Returning to Pondicherry, India feels like returning home. Everything came back to me immediately. The thick warm air. So much honking. Driving on the left side of the road. And disregarding all lanes and traffic rules. Unique tunes that play out of cars as they reverse. Dogs everywhere. The perfect little head shake. Getting stared at. Avoiding the sink water. Tea and juice breaks. And that indescribable warmth and underlying connection between all the beautiful people here.

Everything feels so familiar but I know this year will also be different in a handful of ways. I will be helping support the students who are going through the program for the first time, so my experience will revolve largely around theirs. I have an office space set up here that will allow me to organize their schedule and needs. I've been doing some exploring of good places for them to eat and shop, as well as mentally preparing myself on how I can be most helpful and reliable for them. I think back to when I first arrived here, exactly a year ago, and what kind of information would have been helpful to me then. I'm looking forward to playing this role for them, as well as participating alongside them in the amazing activities and programs that are planned in the upcoming weeks.

Until they all arrive, I get to spend some time at Matrikunj ("Mother's Garden") which is an incredible 43-acre area of cultivated jungle that practices conscious farming. When we visited here last year, I was so inspired by this place that I made a promise to return. I found a link to their website that you can read more about this unique place: http://matrikunj.wordpress.com. After spending the next couple days there I will share my pictures and personal accounts of my visits.

I feel peaceful being back here. Especially after over 30 hours of travel. The jetlag hasn't hit too bad and I feel surprisingly healthy (knock on wood). Now that I made it, it's so comforting to know this is where I am supposed to be.