Hey there! This blog is cool as it is the last one before we depart for our big journey: the two-week trek. A few really monumental things have happened since last time we spoke. For starters myself along with my great team got officially certified in WAFA, CPR, and EAI so yay! SO proud of myself and the rest of my team as this was an intense last 5 days. Secondly, I got my “trek name”. Basically, the instructors give us names based on our personality or actions. To be honest, I think mine is pretty lame as of right now. It is just “Billi” which means cat in Hindu. I am not sure if there is deeper meaning so maybe I should table those thoughts but oh well. Regardless of the reasoning though, I still think it is cool to have a trail name haha.

Finally, the group is starting to become a family. This is not only a relief, but everyone has this new happiness in them, and it radiates. We all always got along, but now our bond is getting deeper. Although this may sound weird to add, I really think it shows how we all have been so open to confronting different cultural and ethical norms while being abroad. All of us for the most part come from such a different background, and that became very clear the first week here. There were so many occasions where miscommunication, bad jokes, negative attitudes, or just simple misunderstandings happened. Not because there was malicious intent, but simply because we are different. Anyways, without getting too much in the weeds, I am not only proud of my own growth in such a short time but also my groups growth. Plus, we have been having SO much fun while supporting one another.

From a more Indian culture perspective, I think I have been addressing the differences with grace and curiosity. I have been asking so many questions and cannot wait to continue to do so and learn on the trek. I feel very blessed as I do not just have G and Vipal to ask and learn from. Three of my team members are Nepalian so I have been able to learn things from them. As for the differences and working them out, I think all you can do is do your best to be open about everything and approach every situation as a learning experience. Luckily, the amazing people I am surrounded by make this easy and fun :).

The last few days have also made me think about myself on a deeper level. I have pondered a few questions a lot. They are:

• Can leaders ever follow other people—or do they always need to lead?  Why or why not? 
• What are you looking forward to on the upcoming trek?  What are your anxieties/concerns and how will you predict addressing these? 

I 100% think a leader can follow and I also think they should. How can you learn and grow if you are always in control? Personally, I struggle with letting go of control and so this is a main reason as to why I signed up for this trip — Leadership is also about recognizing when one needs to step back and let others lead. As for the trek, I am beyond excited. I am more anxious for something physical to happen to myself so someone else, so I am just praying we are all healthy, safe, and happy. I am sure there will be disagreements, but I really believe we are all here to learn and grow. Although it may be uncomfortable, I have full confidence we will take on the challenges successfully. I am beyond excited for myself and my team and cannot wait to go on it and tell you all about it.

Also, although we cannot pet them, look how cute Barbara is…she’s such a good girl.

Until then…

Kat