Westerners returning from long trips to India don’t ever describe their trips as beautiful, majestic, or breathtaking. They describe the trips as “life-changing” and “overwhelming,” I’ve found.
It’s only in hind sight that I’m a.) noticing this trend and b.) finding myself fitting in with all those who went before me. I’d love to tell you that India was all sunshine and roses, but you know that wasn’t the case already.
There was trash. There was dirt. There was heat. There was humidity. There were more stray animals on the streets than you’ll find at your local SPCA, times four, on an average walk from the guesthouse to the SEAMS orphanage in Chennai.
The entirety of the trip was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting.
And yet. And yet those orphan hugging instincts that led me 10.5 time zones across the world were dead-on.
Every minute I spent with those kids was like giving water to a parched flower. (For them, and for me!)
I hugged every kid I could get my hands on.
I laughed belly laughs and taught them, of all things, The Chicken Dance. They can’t get enough.
I used Ezekiel as a weight and lifted him, bicep curl style, every day.
I played Ring Around the Rosie with the girls and London Bridge with the younger kids.
I helped Anish write about his daily life. (Hint: it involves waking at 5:00 a.m. and more chores than you can shake a stick at.)
I tickled Joyce between rounds of English flash card games.
I answered cries of “Sister, Sister!” to any kid who called.
I flipped, spun, tickled, whirled, and giggled with the kids, who can wear a person unaccustomed to the heat and humidity out in just a few minutes. (I kept going, leaving each night in a full-blown, all-out sweat.)
I yelled, “Peace out!” to the older boys upon leaving each evening. And they replied with “Peace out, America!”
I did not allow myself the luxury of tears. There was too much practical work to be done: braids braided, floors swept, chores done, hugs hugged, games played.
It’s only after hot showers, caffeine, and plenty of sleep that I’m allowing myself the tears – and the humbling acknowledgement that there are problems money and time and even sheer love cannot fix. I’m working on the ways I can/Haunani can/we can/you can provide for those dear orphans at SEAMS who have stolen my heart.
Until my ‘real’ images are back from the lab, it’s iPhone 8mm app videos for you!
Ezekiel + a saw:
Powsiya’s smile (most missed thing from all of India, I’ll admit):
Anandkumar spells his name and fields tough questions:
As always, thank you for reading, and for your support. It means the world to me — and to these kiddos, of course!
Oh, and if you ignored the blog while I was gone, go here and sign up for this fun financial goodness with one Karie Hill. It’s gonna be fantastic.
Wow! It looks and sounds like you had an amazing and life-changing trip Kristen! I am so happy that you pursued this and look forward to hearing about all of the things you learned. Rest up!
Thanks, and hugs!
It looks like it was an amazing trip. I’m glad you were able to go and I look forward to the rest of the images!
Totally amazing! and since it’s film…me, too! Hoping the film survived being triple x-rayed en route…
I loved every word. I don’t even know if there is an adjective to describe how it makes me feel. Enriched? Thrilled? Humbled? Motivated? Nahh, there isn’t one, so I’ll just say – thanks for posting.
Sounds amazing! Can’t wait to see more!
Me too, trust me! The film wait is killer…lol…
Having been to India myself (but only for a week), I too found it life changing. Signs of poverty and wealth are often right next to each other and I found it emotionally exhausting. BUT….I also came in contact with the most humble and kind people I’ve EVER met. People that were happy with what they had (even when what they had was so very little). That lesson is something I’ll always be grateful for.
Yep, the people were, without fail, warm and inviting. The best part, for sure.
You are a rockstar <3 These children are on my mind each and every night as I fall asleep. One day I would love to take a similar trip… but for now- I'd love to help from my home in any way possible!
Well thanks, I can’t wait to get some details worked out!
absolutely amazing.
I am so happy for your Kristen! What an amazing experience for you. Can’t wait to hear more about your travels, and see those photos!
I couldn’t love this post more. Proud of you. Proud of your journey. Proud to call you a friend. I hope our paths cross again sometime soon!
holy Kristen, you wrote that from your heart. I know because i felt it and you gave me goosebumps and moved me to tears (i haven’t watched the videos yet). Growth happens outside of pattern so I’m sure you acheived tremendous growth from this trip.
Hey Kristen,
Ahh yes.. India really reveals to us what ‘inner beauty’ means. Hope you had a good trip. Were you able to meet my cousin for a day away and a real shower?