Contrasts

Speaking of intense experiences, Monday of this week had some pretty extreme highs and lows. While sitting in class, I wrote this message to post on my blog:

"I can't express how much I've needed this experience, how everything in the past two or three years has been leading up to this but WILL NOT END HERE. I can't even express what is happening to me here that is so profound, because in the middle of a breakthrough it is a) impossible to stop to think about it and b) impossible to indentify what is happening. So, to EVERYBODY who has helped make this possible, helped make me the person I was when I stepped onto the plane in Spokane, here is the most inadequate thank you ever..."

A few hours later, I went back to my capsule to find that my camera, wallet, and headlamp had been stolen while I was in class. Though my credit cards and ID were left for me, my pictures (all 1400!) were taken. This has been an incredibly illuminating experience for me, as I try to process the emotions and cultural issues that this theft has brought up within me and the community. There is a slight chance that the camera will be returned, but I've done my best to surrender it.

Even though I am disappointed, I still can't imagine a better place to be right now.