I leave for India this week and I think I’m as excited as my parents are nervous.

This will be my second time across the world (read about time in China here), but most importantly my first time in India. I’ll be in Mumbai for a little over a week on a young professional program with JDC Entwine and then will be extending with new friends. I’m not flying across the world just for eight days, so I’m making the most of it! After my time in Mumbai, I’ll be in Jaipur, Agra and Delhi.

Rewind a bit. What’s JDC Entwine? Courtesy of the operations coordinator, “Entwine is a one-of-a-kind movement for young Jewish leaders, influencers, and advocates who seek to make a meaningful impact on global Jewish needs and international humanitarian issues. We do this by offering service experiences in Jewish communities around the world, educational events and programs, and leadership development opportunities. Entwine is an initiative of JDC, the largest Jewish humanitarian organization in the world. JDC works in 70 countries, specializing in humanitarian aid, Jewish community renewal and disaster relief.”

But how did I even find out about this program? I found out about this opportunity through my friend Michael. We became friends through Moishe House and he told me he applied, and then passed along the information. So I applied. What did I have to lose? Nothing. Ok, maybe a little bit of confidence if things didn’t work out. But nothing lasting. What did I have to gain? Knowledge. Cultural experiences I wouldn’t be able to coordinate on my own. Community.

Spoiler: I was accepted.

How am I feeling? I am excited! I have a new and blank passport book that is eager for stamps. I have new walking shoes hungry for miles. But most importantly, I am excited to travel to India and bring back elements from my trip to share with friends and family back home.

Over the next couple weeks, I’ll be posting as often as I can about my preparation and the trip itself. I invite you to comment on the posts, ask questions, reach out to me directly, or research something I didn’t explain as detailed as you’d like. But overall, I welcome you to fuel your curiosity and travel with me.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position, policies, or opinions of JDC Entwine.

Edited to add more information about the program.