7: Questions from India

What do you think of India?

Honestly, I don't know much about India. When I think of it, I think of a very crowded place that has people walking and riding bicycles everywhere. I think of a mixed culture full of vibrant colors and textures. A place of beautiful people and animals. Rich history, various religions, strong tradition and a large family structure also come to mind. 

What's it like to be an American?

Being an American, I really appreciate the freedom that we have over our own life. Our career, religion, education, relationships, and lifestyle are all things we make decisions about everyday. Once we are 18, it's our life and we can go anywhere. Sometimes all of these life decisions become stressful, and it seems like we have too many options to choose from to make any kind of decision. Then the little things in life get forgotten and we take a lot of things for granted, until something happens and we get a reality check and remember how much our lives are blessed. After that, life doesn't seem as stressful and we are back on track with living our lives one decision at a time.

Is "home" related to identity? How?

I think "home" is definitely related to identity. As a child my family moved a lot. The only constant thing in my life is/was going to Germany to visit my Oma (grandma). Any time I think of "home" I think of Germany. It's a place I miss when I'm not there and yearn to go back to every year. Other things in my life constantly change, but my "home" doesn't change, it just evolves. For me, as a child, I wanted a sense of stability that I could come back to after being on all of my adventures. My dad was gone a lot for work and my mom instilled a lot of the German traditions in us. Part of my identity is the German side of me, even though I live in the U.S. Everyone seeks something out, and once they find it, it becomes part of their identity and part of their "home".

Can chaos in the home be productive?

Some people can only find sense when they're in the chaos. In this sense chaos in the home can be very productive. Sometimes chaos teaches people patience and the ability to let things go. Chaos can teach some very important life lessons that if taught in the home will help a person for the rest of their life.

What is my idea of homelessness?

The societal definition of homelessness in the U.S. is when someone is living out on the streets without a permanent structure to go to every night where one can eat, sleep, and bathe. I agree with this definition, but I also believe there is another version of homelessness, an emotional state. If someone is left feeling completely alone and abandoned, with no one to relate to or talk to, then this can be a sense of homelessness. They do not have a sense of belonging anywhere, or a support structure. These things usually come from the members of a "home," therefore not having them leaves someone "homeless".

What is the role of language in the "home"?

Language in the home is used to communicate discoveries, adventures, frustrations, opportunities, dreams, failures, thoughts, curiosities, criticisms, knowledge and feelings. Hopefully your "home" is a place where you feel comfortable sharing anything through the use of language. 

What are five things which home means?

1. Family
2. Love
3. Security
4. Happiness
5. Discovery of oneself