In the Blink of an Eye

Each day as I wake up, I get to take a 20 minute ride through the mountains of Chamba. These mountains are like nothing I've ever seen before. They are so steep and treacherous but there is a certain majesty in their presence. Looking at them at night, you can't tell where the night sky starts and the mountain peaks end. Each mountain has thousands of people living on it and their thoughts of years of handiwork make for breath taking views. Terraced farms can be seen from all angles scaling the mountain peaks with the blots of vibrant color splashed on homes dotting the mountains. There is a green clear river running through he canyon. On the drive you look down to see it's clear waters and vicious rapids combine to form a breathtaking display of God's beauty on this earth. And just as you think it can't get any better you see the sweetness of God's creations running up the street to meet you. The first time I saw this it made it all worth it. All the time, all the sweat, all the money we had to earn, when you see the joy and love that the kids have for you and see Shaffis big brown eyes looking at me, it all went away in the blink of an eye.

Zach Johnson

Shuki Cooper Harris

Being in India has been surreal, life changing, amazing, powerful, humbling, eye opening, etc. India can't be described by a one word description or a phrase, just as the feeling that I have felt can't. Experiencing the beautiful country will be one which I will never forget and one that I will cherish forever. The children in the school I am visiting consist of 30 kids ranging from 4 years old to 10 years old and I can truthfully say that I love all of them. I can now say that I know why we must liken ourselves unto a child. These children are happy, innocent, humble and loving, and have the ability to warm anyone and everyone's hearts. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to serve these kids and help them live fulfilling lives. Mom, I want you to know that I am healthy and completely intact. I feel great and am having the time of my life, so stop worrying about me and go have fun. I love you and miss you, but I will be home soon enough.

Love,

S. Cooper Harris

I am getting dual citizenship!

I love India. I love the kids. I love the people. I love the food (except for the peppers that are so spicy that they make you cry). I love the atmosphere: the mountains, the colorful houses, and the roaming cows, dogs, and occasional MONKEYS. I love the extremely skinny roads and the crazy horns. I might even confess that I love the squatter toilets. I love Sahoo, the school I visit each day. I love it when the kids fight over who gets to hold my hand and it resolves to everyone clinging to my arms. I love it when the kids call me didi which means sister in Hindi. I love the Temple Ashram. I love playing tickle tag with the youngest girls. I love talking to the older ones. I love my twin Debali. I love the people I am surrounded by. I LOVE INDIA.

Denali Hale

Jenny Rouse

"So Close You Can See Their Souls"

This is one of my favorite quotes from one of the kids in my group.
You might think he was referring to a deep and meaningful connection between himself and beautiful the kids at Kalsui. But actually he was commenting on the teeth-clenching proximity between our vehicle and the large buses that inch past each other on narrow mountain roads and crowded city streets. In the city The drivers are eyeball to eyeball and could easily exchange a quick kiss without much of a stretch.

The school where we teach is about 25 minutes away from the NHPC. The children there are beautiful and intelligent. They are so very excited to see the YMAD kids arrive but at the same time they show such discipline and restraint when our group walks through the gate. Three children stand in front of 5 straight lines of their classmates
And lead them in morning prayer, chants that sound so sweet with all of their voices in unison. They never break form or even look our way until they are finished. Next they do an impressive amount of exercises. After this, it is our turn. The teens in our group are able to achieve a perfect mix of teaching and joyful fun with the kids (Zach, Chloe, Zippy, Matt Turner, Andrea and Caleb).

So much more to say but we are about to leave. Singing, teaching, painting and playing with the kids. Will try to write more soon. Love love love to Bill, Amanda, Adam, Andrew, Mom and Dad and everyone else! I miss you guys!

Celebrity Fame

Well I have finally had a little taste of the celebrity fame. Everywhere our group goes people stare at us as if we are aliens. I have never had so many people be intrigued by my dirty clothes and greasy hair. Although I get some interesting looks, the people and kids here are amazing. I have never felt so much love for kids I have only known for two days. They are brilliant in so many ways and although this may sound cliché, I feel I have already learned more from them than they will ever learn from me.

Working in the schools and orphanages has been a very eye opening experience. The school I work in is a tiny room filled with about forty kids. There is a short ceiling, dirty floors and spiders everywhere (ha my luck). Outside is a small front area where we teach the lessons, play games and eat lunch. Cows and sheep also live in this front area of the school…. It is a little unappetizing eating here while cows and sheep are wandering about. Although there is much chaos, none of this has seemed to bother me because of the relationships I have been building with my school kids and group members.

Akshay is an amazing little boy with a brilliant mind. He is the smartest in the school and has a smile that could warm anyone’s heart. Every morning Akshay leads the school kids in their prayer and exercises. On the second day of working in the school, Akshay became one of my forever-best friends. He was my helper during the lessons and always seemed to understand what I was saying even when my language was foreign to him. Although we don’t completely speak the same languages and live completely different lifestyles, we are able to connect and really get along. He is such an example to me through his polite and delightful attitudes.

I have been very humbled through my experience in India so far. Although there is a constant smell of burning garbage and human waste, curry for every meal, and cockroaches in my toilet I have loved every minute of this moment in my life. I have taken a lot of things in my life for granted and I am happy to have a wake up call for how good life is in America. I am so happy to have this opportunity and I am so grateful for the support I have had from my family and friends. I love you all so much and I am excited to see you all when I get home!

P.s. I would really appreciate a Rio Grande bean and cheese burrito with beans on the side when I get home....Cough Cough J

Andrea Webber

Didi

By Chloe Workman

I didn't believe in love at first sight until I walked into the humble 12' by 12' school known as Kalsui. 41 pairs of big brown eyes is all it took for me to finally know why I have been working so hard for the past year.
One of my first discoveries was that personal space is nonexistent here. From the minute we start teaching to the time we say our goodbyes, I have at least one child on each of my hands. You can't go anywhere or do hardly anything without being followed by a group of sweet innocent faces. My little following consists of Sagira, Meenaxi, Salima, and Bhumika. They refer to me by the Hindi word "didi" which means sister in Hindi. I couldn't be more honored to be their new American sister.

P.s. Mom and Dad: I'm doing great. I love you sooo much. Thanks for the prayers. Say hi to nacho and wish Sierra happy birthday for me!

"Jyoti"

by, Thomas Dale

Now one might think after reading this title that this blog is about our YMAD group called "Jyoti," but it is actually about a little girl I met at my school. The word "Jyoti" means light in Hindi. We chose this title as our group name because of the idea of us bringing hope and light to the children of India. But this girl Jyoti, is actually the one shedding light on me.
Jyoti has light carmel skin, piercing brown eyes, little cute pigtails, and a smile that could brighten anyone's day. Everything about her immediately made her stick out from the very first day. She is very shy and bright as can be. I've watched her very closely trying to understand how she thinks and reacts. When thinking or while shy, Jyoti does this thing where she sticks out her tongue and swings her arms. She also rarely looks me in the eyes when I am talking face to face with her. But I occasionally catch her looking at me and she reacts with the biggest smirk.
Jyoti has taught me many things. The first thing she has taught me is complete and total love. I have never loved someone so much that I have just barely met. It shows that when you come into a situation with a full heart and with good insights, you can love anyone you serve. Second she has taught we how bright one can be. Even though her teachers might not be the best, she excels in two languages, math, and just about everything else. I have never seen such an eager to learn. Last, Jyoti has taught me pure happiness. They saying that money can't buy happiness has been proved to me through Jyoti. She may not have lots of clothes, iPods, or even basic needs, but she is still happy. She still has the biggest smile no matter what her situation is. We all can learn from her example and I am so thankful to have met her.
Now back to family and friends. First off if like to say I miss you mom, dad, Matthew, Andrew, Elizabeth, and William. Thank you for all your support. But I'm not going to lie, I'm not home sick. Don't worry about me too much because all is well. I'd also like to give a shout out to my friends in the SLC. I'm stoked to see you and I hope all is well. thank you to everyone that donated and helped me get her. We are doing great things here in Chamba and I love it! Peace out from India!

Proof they made it to India. Hopefully we will have more pictures over the next few days.

Indiana Jones? Child’s Play

If you’ve read some of the previous posts, you may have read something about the crazy driving, akin to the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. Trust me, that description doesn’t nearly do it justice. The addition of the human driver, the mountain roads, the other drivers, the motorcyclists and the dogs make it so much better. The thrill never lessens it’s just enhanced. Once the initial terror has passed, you realize that the drivers are some of the most capable human beings in existence, and you can sort of sit back and enjoy the ride. It’s like there is a shared mentality between all the inhabitants of Chamba, because everything moves so smoothly. Just like that one scene in “Bee Movie.” Many of you may never understand why the Mercury Bolero is my new favorite car, but just know that I have never felt safer in a car. All is well, the kids are great, and I am almost completely adjusted. Mom, don’t worry, I will do another update, because I know you will be frustrated that this one was only about the driving.

Lots of love,

Eli

Namaste!

This already has been the most amazing experience. Just getting here was insane; after three planes (I got to spend a few hours in the same country as Christopher), an overnight train, and an Indiana Jones train ride through the Himalayas we finally arrived in Chamba. The scenery is unreal. We are staying high in the mountains with even higher mountains surrounding us. As most of you are aware India is overflowing with garbage and it is such a pity that such a beautiful place could be treated in such a way. We drive about an hour each day on more sketchy roads to get to our school in Sahoo. The first day we started to walk down to the school when from above 52 children ran to the balcony waving to us as if they had been waiting forever. We couldn’t have asked for a better greeting. Teaching is harder than I thought, the kids can read and write but cant speak it...so when trying to relate words with meaning often the kids just repeat the word making it difficult to know if they are actually learning. There is one girl in particular that I am already relating to. We were coloring wooden dolls and many of the kids would only copy the examples but Reeya spent so much time making her doll unique and detailed that she totally reminded me of myself and what I love to do. She and her friend Chanchalo are the best of friends and completely stick up for each other and I love it! They have been glued to my hip for the past two days. We spent time tonight in our groups discussing what we want to do for each school and I’m so excited for what our group decided. Tomorrow we are taking all 52 children into the city to get them measured for their own uniform. I can’t wait to go shopping with all of them! Im having so much fun and couldn’t ask for anything more! Love and miss you all! Tell the Haws family hi from me—I’m sad I’m missing Thanksgiving with them but I’m sure you guys will all have a great time!

XO

Emily

p.s. mom: you probably have already gone through all the stuff in my room by now but I promise if you were here you would feel no need to. I’m so lucky to be here with your two best friends! I know they wish you were here!

Hey Everyone!

India has been incredible so far. Specifically teaching the kids at our schools. At first our group was nervous and scared as we drove over to the school for the first time. All of that apprehension disappeared though when we saw our kids. As we came down the hill to meet them, they cheered and clapped for us. Just seeing their smiling faces made me really happy and confident about teaching them. When I actually began to teach them though my confidence was multiplied. I brought out my flashcards to teach them and it seamed that they new them perfectly the first time we went through them. They were remarkably smart and eager to learn. Throughout the day, they really tried hard to learn everything and I could see that what we were doing was very important to them. They were genuinely appreciative of what we have been doing and I am very excited that I will be able to help improve their lives for a week.

Love, Matt Hogan

Good Morning from India!

The commercial comes on the TV with the sad child in ragged clothes saying, “Donate, save a life.” Yes, people should donate and it can save a life, but those pathos adds of heartbreaking faces were not apparent at the school yesterday. The kids sit on their concrete school floor; the sun their roof. In the morning it is a little chilly, but by noon the sun warms up. Their smiles eager to learn. We start teaching them and they amaze us with how brilliant they are. There is the language barrier but they doesn’t stop us from connecting. The kids are so happy and loveable! My jaw was sore from smiling yesterday. Theses kids are adorable! I am leaving in a few minutes and can’t wait for day two!

Love,

Hannah

Family, I love and miss you! Hope you are all doing well! Haha Kirst, I agree with you about the squatters!

P.S. I SAW THE SNOW CAPPED HIMALAYAN MOUNTAIN

India is like nothing I ever could have imagined, and is a place that can never truly be accurately captured with words alone. We worked today for the first time at our separate schools, mine is in the mountainous village of Sahoo. To reach this place requires an hour of driving up winding roads surrounded by mountains with pristine couloir. Traveling at 50 to 60 km we take hairpin turns on roads that by American standards would not be considered paved and typically are no wider than twelve feet. The drivers here seem to make no use of their brakes, but their horns instead. Once we reached our school I felt truly blessed to be in a place of sheer tranquility, I finally inhaled a breath of fresh mountain air and gazed upon blue skies. Working with these children for the first time I understand, to a greater extent, the issues with the education system here. These children, especially the younger ones, have a practiced talent of repeating exactly what is said to them but one can tell that there is no understanding. Throughout the day I tried to improve upon the education workshop I was teaching, part of my planned activity was to draw our families, thus I showed them my example. Unfortunately, due to the language barrier there are now approximately fifteen small children running around with pictures labeled Cedar, Rayna, and Marinda. It seems the further I get from the United States the more food becomes available for me in my vegetarian endeavor, I look forward to what is to come with great anticipation. Mom and Rayna, I love you both hope all is well, thank you for all you have done to support me in this and the life long education you have given me.

Peace,

Cedar.

DARGILING LIMITED

Dear Mom and Dad,

A young man would like to have an arranged marriage. I’d like to tell you that I have accepted. Our family has to come up with three cows, four chickens, two monkeys and a stray dog in order for the young man’s family to be satisfied. If you can’t come up with these animals then I will just have to stay here longer to pay off the dowry.

Love, Caleigh

Dear Mom and Dad,

I am really sorry… but I seemed to have misplaced my passport. I won’t be returning for sometime.

Love, Caleigh

Dear Mom and Dad,

I forgot to take my malaria medication these past couple days. Because I forgot I got malaria from walking in New Delhi. I am afraid that I am now in the hospital recovering. Don’t worry, I’ll just stay a few more months.

Love, Caleigh

JUST KIDDING!

I am not always the easiest at loving others or be loved by others, but I had a change today. On our little walk down to our school for the first day, the kids spotted us from far away. They immediately jumped up and down yelling in excitement that we were there. I have never met these kids before, but they hugged, kissed, and gave me the greatest smiles in the world. Seconds after we arrived, boys had gotten us chairs to sit on and the teacher brought us water. We couldn’t accept the water because we only drink bottled, but the kindness meant more than water could ever mean. They treat us like gems and I learned how I should treat everyone around me. They don’t care about what they don’t have, they are so grateful to what they do have and what we give them. I recognized one of the girls fin my school from a picture that Greg had shown us. Her name is Neelum. She lit up my life in the few hours that I spent with her. When we were playing games she would hold my hand and call me didi, which means sister. I had not even known her for five minutes and I was already her sister. That is why I made up all those excuses of why I can’t leave this amazing place. I am finally trying to become the person I have always wanted to be.

Dad, the car ride up to Chamba was so breath taking that is was worth driving on the edge and getting carsick.

Mom, the part about the arranged marriage may just come true…

I love you mtwct. I mean it.

Caleigh

NO COMPREHENSION..

The lights dot the mountainside like stars in a dark sky. Sitting here half-asleep I cannot distinguish where the night sky starts and the mountains end. The two words to describe this situation are “beyond conception”. The concept of where we are and what we are doing cannot be comprehended. Simple as that.

We just finished our first day teaching at Kalsuin. I could not have wished for a better start to this fantastic adventure. I connected instantly with a 9 year old boy named Praveen. He started out as somewhat shy but as soon as he came into my group, the cutest, most illuminating smile I have ever seen popped onto his face. We spent the rest of the day with him as close to him as possible, if not hanging from me in some way or another. The absolute best part of the trip so far has been driving away from the ashram and Praveen chasing us down for at least 100 yards and giving me a high 5.

I love this place. I miss you all and thank you all for helping me get to this magnificent place!

Aum Sweet Aum

Matty T

That’s what it’s all about

Today I figured out what this trip is all about. After winding up the sheer mountain side with our great driver titu (I thought we were going to fall off the road a few times), we arrived at Nihan. After we walked a few feet we saw our school, and our kids. 30 of the cutest kids I have ever seen greeted us with a well rehearsed “Good Morning”, standing in three perfect lines. I’m not going to lie, communicating was really hard in the beginning, but the kids are so eager to learn. At lunch the kids came over to where our group was eating, and we took a million pictures. And as soon as the flashes and clicks started, the kids opened right up. I lifted a little girl in a bright blue sweater up so she could be seen in the back of the group photo, and after that she didn’t leave my side. I can’t believe how much love these kids have, and how happy they already make me.

I am so excited for the rest of the trip. India in the craziest and yet prettiest place I’ve ever been. Family… I’m alive and I love you. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday JJ.

Love,

Anika

And Then I Was Completely Cliché

If we’re being completely honest, you should stop reading this right about… now.

It’s a waste of your time because there’s no possible way I can describe the beauty of the Himalayan foothills from this rooftop patio. Or the feeling of complete peace that washes over you as you watch colors explode from the sunset. Or the way your heart feels when the little orphan girl with chocolate eyes grabs your hand and doesn’t let go. Or the moment when you’re not only teaching the kids English, but the teachers as well.

All I can say is….

I love India.

Xoxo

Emily

Indiana Jones

I woke up this morning to, “chia tea, chai tea, chai tea?” and then Derrick telling everyone we had 10min to wake up and get packed up because our stop was next. (we’re on a our over night train.) after all this commotion I finally connected my head to my body and realize my collar bones are killing! That’s due to the fact that I slept on my back pack (as a pillow) so no one would pick pocket my stuff. We had slept 10 hours on a train across India. We then arrived in Pathankot, or so it says on our schedule because I tried to ask Raj (our translator) where we were and I couldn’t really understand what he was saying. After taking a quick bathroom break (squat toilets woo!!) we exited the train station and walked over to 4-5 jeeps ( take the Jurassic park jeeps and paint them tan with smaller windows and that’s them.) we piled in and we were off! After about 30 min into the drive we pulled into what was kinda a version of an Indian country club. Here we ate breakfast and watched the sun rise from the top of a golf coarse. It was amazing, beautiful, and breath taking. This is where I felt like my Indian adventure begins. Back into the cars and not long after, the roads start to get tiny that curve unceasingly all while motorcycles, cars, and trucks (the size of fire trucks) honk their horns and squeeze by us with literally centimeters to spare. Then take a look to your left and down into a thousand foot drop with nothing but air between you and the falling off. But the indian drivers haven’t’ known anything else so I trust them w/ my life literally. The scenery? How do I try to explain this to you guys back home with out butchering? We stopped a few times at tiny shops carved into the side of the mountains, inches from the road side. At one of these we (me and maddie) bought a bunch of different Indian candy to try. Lets just say Indian candy is different. The first thing I tried was basically one of those powdered blocks you use in cooking to add chicken flavor to the food. That and a combination of poop… but we did find a few kinds we liked. After our 6 hour jeep ride through the foot hills of the Himalayas we arrive in chamba town. ( never has 6 hours gone by so fast. Looking out the dirty windows of the jeep was well… the only way to put it was a feast for my eyes. Its amazing! With the loud traffic horns, small streets, road side shops filled with fruits and bags of spices and grain. The people and buildings are so incredibly colorful. As I pass by a little limka stand the man standing behind the stand smiles and waves, “hello, hello, USA.” It makes me laugh! The people here are so curious and friendly! I have so much more to write but it’s late and I’m sure all the other parents are way more interested in what their kids have to say. So I love you family and friends back home! J --renae

Dictating the Blogs

Still no luck with the internet, so we have been having one of the adult leaders read us the blogs over the phone. It is a slow process, but super inspiring. Your teens are amazing. Thanks for sharing them with us. They are going to the internet cafe tomorrow and hopefully they will be able to post blogs and pictures.

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

Tickle Fights

Nameste, all you fine American folks. India is the business! You may think you all know, but you have no idea what sort of place this is unless you come here. Literally every corner, every shop, every street is interesting. There are animals everywhere, and people. It is crazy comparing Delhi to Chamba, especially up in the mountains where my school is, because as crazy as it is in the city, it is just as tranquil in the mountains. I met my kids for the first time today, and I am positive that I have the best group. I have 30 kids between the ages of 5 and 10. They are all the sweetest spirits I have ever met. They are so quick to love and play and they are so giving. Today at lunch, I gave these kids some cookies I brought, and 2 of the little girls came up and gave me some of their little treats. I wanted to tell them to keep them, but the gesture was too tender to turn them away. These little kids have next to nothing, and they gave it to me. Sitting on top of a mountain, teaching and loving these kids, and having them do the same to me, I know what it is all about. It is about tickle fights and sharing, and spinning little smidge kids, and laughing my guts out. My thoughts are a little bit scrambled when written, but they are clear in my mind. I miss everybody back at home and so grateful to be here. I need it and hopefully these kids need me. I love you all, I am being safe. DON’T WORRY ABOUT ME TAFT!

Namaste,

Sarah Kate Price XVI

Update from Chamba

The kids went to their Schools for the first time! They loved it. Their adult leaders said they all did an amazing job of teaching. The work shops were fabulous! The group is adjusting to the time difference and they were glad to not be falling asleep in their food. The group went into Chamba Town to pick out outfits. They had a great time picking out the fabrics and they went to the Tailors to get fitted.

Erika, the nurse was able to teach her First Aid workshops, she was told it was just a little walk up the hill. Thirty minutes later she realized she was hiking up the side of the mountain!

The internet is still not working but they hope to get to an Internet Café with in the next 12 hours. Every one wants you to know they are safe, happy, and that they don’t miss you :)

Home at Last!

I know you are all waiting anxiously a post from the team. They arrived in Chamba, they are happy and very very tired. They are moving into their rooms, sorting out their supplies and getting ready to spend the next day with the children in their villages. It takes a day longer to get to the Himalayas than it does to get to West Bengal. Once the team arrived they discovered that the internet was down. It may take some time getting it back up. I am sure they will find a way to start posting late tonight. (Which is their Tuesday morning) For now they are viewing the most beautiful mountains and taking in the sights, food and sounds of India. The boys are all sleeping in the Yoga room on the 3rd floor. The girls are on the second floor sharing 2 rooms, with 2 single beds in each room and a bathroom. It is very cozy. They are all happy and healthy and getting along great.