Opening the Eyes

In 2003 I did my first trip to Asia. It was to Beijing and then later Shanghai and finally Hong Kong. It was a huge culture shock and opened my eyes to an entirely new world. Over the next almost 20 years I gained an appreciation for the cultures of China, Japan, and Korea (The countries I traveled to the most for work and play). It actually changed my life. I learned about how terrible the Western diet can be for your health. I learned about how the people of a country do not necessarily share the views of their government. While our country is dealing with its own political balkanization and self contempt, the major powers of Asia in most cases think fairly highly of the US and its citizens. I learned to appreciate different work attitudes, work ethics, and the tenacity and focus of the Eastern world. I loved the energy of growing economies and the tremendous amount of help and friends I have made along the way.

When most Americans dream of an overseas vacation the line of thinking generally gravitates towards London, Paris, Munich, Rome, Prague, Lisbon, Seville, etc. I have been to all of them and had a great time but for the most part I was comfortable there. Buildings were somwhat familiar. Cars somewhat familiar. Landscapes and famous attractions all familiar. All great places to learn about a history I knew, culture and arts I am familiar with, and food I love. But what if we stretched ourselves to go beyond the familiar? To go beyond the comfortable? Entering stage left…India.

Granted I have only been in Pune. The last 2 weeks have been a huge eye opener. As I told my wife — I think Pune is a couple of decades behind what I saw in the 15 plus years I went to Shanghai. Yes there is immense poverty that is very visible. I have had beggars knock on my window, but not hordes and crowds like I had hear about. I have seen trash lining the streets. But it isn’t everywhere in fact some people gather up trash to sell it for fuel or recycling. It can be very dirty but it is a dusty place and the cleaning standards in India culturally are not the same. But not everything is dirty. The traffic is horrible and chaotic but I have yet to see an accident. As a friend put it today “somehow the chaos is functional”. I have yet to get sick yet from food or water but I am sure that time is coming. I eat food here with no idea what I am eating. Rather than saying “i would like some chicken with veggies” I get a piece of bread, something in an orange sauce, a lump of something in green sauce, and small bowl of yoghurt. I tell them “no spicy” and you know what….its damn good! I have no clue what the mess in front of me is but its colorful and flavorful.

But back to the thing I appreciate the most. In India there is something that is becoming scarce in the Western world — energy, enthusiasm, hunger to grow, interest in change, sacrifice and commitment to better oneself and their family. Of course this still exists in the US and other places but not nearly to the same level and energy as in the developing world. In India when someone gets a raise they aren’t blowing it on a trip to Hawaii, or a Coach purse, or an expensive watch. They are using it to upgrade from a one room apartment to a two room apartment. And they live with their family. They are using their raise to get internet in their home, or a new TV, or maybe a used car. Their achievement isn’t just increasing their comfort its changing their lifestyle. And you can see their motivation to do this for themselves and their families daily. Its so refreshing and inspiring.

Would I have found this if I accepted a position in another country? Perhaps. But I am glad that God steered me towards a nation that couldn’t be more different than my home country. I can’t wait to learn more and watch how India will change me over the next few years like China did earlier in my life. I can’t wait to show how “the real world” lives to my kids and hopefully to all of you. It isn’t comfortable, but it sure as hell is living.