I’m not sure if I was actually ever instructed to write that requisite essay growing up.
But this summer it seems fitting to take a stab at it. The days this summer have been anything but lazy and hazy, rather they have been full of travel, rich new experiences and wonderful relationships.
There were too many highlights to cover in one blog post, and so much I’m still processing, but I wanted to share a key theme.
Early in July I attended the World Domination Summit in Portland, OR. I know, the title leaves people with heads tilted and a strange scrunched up, dubious look on their faces.
That Chris Guillebeau is pretty darn cool
This unconventional gathering of remarkable souls is centered around three keys values:
Adventure
Community
Service
I could write a dozen blogs on that experience alone (and maybe I will), but I’d barely had time to unpack, and while still riding on the vibes and spirit of WDS 2014, I headed off for India for my third tour with the Yale Alumni Service Corp (YASC).
YASC is a shining beacon of those same values: adventure, community and service.
Teams of diverse adults and teens descended on a small village in India to tackle projects in Education, Business, Medical, Public Health and Construction.
There is no more beautiful way to connect with each other, no matter your culture, color, or language, then to immerse yourself in a new community in service. And believe me that is a recipe for adventure! Not to mention LOTS of laughs.
The friendships I’ve made through YASC are fast and deep. This shared experience creates special bonds. Every vibrant color, rich aroma, and beautiful smile was a blessing and as we return to our daily lives it’s sometimes hard to find the words that can express to others what you have seen, done and felt.
There is so much to share about this journey, but this beautiful video, the YASC India 2014 trailer, created by the talented (and uber cool) Amy Montalvo speaks volumes, and provides a glimpse into the summer of 2014. Check it out and let me know what you think!
More later…but till then.
Namaste.
Namaste!