Re-Entry

It's been 2 weeks and a day since my return to the states.  Here are some observations and thoughts upon my re-entry:

1) Jetlag is no fun (took about almost 2 weeks to fully recover!)

2) Hot showers are amazing! 

3) So is your own bed! 

4) I went to buy a new pair of shoes.  After spending a little more than I intended to, I was struck by the memory of the children I met - almost all of them walked around barefoot on hard gravel, rocks and dirt because they don't have shoes. Sometimes the guilt that comes with that is a little overwhelming - it sneaks up on you, while watching TV, buying groceries, receiving a paycheck, sitting at the computer...thinking about all that we have and the little that they have.  Makes me want to share, share, give and share. And it reminds me to be grateful.

5) In some ways, the country of India is like the US - and nowhere is that more obvious than in the extreme diversity in culture, religion, art, etc., that for the most part, exists peacefully together.

6) I like spicy food! 

7) I can do 15 hours on a plane.

8) Our team was amazing! I missed them even as I was saying goodbye in the airport.  What a special group of people.  If you're reading this, and you're one of them, "Thank you" doesn't even begin to cover how grateful I am to have shared this experience with you!

 

8) Despite our differences, as people, we're all the same.  I've heard this said many times, but it's probably one of the biggest lessons that sticks with me as I go about life as usual - on the subway, walking down the street, at work - we all just want to be acknowledged, loved or accepted for who we are.   

9) And beyond that, as corny as it may sound, we each have inspiring gifts to share, whether it's in music, in the gift of speech and language, in teaching, in medicine, in caring for others, and it's our job to use them to help each other. In that way, little by little, change CAN happen!

10) The kids we met are love-personified.  I will most definitely go back someday. 

I can't say it enough: For everyone who supported me in this adventure - THANK YOU!!!! I sincerely hope that everyone can experience the joy and love that the children of Carmel shared with us! 

With love,

Brennan