Dear friends,

I am writing to you from heaven at the top of a long, winding road. Donna Dancing Turtle and I arrived in Dharamsala today to meet Prema and Anahata, and we are both thrilled to be here. The journey was long. I came from Tennessee, so I was on a plane for many, many hours. Then we were in Delhi for two days before boarding a train and then taxi for here. Tomorrow we will begin working with the Tibetan women who will dance with the full pilgrimage.

After the tragedy on September 11th, I truly searched my soul about whether or not I should continue in this journey. I simply could not give up the idea of coming -- I could not allow war to destroy a pilgrimage of peace. I knew Prema and Anahata were in a difficult position, with everyone looking to them for guidance, yet not wanting to be liable for pressuring anyone. They chose not to pressure but
to allow each person to make their own decision. I chose that if they were still going to be here, then so would I. I am so glad I made this decision because the blessings I have already received have been immeasurable.

In Delhi, Donna and I did a bit of shopping with Prema and Anahata and then later on our own with the help of our Tibetan friends Tsering Dorje and Dawa. Most of you will get the opportunity to meet Dorje as he will be one of our most valuable guides on the pilgrimage. We watched as Anahata picked up the instruments for the nuns... the money she's been raising for so long has now come to fruition. The quirky little shop was plastered from one end to the other with pictures of famous musicians, mostly Indian, who apparently have connections to this shop. Some faces, though, were recognizable... it was fun to see the young faces of a few of the Beatles staring at us from the walls. We also went to a clothing shop in Old Delhi and learned how much they really have to offer.

The driving in India is quite different from what most of us in the West are accustomed to, but it has been fascinating to watch. At home, if the drivers got as close to each other as they do here, there would be accidents everywhere, but here the cars, trucks, and buses (and rickshaws, bicycles, pedestrians, tractors, cows, etc.) all weave in and out of each other like a dance, all while beeping their horns to alert other drivers. It can be a bit unnerving as a passenger, but it's also beautiful.

And now in Dharamsala, as I earlier sat on the balcony of our guest house room, listening to the cicadas and birds (and beeping of horns), watching the sun kiss the trees and my face as I take in the panoramic view of mountains, I feel connected to this world. I am connected to the Tibetans and also to you. I can see the home of the Dalai Lama from here. I can also see into the distance... into the world.

Donna and I spent a large portion of the last day and a half with Dorje and Dawa, and I find it interesting to hear their perspective on the state of the world. They both know about what happened in America. They are connected to current events to an extent... but that is a world away from here. It really has no impact on their daily lives.

And that is how I feel, too... I am a world away from that turmoil and pain. I am on a pilgrimage, leaving my family, my friends, my country, in a place outside of time as I know it. I pray and dance for peace, and I remember the state of the world, but I am where I need to be. I hope others can choose for themselves where they need to be. Each of us will know what is right, for we must each walk our own path. And I again request the prayers of all the ones who will remain at home, who will hold us up during this amazing adventure.

Brightest Tara Blessings,
Jessica Zebrine McDaniel