plan a huge adventure, and I want to share the process (and the excitement!) with my students, co-workers, friends and family, and anyone else who is interested.

Although I visited Canada as a child an a young adult, I have never traveled overseas. I always wanted to, but the circumstances were never right. A little over a year ago, I became fascinated with India, its culture, its music, its languages, and its people. I began to make friends, both in India and from India. During this time, I met a very special person, whom I will call Raja, and we became sweethearts.

Even before I met Raja, I had a dream of visiting India (which, incidentally, began with a real, actual dream, you know, the kind you have when you are sleeping?) I was especially interested in teaching girls, as many of them still do not receive an education in India. This is mostly true of girls who are poor, as  families with good incomes tend to consider education to be very important. I had a dream of going to India (and specifically to Jaipur, Rajasthan, in Northern India) to teach these girls. The work I would do is volunteer, which of course, means I wouldn't get paid. However, I would get free food and housing, which meant I'd have everything I need. I planned to save up and begin my adventure in August, 2011.

I still plan to do this, but since I met Raja, things have sped up. He invited me to go to Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Southern India) with him and his sons to meet his parents and see a bit of India. Of course I said "YES!"

Because I work in a school that is in session all year round, I had to convince my bosses that I really NEED to go to India. I won't go into details about that (I wouldn't want to teach students too much about the power of begging on your knees), but part of the deal is that I create this blog so that others can share in my grand adventure. So...kick back, relax, and come with me to this ancient and magical land...

Of course, we're not leaving for four months, but there's a lot to do, yet. Come with me as we prepare to visit this ancient and magical land....

Oh, but because this is an educational blog, I have some questions for you.

1. If you could trave anywhere in the world, where would you go?
2. What would you like to see there?
3. What do you think would have to happen to allow you to go there?

I used to think I would never leave the United States, but almost like a bolt of lightning from the sky, going to India became my most passionate dream. I simply refused to believe my dream would not be fulfilled. I told everyone I knew I was going to India. Even though I didn't have the ability to go yet, I began planning my trip.  With the power of my positive thinking, my dreams began to come true. It could happen for you, too. Never give up!

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