Rachel’s Story
November 3, 2009 by Amy R.
Early this year my husband and I went to India to work in the Sadhana Forest, an intentional reforestation-based vegan community in the state of Tamil Nadu in south India. We spent two and a half months doing so many good things; learning how to grow and harvest spirulina, learning about the native tree species, and learning how to live peacefully with volunteers from all over the world. We could tell many stories about our time spent in India, but what I specifically miss are the warm, balmy nights. I slept in a simple hut– the back of which was open to the air– under a mosquito net next to my husband. The sounds of neighboring temples, humming insects, and jackals howling in the distance lulled us to sleep every night. For the first few weeks it seemed absolutely surreal that we were no longer on our continent, in our quiet apartment in Chicago, but in the middle of nowhere, completely out of our element, and yet feeling so free and full of life! We spent many nights talking about starting a family, about what other adventures lay ahead of us, and that excitement absolutely possesses us still! We are idealistic and young and aim to keep it that way, despite all obstacles and the opinions of others.
After returning to Chicago, my second cycle never came, and I knew immediately that I was pregnant. I feel that the time we spent in India ignited the primal, instinctive and joyful parts of me that needed to be aflame for me to gracefully accept this honor of being pregnant. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and so excited to start showing! I am about 15 weeks along and anticipating this baby with great, great love!
Be sure to check out Rachel’s blog – http://www.rachelsteventeam.blogspot.com
