A look in the mirror
March 12
Whenever you feel a change in your life, make sure you take a long look at yourself in the mirror. Yes, you’ll see the out of line hair, the chapped lip, or the unwanted wrinkle, but try to look past all that. Don’t only look at you, but also look at who you are. Notice your mother’s nose and your father’s eyes and how that has been passed down for centuries. Realize your change and know it’s been a long time in the making. Be proud of what is happening, but be aware that you are just the beginning. If you see the change to be positive, smile as you look into your eyes, knowing that you are setting up a better world.
I know I’m not going to leave India carrying millions of poor children to their new paid for universities, far from it. When I leave children will still be starving, poor, and destine to generations of let down, but when I look in the mirror I can’t help but smile. I know I have tried and I have given these people at least a connection. It isn’t much, but sometimes memories are enough.
These connections and memories build and I think about how much good they can do. My students could be the villagers fighting to send their daughters to school, because of a simple lesson they learned from an American back when they were thirteen years old. This could lead to generations of much needed growth that could change the overall community. This is the most amazing feeling a person’s heart can experience. The fact that I could essential be changing parts of India long after I’m gone, simply because of a few months I spent back in my youth. It is planting a tree so that our great great grandchildren can enjoy the shade.
As I sat down for coffee I was given a short exit interview from Vidya based on my work. “Let me start of by saying thank you. You have been an amazing volunteer,” it started. “I only spent time with some great friends” I thought, “I don’t deserve such praise.” Flattered and in disbelief I tried to accept the “thank you.” The interview came to a close with the biggest compliment I could ever receive, “Please Jake, if you can and would like to, come back! You are welcome to stay for as long as you would like and we would be more then happy to help out with the finer details.” I blushed as I realized for the first time the impact just a person’s presents can have. I told them I would love to come back and that I would promise I would come back if I could be 100% sure it was possible. I also expressed my longing to go to other locations and I was shocked beyond belief yet again. “That’s great! You are such a valuable volunteer and your connection with people could be cherished wherever you decide to go.” The fact that Vidya didn’t care who I worked for, they just wanted me to do what I enjoyed doing really let me know I had chosen the right N.G.O.
The interview ended and I was given a journal from a sister N.G.O. made by the people, out of recycled elephant dung. I smiled and left feeling better then ever.
I came to India feeling as though I had the opportunity of a lifetime and now to think this is only the beginning has simply blown my mind. To feel welcomed anywhere is an amazing feeling, but to feel like family is a totally different thing, and here in India I feel like family.
