Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A Lot Better Than Chemistry

I am looking at my watch right now, and if I were home I would be in chemistry. This is only about 70 million times better! Since we are behind on the blogging, I will mention what we have been up to for the last couple of days. We left Delhi after touring fascinating historical sites and indulging in fascinating people watching. We got so many looks and stares and people wanted to take pictures with us just because we are American. The night train to Chamba was a blur to me; I was so exhausted, I didn’t even notice the men coming through the cars every few minutes offering us chai tea and tomato soup. We jumped off the train and into the SUV’s. Our drivers did not speak any English and refused our generous offers to share our Corn nuts, which have never tasted better. The drive to Chamba was one of the most stimulating experiences of my life. The mountain increased exponentially in size and scenery and people we passed just got more and more interesting. I had my head out the window for more than ¾ of the ride because I wanted to soak in everything I was I seeing and also I didn’t fit my head very well in the SUV. The drive up to Nihan (our School) is easily one of the most dangerous things I have ever done, and I can’t wait to do it again tomorrow. Coming within inches of buses on our right and the death fall on my left never gets old. We stopped on the side of the road and walked around the corner and saw our kids sitting in a row. They stood up and greeted us good morning and I got the chills. I have never seen cuter kids! I am convinced that they are the cutest kids in the galaxy. The language barrier is more difficult than I imagined, but it only makes it that much more rewarding when we break through and connect with the kids. There is nowhere else I would rather be, and I would not trade this for anything. If we had to leave tomorrow, I would be devastated, but it would be worth it 10 times over. To the fam and the hommies, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all of your help in getting me here. I love you to death, but I don’t miss you yet! Don’t miss me, just smile because I am experiencing the most unique and beautiful things, and I couldn’t be happier.

Much love,

Nameste

Gardner Lange

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well said buddy! You made my day! I am so proud of you and all the YMAD kids for your selfless desire to serve. Continue to soak it all in. That is what you do best! All my love and then some more!

Mom

Anonymous said...

Gardner,
I loved your blog post. It reminded me of when Ben and Rachael went and the tales they told us. Tell Jacob his mom sends her love and remind him to write in his journal and take crazy amounts of pictures! You are great kids and you will do great things1
Tricia Ely

Anonymous said...

Love the SUV comment.....the tea and soup...I can taste your comment buddy! I loved the Indian Washroom and "American" washrooms....the Indian Washrooms are actually more effecient if you have strong quads:)
Keep rolling....safe travels. Canada is cheering for you G.