Heidi Minx - Journey to Dharamsala, India


It's nothing new to my friends and family, I love to travel, I am enamored with the Buddhist way of life and strive every day to discover, and adhere to its teachings, and more than anything, I like to find ways to give back whatever good fortune I may have, and help others. Other cultures fascinate me, and I love to discover them, and experience them in the most immersed, hands-on way possible. It's been several years since I was able to do hands-on relief work. I was fortunate enough to go to Haiti, and since my return, I've wanted to do nothing more than travel again to help others in another country. Recently, my father suggested I watch a movie, 'Cry of the Snow Lion'. I cried, a lot. I was furious with myself that I was not more aware of the situation in Tibet, and also (as is a usual occurance) with the US media, for not putting more attention on this situation. Genocide, murder, ethnic cleansing, destruction of art, and culture. I started researching programs, and found one in Dharamsala, India - where the Dalai Lama currently resides in exile, and where many Tibetan families send their children, to be educated in Tibetan (rather than Chinese) schools. So, I've taken the plunge. I leave in mid-June for four weeks. I've never been to India. I understand that it will be between 77-100 degrees. Mid-June is just before the rainy season. I will be dressing in traditional Indian clothes. I work about 4-5 hours a day, then three days a week, i will have classes in Hindu, or on area history. My weekends are free to travel and explore, and I have learned that the monks in the area love to practice conversational English (for those of you who know me, you know I consider spending time with monks and nuns amongst my favorite things to do!)


click here to learn all about Heidi's trip to Dharamsala