The joy of togetherness was simple last week. Each day the Niswarth team would take part in a unique set of life-changing experiences. Our activities stirred up intense emotions, and each evening we would talk, reflect, and work through them together.
Read MoreI woke up on Tuesday morning with a knot in my stomach. It didn't stem from my stomach problems of the day before, but worse thoughts were running through my mind at the moment. I got dressed to go to the gym anyways, but called my dad before I went and confirmed my fears.
Read MoreAs we slipped off our shoes on the warm stone of the corridor, I heard a sudden swell of voices rising from the end of the hall. We paused as the girls staying in Manav Sadhna's Girls Hostel raised their voices in prayer before their meal. I listened in awe as the individual voices of many young children wove together to create a song that reflected the age and wisdom of a tradition much older than they were.
Read MoreI am leaving behind the morning greetings (and sometimes midnight awakenings) of my cat as she jumps on my bed. I am leaving the common glimpses of her basking in the sun and the calming time spent petting the fur of her and of my dog. I am leaving walks and hikes with my dog and with my parents, and the cool breeze that brushes my face as I walk through my neighborhood at night.
Read MoreIt was one of those chilly nights just after the middle of winter term when I couldn’t even think about homework until I absolutely had to. I had the evening free and all I wanted was a meal with friends. Since they seemed to share my feeling, a few text messages later we were sitting at a table together talking and laughing and doing our best to take a breath and relax. One girl came late, just as the rest of us were finishing up, and I decided to keep her company while she ate. I could wait thirty more minutes to start my homework.
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