Straightening Path...: The Best Part of the Journey

The Taj Mahal is amazing. Rightfully renowned as one of the manmade wonders of the world. It is truly unlike anything else in the world; a thing of beauty, a piece of history, an act of love of a grieving husband. 22 years to build, craftsmanship unseen on such a scale; there are clear and compelling reasons people say not to miss it.

The Taj is so amazing most people forget to mention what it takes to get there. Agra, the home of this wonder, is not a major city, and is not the hub of anything on a global scale. I'm sure you can travel to and from Agra in a fully insulating tour where you are more or less protected from the dust, noise and chaos of Indian travel - but no matter who you are, it is a trip and a half to get there.

Our trip to Taj Mahal was amazing! It pales in comparison, however, to the truly amazing part of our trip. Here's the reality:

Photo 1: Waiting in line to enter the Taj at opening.

Time stamp: 8:10am

Photo 2: Waiting for Jen to get through security.

Time stamp: 8:26 am

Photo 3: First view as we enter through the main gate.

Time stamp: 8:43am

Photo 4: One of 139 photos on the grounds.

Time stamp: 9:13am

Photo 5: Walking from the Taj grounds.

Time stamp: 10:25am

First entrance onto the grounds to walking away:

Total time - 1 hour 42 minutes.

It was a beautiful day, our private guide did not rush us at all, we saw many details and learned the history - and it was less than two hours. This is typical. While a few undoubtably stay longer on a perfect day like we had (warming to an ideal 72 as the sun reflected off the cool marble), I imagine in typical tropical heat, most do not tarry.

After two hours we were ready to leave. This contrasts profoundly with 181 hours in Likabali, at which point we had to pull ourselves away, we had tears of joyous grief in our eyes, and our kids asked if we had to go. Emersed in the deep richness of human relationships, rather than cold monuments of stone, we find what is truly worth finding in our travels and journeys.

If we had spent just two hours in Likabali, meeting Steward, Nyapu, Angel, and the dozen students at the Bible Centre, we could have left easily. We would have felt more emotion at the grand marble tomb, than in a rural town at the ends of the earth. But we didn't, we spent a week. We ate with them, celebrated with them, worshiped with them, met their friends, shared their lives, and heard their stories.

Had we traveled a total of one and a half days by plane, and half a day by car, to visit a handful of amazing ancient sites for an hour or two each - we would have something to tell our friends about back at home. We would have the bragging rights of seeing places most only dream of seeing. We would feel like richer more well rounded people for having seen the world. But we would not be changed - we would only be more of who we already are - privileged people in the top 5% of the entire world.

I am so glad to have seen the Taj Mahal, but I rejoice all the more that it was an afterthought - a side trip - to the main adventure. The adventure of people. The depth of meaning which comes from touching the joys and sorrows of someone else - and not pulling away. The

first few days in Likabali were awkward; we felt distant, especially from the Bible students. But after sharing with them, singing with them, having our kids connect with them, and celebrating with them - even through the language barrier - by the end of the week, our lives were changed. They will forever be with us, and us them.

This is what life is about! I have been more places and seen more sites than most people - a blessing for which I am grateful - but that is not what has enriched my life. No building, garden or view has changed my life - but people have touched me forever.