The first couple of days at Rising Star the main question everyone asked each other was, "What made you come to India?" . It's a very valid question and I would like to share with everyone what made me choose to leave my lovely home with air-conditioning, and come to sweat and humid India!
About 10 and 1/2 months ago my brother, Carl, had just come home from India. He absolutely loved it! There are no words to describe the light and glow that came from him whenever he showed all our families and friends the pictures and retold the humbling stories of all his experiences. (especially the stories about the adorable children) There was something in him that changed, and he showed me a few journal entries that he wrote while he was in India that inspired me. It gave me a little bit of hope. And that hope went a long way! It was hope for a better Emily. An Emily that could help others without feeling remorse for their situation or circumstances. I ultimately chose to come to India because it changed Carl, and I was hoping for the same.
Today, I'm happy to say that I felt that little bit of change in me!
My only fear of coming to India was doing medical in the leprosy colonies. It's not the blood or the ulcers for me. It's the 'feeling sorry for what these people have been through' that kills me. However, yesterday that wasn't the case at all! While I was washing this lady's feet, I look up for a second because she got quiet. When I did so, I see her kissing her hands and putting them on my head. She was blessing me. It was the sweetest thing someone has ever done for me! I did not feel sorry for her, but I was grateful to be the one helping her! I felt special to have the opportunity to feel all her love through her actions.
The people of India (adults and children) have so much love! They are the happiest people I have ever met, like they come running just to see you or to hold your hand. Like yesterday we went to this Hindu temple after medical, and we were taking pictures by these stairs. So all of a sudden I see these kids come running in our direction, RUNNING! I waved at them frantically, and they all came to me. They wanted to touch me and hold my hand and walk with me. These kids were so loving! One of them pulled out her arm next to mine and said, "white skin is super!" I just laughed and said "Indian skin is roomba super!!" she laughed and took my hand to go up to the temple. She did not leave my side the whole entire time! Even when I had to leave, she was right next to the van waving :)
I had education today so basically I tutor kids and read with them during their school time. It can be a lot of fun, but you have to be super patient because some of the kids do not want to be there. But lunch is always the best part about education days! I always have several kids shouting my name and asking me to sit with them. One of the boys was looking at my CTR ring and asked me what it meant and I explain that it meant 'Choose The Right'. And he was like, "No, no! It means 'Cook The Rice'" hahahahahaha! I guess that's super fitting for India, considering we eat rice twice a day!
I love India! I love the people especially!! They are the reason that I'm definitely coming back next summer :)
Today, I'm happy to say that I felt that little bit of change in me!
My only fear of coming to India was doing medical in the leprosy colonies. It's not the blood or the ulcers for me. It's the 'feeling sorry for what these people have been through' that kills me. However, yesterday that wasn't the case at all! While I was washing this lady's feet, I look up for a second because she got quiet. When I did so, I see her kissing her hands and putting them on my head. She was blessing me. It was the sweetest thing someone has ever done for me! I did not feel sorry for her, but I was grateful to be the one helping her! I felt special to have the opportunity to feel all her love through her actions.
The people of India (adults and children) have so much love! They are the happiest people I have ever met, like they come running just to see you or to hold your hand. Like yesterday we went to this Hindu temple after medical, and we were taking pictures by these stairs. So all of a sudden I see these kids come running in our direction, RUNNING! I waved at them frantically, and they all came to me. They wanted to touch me and hold my hand and walk with me. These kids were so loving! One of them pulled out her arm next to mine and said, "white skin is super!" I just laughed and said "Indian skin is roomba super!!" she laughed and took my hand to go up to the temple. She did not leave my side the whole entire time! Even when I had to leave, she was right next to the van waving :)
I had education today so basically I tutor kids and read with them during their school time. It can be a lot of fun, but you have to be super patient because some of the kids do not want to be there. But lunch is always the best part about education days! I always have several kids shouting my name and asking me to sit with them. One of the boys was looking at my CTR ring and asked me what it meant and I explain that it meant 'Choose The Right'. And he was like, "No, no! It means 'Cook The Rice'" hahahahahaha! I guess that's super fitting for India, considering we eat rice twice a day!
I love India! I love the people especially!! They are the reason that I'm definitely coming back next summer :)
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