I always thought I had to venture out to some exotic location in order to experience different cultures, religions, and taste unique food. When in reality it can all be experienced in our backyards. Recently I traveled to Loma Linda, California for my work. I am a Traveling Speech Therapist so I travel to different locations about every 3-6 months. Anyway I knew Loma Linda was a teaching hospital and had a good reputation so I worked there in hopes to further improve my skills as a speech therapist. However, I did not know that the hospital is run by Seventh Day Adventist nor did I know that Loma Linda has a good population of Seventh Day Adventist. I only heard rumors from various friends that told me Loma Linda is a very strict and conservative place to live. I am a Buddhist and had a preconceived notion that I wasn't going to enjoy my experience working and/or living at Loma Linda. I was concerned and was relieved that I only had to stay at Loma Linda for a short time. I was so busy focusing on how our beliefs were so different that I failed to notice some of the similarities. However, as I got to know the people and we started to share some of our stories and beliefs that I realized there were more similarites than differences. I experienced some culture and beliefs that were unique from the ones I grew up with. I also learned it is better to learn and experience new things with open mind rather than listening to some rumors that may or may not be true. I met some really great people, made some new friends, and experienced something new without having to go to some exotic country. Sometime in the new future I wouldn't mind traveling to a foreign country, but for now I realize there are much to see and explore in the United States too. I made some self discovery along the way...isn't that what traveling is all about?
