Friday, October 15, 2010
Washington Elementary
26 YMAD students have worked for the last few months preparing for the education workshops that they will teach in India this November. They were fortunate enough to do a trial run for the kids at Washington Elementary. They spent hours during the after school program working with young students who were more then happy to try out all of the workshops. Here are some images!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Be Bold!
YMAD has posted applications for the Utah County Spring 2011 Expedition. If you are a Junior in High School or you know an amazing junior in high school have them check out our website and apply for an experience of a life time.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Bringing change to Chamba one Spring Break at a time
Matt Reichman - Daily Herald | Posted: Thursday, April 15, 2010 12:35 am
It took planes, trains and automobiles to get Springville High senior Justin Calder to his Spring Break destination -- 40 hours of travel each way, to be precise -- and then the real work began.
Calder, along with 16 other Maple Mountain and Springville high school students, returned Sunday from a two-week humanitarian trip to Chamba, India, with Youth Making a Difference.
The project was the culmination of nearly a year of fundraising and training that enabled the students to cart in supplies, teach English classes and provide medical help to orphans and villagers in the Chamba area. Salt Lake City-based YMAD has made two such trips each year since 2005, but this is the first Utah County crew.
"The hardest part was leaving; I just wanted to stay with the kids," Calder said.
It wasn't just a question of foregoing a leisurely Spring Break -- YMAD members attended 15 leadership workshops over the past year to learn how to become not just eager but competent humanitarians during their brief visit.
"As soon as the light clicks on, and they get that they have so much to offer, they become brand new people," YMAD director of operations Eden Cowart said. Each student also rounded up his or her requisite $3,500 through personal and group fundraisers. "It's not one of those things where your daddy can just write a check," Cowart said.
The YMAD group stayed at a compound in Chamba, but split into groups to travel to four different nearby villages each day. Eliza Pullman, a Maple Mountain senior, spent her time at a public school in Raj Nagar, where she worked with mostly younger children. Between games of Duck, Duck Goose and Ring Around the Rosie, she helped teach English and math and conduct basic health screenings.
Part of the YMAD funds went to sending the young children to the dentist and optometrist for problems that would normally go unchecked, so the students learned to spot basic health problems that could be referred to a YMAD physician for further examination.
It's a lot to pack in to two short weeks, so everybody gets pretty attached by the end.
"When we walked up the stairs to the roof of the school [where they held classes], all the children were waiting at the top, and would bend down and touch our feet, then touch their foreheads; that's a huge sign of respect," Pullman said.
Springville senior Chaidee Woods also went to Raj Nagar, and couldn't go anywhere without a few admirers tagging along. Even when going for a jog around the compound, little kids attempted to race up the hills shouting "Didi" ("Sister") alongside her.
"I feel like we left them better than we found them," she said. "Hopefully we left an impression of what they could become -- to dream big."
The students were also able to bring hundreds of hygiene kits, newborn and safe-baby-delivery kits, fleece blankets, clothes and educational materials. These items are gathered year-round in conjunction with local Eagle Scout projects, youth groups and schools, Cowart said.
"We create leaders here in the U.S.," Cowart said. "They get a global awareness that they wouldn't have before. Whatever they take on in life, whether becoming doctors or lawyers or teachers, they have a sense of what service is and how it affects the people around them."
YMAD is always looking for donations, as well as willing applicants. Find more information about both at www.ymad.org.
It took planes, trains and automobiles to get Springville High senior Justin Calder to his Spring Break destination -- 40 hours of travel each way, to be precise -- and then the real work began.
Calder, along with 16 other Maple Mountain and Springville high school students, returned Sunday from a two-week humanitarian trip to Chamba, India, with Youth Making a Difference.
The project was the culmination of nearly a year of fundraising and training that enabled the students to cart in supplies, teach English classes and provide medical help to orphans and villagers in the Chamba area. Salt Lake City-based YMAD has made two such trips each year since 2005, but this is the first Utah County crew.
"The hardest part was leaving; I just wanted to stay with the kids," Calder said.
It wasn't just a question of foregoing a leisurely Spring Break -- YMAD members attended 15 leadership workshops over the past year to learn how to become not just eager but competent humanitarians during their brief visit.
"As soon as the light clicks on, and they get that they have so much to offer, they become brand new people," YMAD director of operations Eden Cowart said. Each student also rounded up his or her requisite $3,500 through personal and group fundraisers. "It's not one of those things where your daddy can just write a check," Cowart said.
The YMAD group stayed at a compound in Chamba, but split into groups to travel to four different nearby villages each day. Eliza Pullman, a Maple Mountain senior, spent her time at a public school in Raj Nagar, where she worked with mostly younger children. Between games of Duck, Duck Goose and Ring Around the Rosie, she helped teach English and math and conduct basic health screenings.
Part of the YMAD funds went to sending the young children to the dentist and optometrist for problems that would normally go unchecked, so the students learned to spot basic health problems that could be referred to a YMAD physician for further examination.
It's a lot to pack in to two short weeks, so everybody gets pretty attached by the end.
"When we walked up the stairs to the roof of the school [where they held classes], all the children were waiting at the top, and would bend down and touch our feet, then touch their foreheads; that's a huge sign of respect," Pullman said.
Springville senior Chaidee Woods also went to Raj Nagar, and couldn't go anywhere without a few admirers tagging along. Even when going for a jog around the compound, little kids attempted to race up the hills shouting "Didi" ("Sister") alongside her.
"I feel like we left them better than we found them," she said. "Hopefully we left an impression of what they could become -- to dream big."
The students were also able to bring hundreds of hygiene kits, newborn and safe-baby-delivery kits, fleece blankets, clothes and educational materials. These items are gathered year-round in conjunction with local Eagle Scout projects, youth groups and schools, Cowart said.
"We create leaders here in the U.S.," Cowart said. "They get a global awareness that they wouldn't have before. Whatever they take on in life, whether becoming doctors or lawyers or teachers, they have a sense of what service is and how it affects the people around them."
YMAD is always looking for donations, as well as willing applicants. Find more information about both at www.ymad.org.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Team work is like no work!
Nick Clark and Alex Park
Alex and I are now done with our Internship. Sad day. We finished it by going with the Utah Country expedition to Chamba. Those Kids are awesome. We had a great time getting to know them and all of the adult leaders. We’re very grateful that they let us join in on their team. We even got our names on the back of their T-shirts. Yeah we’re pretty dope. I’d like to give out some shout outs. Thank you Baird’s Rob, JoDee, Eden, Maria! Thank you Utah Country Team. Thank you Rakesh, Raj, Nisha. and Mr. Damhi. Thank you very much Family for letting me come do this! And everyone I forgot to thank, thank you too! We had a great 3 months living here in India! We did so much and didn’t really blog. I'm pretty sure we had the trip of a life time. Kullu, Calcutta, Pune, Delhi, Chamba and Agra. What a adventure we have had. Thank you again for this EPIC experience.
Oh yeah there’s one great life lesson I learned here that I would like to share with you. “Team Work Is Like No Work”
Nick and I are double-teaming this blog like it’s no work. I also want to thank everyone who read our blog. And we are much funnier in person compared to our blog, just in case you were wondering. Nick and I have seen many things this trip. Good and bad. But every experience we have had, have helped us grow into the men we are going to become. We are both excited to come home, but also very sad to leave our new home. People have been very caring towards us the moment we stepped off the plane. We have absolutely loved it here. This is something we are going to carry throughout our lives. Rakesh and Raj are two men that do amazing work for this organization. Without them non of this would be possible. I also want to thank my family. I left without anyone really wanting me too, but you have all supported me so much. YMAD, I think your pretty neat.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Deseret News Article
Springville teens return from 'life-altering' 17-day humanitarian trip to India
By Lana Groves
Deseret News
Published: Monday, April 12, 2010 12:29 a.m. MDT
SALT LAKE CITY — The orphans clung to the arms and legs of the teenagers from Springville who had been volunteering in India for the past two and a half weeks
Liz Bird, a senior at Springville High, said when the teens started to drive off, the orphans ran after the sport utility vehicles, not wanting the 17 teenagers to go home.
"They kept saying goodbye and 'See you tomorrow,'" Bird said. "Once they realized we wouldn't be back, they started clinging to us."
After 17 days spent helping 200 orphans and poor children in the villages of Himachal Pradesh in India, the teenagers from Springville and Maple Mountain High schools reunited with their friends and family Sunday night at the Salt Lake City International Airport. Dressed in traditional Indian garb, the teens returned with life lessons, including that you eat whenever you get a chance, extra toilet paper is a gift to be cherished and two weeks is enough to make a difference.
The group members were excited to see their family and friends after more than two weeks away, but sad to leave the new friends they had made.
"They're a really loving people," said Springville High senior Tiana Chambers. "The orphans will just go up and grab your hand and give you a kiss on your cheek."
Story continues below
Upon arriving in Delhi on March 27 after about 25 hours of flying, the teenagers were amazed by the differences they found being on the other side of the world.
"Only in India would you have to keep your arms inside the jeep because if you don't your arms will get hit by other cars," Lydia Scott wrote on the group's blog at www.ymad2009.blogspot.com/. "Only in India do boys hold boy's hands and girls hold girl's hands, but boys and girls never hold hands. Only in India am I having the time of my life."
The Springville teens met up with more than 100 teenagers from other parts of the world and 42 interns through the Youth Making a Difference program that empowers young people to become leaders and help those in need. The group helped provide medical assessments and delivered blankets, hats, gloves, vitamins, and medical and school supplies to about 200 orphans in India.
"I'm never going to be the same after (this experience)," Bird said to her family at the airport. "One of our main objectives was to fall in love with the kids. I kinda completed that within one minute."
During some free time, some of the group managed to go hiking in the Himalaya Mountains where they noticed the beauty on every corner, but were surprised at the amount of trash littering the ground.
"There's trash everywhere, no garbage cans," said Springville High senior David Lee Shaw. "It's amazing, people would throw their trash just off the cliff."
Mapleton High senior Trevor Swanson said even though he misses the children they taught, he's grateful to be home for a few reasons.
"It'll be nice to have your own bed and a toilet that flushes," he said, gratitude ringing in his voice. "It'll be nice to take a shower."
By Lana Groves
Deseret News
Published: Monday, April 12, 2010 12:29 a.m. MDT
SALT LAKE CITY — The orphans clung to the arms and legs of the teenagers from Springville who had been volunteering in India for the past two and a half weeks
Liz Bird, a senior at Springville High, said when the teens started to drive off, the orphans ran after the sport utility vehicles, not wanting the 17 teenagers to go home.
"They kept saying goodbye and 'See you tomorrow,'" Bird said. "Once they realized we wouldn't be back, they started clinging to us."
After 17 days spent helping 200 orphans and poor children in the villages of Himachal Pradesh in India, the teenagers from Springville and Maple Mountain High schools reunited with their friends and family Sunday night at the Salt Lake City International Airport. Dressed in traditional Indian garb, the teens returned with life lessons, including that you eat whenever you get a chance, extra toilet paper is a gift to be cherished and two weeks is enough to make a difference.
The group members were excited to see their family and friends after more than two weeks away, but sad to leave the new friends they had made.
"They're a really loving people," said Springville High senior Tiana Chambers. "The orphans will just go up and grab your hand and give you a kiss on your cheek."
Story continues below
Upon arriving in Delhi on March 27 after about 25 hours of flying, the teenagers were amazed by the differences they found being on the other side of the world.
"Only in India would you have to keep your arms inside the jeep because if you don't your arms will get hit by other cars," Lydia Scott wrote on the group's blog at www.ymad2009.blogspot.com/. "Only in India do boys hold boy's hands and girls hold girl's hands, but boys and girls never hold hands. Only in India am I having the time of my life."
The Springville teens met up with more than 100 teenagers from other parts of the world and 42 interns through the Youth Making a Difference program that empowers young people to become leaders and help those in need. The group helped provide medical assessments and delivered blankets, hats, gloves, vitamins, and medical and school supplies to about 200 orphans in India.
"I'm never going to be the same after (this experience)," Bird said to her family at the airport. "One of our main objectives was to fall in love with the kids. I kinda completed that within one minute."
During some free time, some of the group managed to go hiking in the Himalaya Mountains where they noticed the beauty on every corner, but were surprised at the amount of trash littering the ground.
"There's trash everywhere, no garbage cans," said Springville High senior David Lee Shaw. "It's amazing, people would throw their trash just off the cliff."
Mapleton High senior Trevor Swanson said even though he misses the children they taught, he's grateful to be home for a few reasons.
"It'll be nice to have your own bed and a toilet that flushes," he said, gratitude ringing in his voice. "It'll be nice to take a shower."
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Flight Change
Apparently it is raining in San Francisco, so the plane is not coming in until 8:05. At least they are where they can get good food and clean toilets.
JoDee
JoDee
Bitter Sweet
Connor
Leaving India.
Tired; tired of the food, tired of the smells. Tired of the noise, tired of relentlessness.
Excited; excited to see my family, excited to see Reshma. Excited for skiing, excited for my bed.
Sad; sad to leave people I now love, sad to leave color and beauty. Sad to leave the smells, sad to leave my new world.
Two weeks in any new country leaves you wanting. India has given me a new piece of life, added perspective in a world in constant struggle to remain the same while trying to embrace the new. I hope my experiences here in India with all my YMAD friends will continue to change our lives and lead us to become explorers, leaders and advocates for global appreciation and understanding. I hope we will never be satisfied with the “norm” or focus too much on our own little world. There is too much to see and too much to do if we want to continue to make a difference.
Perspective
David Lee Shaw
Perspective
Perspective is a waste to the pessimist, Hope for the poor, and a treasure to the wise.
Perspective is everything. It is what keeps us sane, or runs us to insanity. There is a choice of how we take in every situation, every event.
Positive or Negative
Good or Bad
Or Rather
The discernment between Reality and Illusion.
In Reality- you take the situation as is. You accept it, you re-plan, and you adjust.
When you are in reality, and you are accepting, you find it is easier to see the positive. In fact, you have already found the positive
-By acting-
In Illusion- excuses are made. Stories are conjured, and work is put off.
-The bus ride took an extra three hours how awful-
-The bus ride took longer, and I was able to see three hours more of beautiful India-
-I forgot my lunch-
-I was able to play with my kids for 30 more minutes-
-I ripped up my thigh chasing birds and slipping on bird feed-
-I have a really funny video of me slipping on bird feed-
Perspective is required for progression, one way or another, perspective IS required. It is the make or break of your experience in school
-Vacations-
-Relationships-
-Life-
April 10, Last Day
Going home.
I need to keep it up!
Jaycee April 9
The reason I wanted to go on this trip was to experience how my life could be.
Because of this humanitarian effort, I need to keep serving for the rest of my life. I used to want to help people.
Now, I need to help people.
After seeing the miracles and hope in the ashrams we visited and joy of the teachers and the people here, I need to keep it up! All the kids in YMAD want to make a difference and I have a strong feeling that all of us will continue to make a difference.
We’ll bring the sweet spirit of service that we all had in India and
Take it to our communities, homes, and schools.
This humanitarian effort has made me change my future, myself and the rest of my life.
What am I doing in India?
LYDIA
I can’t believe it’s almost over. It seems like just yesterday I was getting off the airplane in Delhi and thinking to myself, ‘What am I doing in India?!’ Now all I can think to myself is, ‘What am I doing leaving India so soon?’
It has truly been an amazing experience. One I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I have learned a lot; like don’t write your name in Hindi on your arm in henna, and don’t make faces at monkeys -they growl, seen a lot; like the TajMahal, the Amber Fort, and the market in Jaipur, and done a lot; like riding a camel, an elephant, and an Indian Jones Jeep. There have been some unpleasant experiences: using a public squatter, some pleasant experiences: seeing eager faces of children as you walk into their school, and some interesting and unforgettable experiences: eating street food, making pipe cleaner bracelets, and falling off the edge of a hill straight in to stinging nettle.
But I would do that over again and more just to see the kids at IRA and Sahoo one more time. The love I have felt during this whole trip is a love I used to think didn’t exist. I love it here, I love the person it has helped me to start becoming.
My feelings for going home are rather mixed because of this. But now, because I have felt this love I’ll never let it go. I will carry this for the rest of my life and for that I am eternally grateful.
Thank you to everyone and everything that has helped make this trip the greatest experience of my life… so far ☺
50 HELPFUL HINTS TO SURVIVAL
Tiana and Alexa with a little help from their friends:
1. Bring lots of toilet paper! A roll + to-go packs out the whazoo.
2. You can never have to many wipes. They don’t necessarily have to be individually wrapped.
3. Use the buddy system.
4. Always be positive. No one likes a negative Nellie.
5. Late night laughs are so worth it. You have plenty of time to sleep while traveling to your many destinations.
6. Learn the Hindi translations to what you are teaching. Also learn key phrases like share, be quiet, listen, etc. Take the time to go the extra mile to learn commonly used phrases such as what is your name, where are you from...etc.)
7. Nail polish parties are the bomb.com. The kids in your ashram will love them too.
8. Always have a hoodie handy.
9. Be prepared for the Kalsuin pooeys…they will come. Nothing a little Imodium and a little TLC can’t fix.
10. Bring shoes that can give you cool tan lines.
11. Bring good hiking shoes!
12. Bond with everyone. Tight like spandex.
13. Shop at DI. You never know what you’ll be able to trade for some stretchy pants.
14. Bring lots of snacks. Sweet healthy snacks are a great break from fried starch. Trail mix and dried fruit are highly recommended.
15. Instant oatmeal saves you from breakfast French fries.
16. Don’t be afraid to try street food! Best food you’ll have.
17. Bring Febreeze, you never know if you’ll be stuck in an SUV that smells like vomit and urine for 6 hours.
18. Fall in love with your orphans. Even though it’s hard to say goodbye its worth it.
19. Straighteners will blow up if you plug them in. Don’t even bother bringing them.
20. Make sure someone brings an iHome. Wall chargers are a must.
21. Don’t bring any jewelry you want to return home with you – You won’t be able to resist giving it all away.
22. Drink lots and lots of water!
23. Maaza mango juice is a gift from heaven. Slice looks similar, but is not the same!
24. Never pay full price for anything.
25. Use the bathroom when you can. Same goes for eating.
26. Discover the beauty of squatters and bucket showers.
27. Embrace the dirt and stench.
28. Mini battery powered fans are a necessity.
29. Practice a number of wash and wear 3-minute hairstyles before you come.
30. Make sure at least one girl (or boy) can French braid. P.S. Eden is pro.
31. Bring sea-bands and Dramamine if you get carsick. Dramamine must be taken an HOUR before driving.
32. When they give you blood thinners for the airplane-take them.
33. Embrace veg food!!
34. Always RUN to the Mo-Mo shack.
35. Sleep as much as you can on the plane
36. Bring good make up—you may not be particularly interested in any of your team, but there could always be interns. (We found this out the hard way)
37. Learn to ignore—you can’t buy everything.
38. “Have a good time, don’t be a good time.” –David & Austin Averett
39. Be outgoing! Your comfort zone is worthless.
40. Expect the unexpected.
41. Bring a bag or satchel… backpack sweat marks are nasty.
42. Never fall asleep when henna is going on in the room.
43. Don’t be surprised to be called by name when it is written in Hindi on your arm.
44. Don’t believe anyone that tells you that you can buy all your souvenirs in Jaipur.
45. Don’t worry, be happy.
46. If the interns tell you something tastes good, make them buy one first.
47. Carry your journal everywhere you go. Every time you have a chance, write!
48. Bobby pins, bobby pins, bobby pins!
49. “Rabie free is the way to be” – Lydia? Nick? Alex? Who really came up with this quote????? We want the truth! ;)
50. Enjoy every day, adore every hour, Love every minute, treasure every second.
We can’t believe it’s our last day. We are so thankful for this opportunity, it’s been amazing
I can’t believe this trip is almost over!
Shea Aldana
I can’t believe this trip is almost over. It has been the longest and the shortest two weeks of my life. We have seen and experienced so many things while we have been here, I don’t even know how to explain them in words. The only way to translate them to you would be either telekinesis or you would have to go and experience it for yourself. Although Jaipur has awesome shopping, it has been my least favorite part of this trip. The people here broke my heart. Seeing a family in the street or a mother holding her baby, a daughter with a sist the size of a fist on the back of her head, or a young boy with an expanded skull, begging for something that they think we can give them. It kills me. I wish there was more that we could do for these people. It’s a sick world we live in, but seeing this has only put more fuel in my fire to help these people live a better life. As Ghandi said
“A small body of determined spirits fueled by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.”
I know now exactly why I am here and why I am doing what I am doing. I am so very grateful for the many blessings that I have and for the opportunity to come to India to make a difference. Making a difference makes me feel good and I am never going to stop.
Change for the better!
Austin Allen
Before I left on this trip, I was working hard on doing my make up work so I could take what I personally thought to be a vacation in hopes to recharge my batteries. Of course, it was too good to be true, but I received something even better – the desire to do the best I can, not only for myself, but for the children I bonded so closely to.
After seeing first-hand how crappy the conditions of living are and how selfless the people really are, it’s hard not wanting to do something for them. My perspective now stands, that it’s a shame and a slap in the friends’ faces we have met if we didn’t go on to live our lives to the fullest. I hope people on this expedition feel the same as I do, to continue to live life making a difference knowing the difference between home and India.
I have been on my fair share of exciting trips in my life, but this one tops them all (no offense to the family). My eyes have opened and I can truly say looking back on life before this trip, I have changed for the better and hope to never forget the feelings and experiences I have had on these past two weeks. It’s sad to think this is most likely my last day in India, but I can’t wait to get home to live my new life.
Poverty Does Not Affect Happiness!
Shelby Porter
So I am sitting here wondering what in the world I should say. There is so much I have learned on this trip that it is hard to put into words what I am feeling and thinking about the whole experience. I have learned that poverty doesn’t affect happiness. The children I worked with were just as happy, caring and accepting as any child. Another thing I learned is how bright and willing to learn the Indian youth are. They understand that the only way to turn things around for them and their community and country is through education. I am honored to have been able to have this chance to experience this once in a life-time opportunity. Thank you to all that have helped me get here!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Delta Flight Information
For those parents checking on Flight information, the flight number has been changed. The YMAD group is on Delta Flight 4674 from San Francisco. Currently it is scheduled to arrive in SLC on Sunday April 11th at 6:18PM. I will check again tomorrow and keep you updated.
12 Days of India
Dear Friends and Families,
A friend of ours, who travels a lot, told us that for every hour time difference of the place you have been visiting, it takes that many days for your body to recover. Well, there is a 12 and 1/2 hour time difference between India and Salt Lake City. That means that it will take your teen 12 days to get their body and mind back. (I think part of your body particles remain over the ocean before they catch up to the rest of you). I know from lots of travel to India that it is almost 12 days, to the day, before I feel normal. Be paitent with your teen when they are pacing your house at 3:00AM. Or, when the teacher calls and tells you that your child is asleep in their classroom. (Which has happened, by the way) It takes at least 12 days to process the experince they have just had. Be patient, they have been forever changed, however their bodies with get back to normal, eventually.
Thanks for having amazing teens!
Nameste,
JoDee Baird
A friend of ours, who travels a lot, told us that for every hour time difference of the place you have been visiting, it takes that many days for your body to recover. Well, there is a 12 and 1/2 hour time difference between India and Salt Lake City. That means that it will take your teen 12 days to get their body and mind back. (I think part of your body particles remain over the ocean before they catch up to the rest of you). I know from lots of travel to India that it is almost 12 days, to the day, before I feel normal. Be paitent with your teen when they are pacing your house at 3:00AM. Or, when the teacher calls and tells you that your child is asleep in their classroom. (Which has happened, by the way) It takes at least 12 days to process the experince they have just had. Be patient, they have been forever changed, however their bodies with get back to normal, eventually.
Thanks for having amazing teens!
Nameste,
JoDee Baird
Friday, April 9, 2010
Open Space
Some of the best things the US has going for it is open space to run around in. My Aunt came from Romania to visit and she was kind of flabbergasted about how big all of the houses are and that she could drive for five days and still be in the same country with no boarder crossings, I know how she feels now. One thing I have really missed while in India is the ability to go outside and go running, the pollution and overcrowded population here kinda sucks.
One thing I will miss once back in the states is the attitude of the people who live in Chamba. I’m especially going to miss being called Dee Dee, which means sister in Hindi. I loved when ChaiDee, Joselyn and I were running up Diarrhea Hill when three of the cutest girls attached themselves to me, started calling me Dee Dee and tried to run with us. They were so cute and I really wish I spoke Hindi so I could understand what one of the girls were saying. A lot of people here speak English because they learn it in school and watch Hollywood movies, it’s really nice when you meet someone and they can mostly communicate with you.
There are good and bad things that come with leaving India, like giving Liza, Neesha and Sanjeeve my last hug goodbye and leaving all of our kids. Either way I’m coming back a different person than who left for India two weeks ago.
Libby
p.s. And I love all of the YMAD kids so much! Thanks to their parents who let them come to India with me.
The Final Stretch
Deson
It’s hard to believe that we’re on the final stretch of this incredible journey. In less than a day we’ll be traveling back to homework, obligations, and petty inconveniences so common in America today. For my final blog, I thought I would share just a few observations I have made throughout my travels in India.
First of all, the people of India are so much happier than I thought they would be. It’s amazing! Ask anyone who has been in the car with me, and you’ll know that I spent a lot of my travel time looking out the window and waving at the local people as we passed by. It may sound weird, but it was such a rush to see someone look up with a confused look on their face, then see that confused look turn into a beaming smile of pure joy when they realized you were smiling and waving at them. It was so cool! These people have so little temporally, yet they have so much more in their hearts than many of the great political leaders and businessmen of our world today. The amount of love the Indian people have is so evident and so incredible. They are truly inspiring!
Another thing I’ve learned from the Indian people is that life doesn’t have to be complex to be complete. A typical family in Chamba will start the day early, high above the actually city in a humble home. After tending to the animals and wheat fields, the family members will carry whatever goods they have to sell down the dirt trails to the main city, a distance of between 5 to 10 kilometers each way. If they can afford it, the kids will go off to school while the parents tend to the small store. After spending the day in the city, the family will return home to spend time together away from the busyness of the city. We got to spend a night at one of these homes, and they are so peaceful. The way the Indian people live is so simple, and yet they manage to be so happy. I wonder how life would improve in America if we could learn to concentrate more on relationships, and let everything else fall into place.
We came to India to teach, but in reality we are the ones who have been taught. This has truly been the experience of a lifetime, and I feel sad leaving, but I can now return home with a new resolve to focus more on the important things of life. Thank you to everyone who has made this trip possible, especially my mom and dad. I love you all so much, and I am looking forward to being back. All is well with the YMAD clan, and we’ll be seeing all of you soon.
Deson
It’s hard to believe that we’re on the final stretch of this incredible journey. In less than a day we’ll be traveling back to homework, obligations, and petty inconveniences so common in America today. For my final blog, I thought I would share just a few observations I have made throughout my travels in India.
First of all, the people of India are so much happier than I thought they would be. It’s amazing! Ask anyone who has been in the car with me, and you’ll know that I spent a lot of my travel time looking out the window and waving at the local people as we passed by. It may sound weird, but it was such a rush to see someone look up with a confused look on their face, then see that confused look turn into a beaming smile of pure joy when they realized you were smiling and waving at them. It was so cool! These people have so little temporally, yet they have so much more in their hearts than many of the great political leaders and businessmen of our world today. The amount of love the Indian people have is so evident and so incredible. They are truly inspiring!
Another thing I’ve learned from the Indian people is that life doesn’t have to be complex to be complete. A typical family in Chamba will start the day early, high above the actually city in a humble home. After tending to the animals and wheat fields, the family members will carry whatever goods they have to sell down the dirt trails to the main city, a distance of between 5 to 10 kilometers each way. If they can afford it, the kids will go off to school while the parents tend to the small store. After spending the day in the city, the family will return home to spend time together away from the busyness of the city. We got to spend a night at one of these homes, and they are so peaceful. The way the Indian people live is so simple, and yet they manage to be so happy. I wonder how life would improve in America if we could learn to concentrate more on relationships, and let everything else fall into place.
We came to India to teach, but in reality we are the ones who have been taught. This has truly been the experience of a lifetime, and I feel sad leaving, but I can now return home with a new resolve to focus more on the important things of life. Thank you to everyone who has made this trip possible, especially my mom and dad. I love you all so much, and I am looking forward to being back. All is well with the YMAD clan, and we’ll be seeing all of you soon.
Deson
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Eliza Pullman
India has brought so many surprises. I really didn’t know what to expect, or exactly what I had gotten my self into when I signed up for the expedition. One thing I was not expecting was all the traveling we would do. Just getting into India we rode on four airplanes and stopped in three different countries, but it doesn’t stop there. We have been on planes, trains, and cars all over India.
Riding on the planes was my least favorite way of transportation. Each time we got on a different plane the ride seemed like a never-ending ride to the ends of the earth. We were basically playing a game of chase with the sun. Stuck in one long Saturday. Going to India made it even harder. No one wanted to just sit there in a plane. We had started one of the most amazing adventures. Most of us got a lot of sleep, or caught up with the latest movies. Each seat had a T.V. on the back, with lists of games to play and movies to watch. But eventually after so many movies, sitting, and plane food, you get sick of it. Arriving in India we took a sleeper train from Delhi to Pathonkot. The train was one of my favorite ways we traveled. I liked it better than the plane; although the plane did have a nicer toilet. On the train, it was a hole in the floor. The train was nice to fall asleep on. It had a nice rock and steady sound to it. The SUV’s we rode in were insane. Driving in America will be so boring now. These drivers have almost no rules. Horns are how they function in India. They use their horns for every thing. It’s just a way of life here. No one is bugged by all the loud noisy horns. Ridding on the streets here is like one huge rollercoaster like at Disney land. Hard stops to narrowly miss bikes, dogs, cars, cows, children, and big busses. Sharp turns to maneuver through the street venders and cliff roads. They are definitely not boring. The six hour car rides all seem like two hour car rides.
I love India, this has been an experience of a life time, and I will always remember everything that we have done here. Love you all, and see you all Sunday!
Eliza Pullman
India has brought so many surprises. I really didn’t know what to expect, or exactly what I had gotten my self into when I signed up for the expedition. One thing I was not expecting was all the traveling we would do. Just getting into India we rode on four airplanes and stopped in three different countries, but it doesn’t stop there. We have been on planes, trains, and cars all over India.
Riding on the planes was my least favorite way of transportation. Each time we got on a different plane the ride seemed like a never-ending ride to the ends of the earth. We were basically playing a game of chase with the sun. Stuck in one long Saturday. Going to India made it even harder. No one wanted to just sit there in a plane. We had started one of the most amazing adventures. Most of us got a lot of sleep, or caught up with the latest movies. Each seat had a T.V. on the back, with lists of games to play and movies to watch. But eventually after so many movies, sitting, and plane food, you get sick of it. Arriving in India we took a sleeper train from Delhi to Pathonkot. The train was one of my favorite ways we traveled. I liked it better than the plane; although the plane did have a nicer toilet. On the train, it was a hole in the floor. The train was nice to fall asleep on. It had a nice rock and steady sound to it. The SUV’s we rode in were insane. Driving in America will be so boring now. These drivers have almost no rules. Horns are how they function in India. They use their horns for every thing. It’s just a way of life here. No one is bugged by all the loud noisy horns. Ridding on the streets here is like one huge rollercoaster like at Disney land. Hard stops to narrowly miss bikes, dogs, cars, cows, children, and big busses. Sharp turns to maneuver through the street venders and cliff roads. They are definitely not boring. The six hour car rides all seem like two hour car rides.
I love India, this has been an experience of a life time, and I will always remember everything that we have done here. Love you all, and see you all Sunday!
Eliza Pullman
So much stuff in such little time!
Liz Bird
I never would have thought I could do so much stuff in such little time. We have done some of the hardest work that never felt like work, it’s amazing how that happens. Leaving the kids at Melah was hard but it felt right, we did all we could do for them. Although I was so sad leaving all of the people that I grew to love deeply, I knew that it was the right time to leave; but I do miss them terribly. I will forever think of them and all of the amazing things I learned from them. Since we left I have gotten to ride in GIANT balls and roll around, ride a horse, cross a river on a bucket bridge, go see the Taj Mahal, and have a real shower, which was very much needed. I still have so much to look forward to, I get to go shopping today, I get to ride an elephant and possibly a camel.
I don’t want to leave this place; I have fallen in love with the people, the culture, and everything in between. I am convinced everything is better in India, well almost everything. I had no idea I could have such strong feelings for a place I have only known for only two weeks. I feel homesick for a place I haven’t even left yet.
I came into this expecting to have an amazing experience, and those expectations were met plus so much more than I ever thought I would ever be able to get the pleasure of experiencing. I have seen so much happiness from people who have close to nothing, however I have also seen so much sadness and sorrow; but not nearly as often.
There is so much emotion in my heart, far too much to express, I don’t know if I will ever be able to explain how much love I feel for this place, especially Chamba. I know a good portion of my heart will always reside in Chamba.
Liz Bird
I never would have thought I could do so much stuff in such little time. We have done some of the hardest work that never felt like work, it’s amazing how that happens. Leaving the kids at Melah was hard but it felt right, we did all we could do for them. Although I was so sad leaving all of the people that I grew to love deeply, I knew that it was the right time to leave; but I do miss them terribly. I will forever think of them and all of the amazing things I learned from them. Since we left I have gotten to ride in GIANT balls and roll around, ride a horse, cross a river on a bucket bridge, go see the Taj Mahal, and have a real shower, which was very much needed. I still have so much to look forward to, I get to go shopping today, I get to ride an elephant and possibly a camel.
I don’t want to leave this place; I have fallen in love with the people, the culture, and everything in between. I am convinced everything is better in India, well almost everything. I had no idea I could have such strong feelings for a place I have only known for only two weeks. I feel homesick for a place I haven’t even left yet.
I came into this expecting to have an amazing experience, and those expectations were met plus so much more than I ever thought I would ever be able to get the pleasure of experiencing. I have seen so much happiness from people who have close to nothing, however I have also seen so much sadness and sorrow; but not nearly as often.
There is so much emotion in my heart, far too much to express, I don’t know if I will ever be able to explain how much love I feel for this place, especially Chamba. I know a good portion of my heart will always reside in Chamba.
Liz Bird
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Insane Town
Kelly Jensen
Today we arrived in the most “insane” town that I have ever been in. We are now in the city of Agra where the TAJMAHAL is located. Our bus driver had a difficult time locating our luxurious hotel, (which makes me so happy.) that has a real toilet, and a bath tub! The color of the water is questionable, but for India, I think it’s as clean of water that India has to offer.
As we were driving around town, I saw a cage full of chickens. A man bought a chicken from the cage, and then he and the shop owner put its neck on the chopping block, and then you know the rest of the story…. After seeing what happened to that poor chicken We all witnessed a completely nude man just standing there in the middle of traffic. I’ve decided that everything goes here in India, and there is no “normal” anymore. It’s just total chaos on the roads. All the drivers just blow their horns ALL THE TIME and do whatever they want. It reminds me of the bumper cars at Lagoon, only I haven’t seen a accident yet.
Seeing the TAJMAHAL today was incredible. All the YMAD kids were having such a great time walking around and talking to people from all over the world. Blake and I were just commenting to each other how wonderful the kids have been. They all survived another overnight train ride. The train station in Deli is overwhelming because of the extreme poverty that is all around you. It’s incredible dirty, and way smelly, but the YMAD kids deal with it, and never complain, they just “cowboy up” and keep going.
Can I just say how lucky we are to live in the U.S.A. I have loved visiting India, but the living here is so hard for so many people that it becomes overwhelming to see the suffering. It makes me want to be more grateful for the life that I have been given.
Kelly
Today we arrived in the most “insane” town that I have ever been in. We are now in the city of Agra where the TAJMAHAL is located. Our bus driver had a difficult time locating our luxurious hotel, (which makes me so happy.) that has a real toilet, and a bath tub! The color of the water is questionable, but for India, I think it’s as clean of water that India has to offer.
As we were driving around town, I saw a cage full of chickens. A man bought a chicken from the cage, and then he and the shop owner put its neck on the chopping block, and then you know the rest of the story…. After seeing what happened to that poor chicken We all witnessed a completely nude man just standing there in the middle of traffic. I’ve decided that everything goes here in India, and there is no “normal” anymore. It’s just total chaos on the roads. All the drivers just blow their horns ALL THE TIME and do whatever they want. It reminds me of the bumper cars at Lagoon, only I haven’t seen a accident yet.
Seeing the TAJMAHAL today was incredible. All the YMAD kids were having such a great time walking around and talking to people from all over the world. Blake and I were just commenting to each other how wonderful the kids have been. They all survived another overnight train ride. The train station in Deli is overwhelming because of the extreme poverty that is all around you. It’s incredible dirty, and way smelly, but the YMAD kids deal with it, and never complain, they just “cowboy up” and keep going.
Can I just say how lucky we are to live in the U.S.A. I have loved visiting India, but the living here is so hard for so many people that it becomes overwhelming to see the suffering. It makes me want to be more grateful for the life that I have been given.
Kelly
TAJ DAY
Here is evidence that the YMAD Spring 2010 Team made it to the TAJ. They did the "Ho Down Throw Down" at the Taj and received a standing ovation. Don't worry, it was caught on video. How many teens get to do the "Throw Down" at the TAJ? That is a memory they will never forget. They are spending the night at a nice hotel in Agra. Hot showers, clean beds. They are in heaven. Then tomorrow they are off on another adventure.
The Bucket Bridge
For those brave enough to get up early Wednesday morning, they got to experience how many of the villagers get across the river. They had a blast.
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