I’m less than 36 hours from embarking on a voyage to the other side of the world.  On Thursday morning I leave for India where I will be studying and serving for three weeks alongside 10 other Portland State University graduate students.  Our professor Dilafruz Williams is originally from northern India and her words of wisdom are to “let India write its story on your heart” – so far I think she means don’t try to control it, be flexible, and let go of expectations.  I know those words will mean much more as I am working with those who have been ostracized from normal society in Madurai – those who disabled, widowed, and orphaned – and as I am trying to understand and engage with a beautiful culture so different from my own.  I hope I’ll be able to write an occasional blog entry from both Chennai and Madurai to keep everyone updated on my experience there.