Moments

Yesterday after my flight back to Chennai, I met up with Kristyn and Bree’s group. Kristyn, Rick, and I went to the Balagurukulam Orphanage. There the children ranged from 3 months old to 16 years old and we taught the children that were 3 years old to 14 years old. Most of the children there didn’t speak English so we used a translator, but the older ones knew quite a bit and were asking us tons of questions before and after we taught. After the class many of the students started to pick up the few toys they had (like a jump rope) and used them to practice some of the rescues we taught them, it was so cute and they did it perfect every time. Most of the children there are abandoned and many of the older kids have to help feed and care for the younger ones, they’re like one gigantic family. They loved us and when it was time for us to leave the children gave us hugs and kisses; they didn’t want us to go. They were all so sweet!

I miss my group! And it has only been a day. I hope all is well with them and look forward to seeing them in the States and hearing their stories. I leave to start my long flight back to the States at 4 am tomorrow morning and go back to the U of A on Wednesday, so until then we will venture around Chennai. Thanks to everyone who helped me get here; this has been such a rewarding experience! I really had a great time and don’t want to go. I am truly going to miss India and I can’t wait to come back!

~Nicole