i could say so much about my three week trip on the other side of the earth.

but i figured i would spare you (and myself) of the existential details and focus more on the movement that has taken place, both in my heart and in those countries that may just lead to a revolution of sorts.

when i decided to go on this trip last year, i was full of anticipation to absorb a new culture and be filled with inspiration. what i found, was that there was a lot of work to be done and i happened to be placed in a position to contribute ... at least for a few weeks.

as i prepared for the trip this year, i knew exactly what i was getting into (at least in india). i knew their economic status and the massive paradigm shift that is occurring in their nation. i knew the dichotomy that i would face moving from a western to eastern mindset. and i knew that the students i would interact with would be looking to me for answers ... and it would be my responsibility to provide an answer ... whether i had one or not.

so my approach was a bit different this time. i went to continue the conversation that started last year. i had a great desire to bring encouragement and hope to those who were actively seeking solutions to contribute to the development of their country.

it was beautifully dynamic.

i can't tell you how fast my heart raced as i listened to these student leaders talk about the social issues they were tackling. i sat in front of them in awe that they were being so intentional with their resources as educated individuals. we broke down barriers of what they perceive america to be like ... full of prosperity and few problems. i then reminded them that we're all desperate for something greater than what exists here ... i redirected them to the issues our media is so quick to brush under the rug like homelessness, AIDS, child pornography, the sex trade, illiteracy, depression, violence ... the list goes on with the social problems in the states. but they never hear about those (well, except for school shootings). they see us as the nation that has it all together.

sounds vaguely familiar. that innocent perspective revealed my biggest fear ...

not only are we, as a nation, far from having it all together, but i am mirroring the cultural arrogance of my country. which means ... i had to admit that i don't have it all figured out either.

we all sat together in lecture halls discussing issues that mattered most to us. we grappled with the harsh reality that we seem so small in comparison to the problems we're trying to solve. but at the end of each discussion, there was a sense of unity. a sense that we were all in this together ... for the first time ... not us and them, but we ... together ... catalyzing change as global citizens.

i see such a profound opportunity for people of my generation to step forward and offer our resources in order to provide others with a better chance at life. we're the first generation to have so much information and ways of connecting to world at our disposal. i watch as my friends in developing countries try to strategies ways to develop without increasing the numbers of the oppressed. then i compare this mentality to a country like china, where they are growing so quickly, have so much momentum and power, that survival means simply keeping up.

such a stark contrast.

then there is me ... from a nation who hasn't battled for their spot on the world map for quite some time ... feeling quite comfortable until i realize that, again, maybe there is more.

maybe, just maybe, we can learn a thing or two from our friends overseas.

passion was renewed in me. i saw possibility and opportunity that i felt hand-picked for. and for the first time in a long time, i felt a part of something much greater than myself.

if only we would believe we were made for this ... where our own inhibitions and insecurities are stripped from us in moments when we have not choice but to rise to the occasion and be a part of a conversation that will change the course of history.