The People of India Don’t Need Us, We Need the People of India – Amy Lunt

Over the past week as I’ve watched these 32 (our team including Raj) amazing people travel long long hours, work hard, try hard, play hard, learn and grow with each other and the incredible people of India I can’t help but realize that the people of India don’t need us – we need them!  We’ve spent the past 9 months together getting prepared to come make a difference here in India and hopefully we have but the biggest difference is in all of us!!  I’ve watched over and over our 23 teens have light bulb moments and I’m in awe as they share what they are learning.  How grateful I am that I been able to go to the schools and watch this happen first hand.  The villages and schools have welcomed us with open arms, treating us like we’re celebrities but what they do not realize is that we are learning so much more from them than they are from us.  Raj (who I wish everyone reading this blog could meet because he is one of the very best people I know) asked me why I do YMAD, why I would leave my family and the comforts of home and come do these expeditions. I told him that I do it not only because I want to pay it forward for those incredible leaders who have taken my children on expeditions but I also do it so that I can witness first hand the incredible transformation the teens undergo in a year.  They need India!  They need to see that people can be really poor but really happy and loving at the same time.  They need to feel the unconditional love the kids in India give them when they know they are there to try and help them.  They need to experience the total exhaustion they feel after working and playing really hard all day for 5 straight days.  They need to feel what it’s like to be unplugged from the world so they can feel how awesome it is to connect with people, make life-long friends and make their world bigger.  These YMAD kids are amazing!!  I love each one!  We have incredible leaders that are putting their whole heart and soul into this expedition.  I don’t think I can even put into words how truly awesome the teens and leaders are.  They have gone above and beyond mine and Troy’s expectations and I will be forever changed because of what I’ve learned from all of them!

I’m pretty sure I could never do this without Troy!  He brings an energy to the expeditions that is high and never ending.  He has inspired all of us to do better and one of the most rewarding things I see when we come to India is watching him interact with our teens, the adult leaders, and the Indian kids and adults.  The people here just love him because he opens his heart to them immediately when he meets them. He spoke at the high school assembly in one village and then yesterday they asked him to speak at our cultural exchange in front of the High School and Elementary School so now he’s on the speaking circuit.  We’ve also had some pretty intense, humbling experiences that have forever changed our lives.  So grateful I get to experience all this with him!! 

Lastly, I have to say a HUGE thank you to our four wonderful children who have been our supporters and cheerleaders through all of this.  It’s been so awesome so have Jeff here with us as our intern.  He has brought an energy and enthusiasm to our team that has been fun to watch!  He’s definitely given 110%. A special thank you to Ryan who has given me a ton of encouragement and advice all the way from Cape Verde.  We love and miss our Emms & Scoobs who we left at home.  We are EXTREMELY grateful the Cobabes and Allison & Brooke – our son’s YMAD leaders and to Lisa Palmer who is taking our daughter on the expedition next week!  It is a big job but oh so rewarding!!  I totally need what I’ve learned from the people of India!  It’s been another life changing experience!

 

8 Responses to “The People of India Don’t Need Us, We Need the People of India – Amy Lunt”

1. Emily Lunt, on April 2nd, 2017 at 8:46 pm Said:

   Hi mom and dad! You guys are lookin good! I just wanted to let you guys know that the house has not to be burnt down yet and I have cleaned up all the red solo cups from all the crazy parties I’ve been having. I’m kidding, mom. Its crazy to think about the difference you are making to the people in Rampur, the same you did when you were in Sunder Nagar. I can only imagine how much love and light you both bring to the people and children everywhere you go.
   Dad- I hope in the you aren’t speaking to those high school kids about dating because we all know how long those lectures go… otherwise that is awesome! You have an incredible talent to inspire anyone you talk to. You can connect with and understand people better than anyone I know, and I know a language barrier would not change that at all.
   Mom- There is no end to your unconditional love. From your leaders, to you teen, to every single child you meet, I know you will love each just as much as the other. You are incredible and I wouldn’t want to share my mom with anyone more than the people of India! They are so lucky to have you there.
   Love you both, keep on keeping on, don’t take any wooden nickels, make good choices, return with honor, and have fun storming the castle.
   Love, Emms
   ps Sarah says hi

2. Becky Doxey Schettler, on April 2nd, 2017 at 10:04 pm Said:

   Thanks for all Troy and Amy have done for our teens and the children in India!! We love you and are deeply grateful to you!

3. Laurel McConkie, on April 2nd, 2017 at 10:17 pm Said:

   Amy thank you for this blog post! We are praying for you and troy and all your team! Love that photo of you guys!
   Love, McConkies

4. Dee Cervantez, on April 3rd, 2017 at 2:50 am Said:

   It takes a village even a world wide village. Thank you for the love support and teaching you have done for our children and the children of India.

5. Bruce Remund, on April 3rd, 2017 at 6:00 pm Said:

   Thanks Amy and Troy for your great work with the kids…forever life changing to all. Sarah thinks the world of you guys…safe travels!

6. Lisa Palmer, on April 3rd, 2017 at 6:30 pm Said:

   We love you and your family, and we love YMAD! Thank you for giving so many hours and days (and now weeks!) and all your love to the teens and the kids in India! You are so right–we grow much more than they do!! What a blessing YMAD has been in our lives because of selfless people like you and Troy!
   Love and prayers,
   Brett & Lisa

7. Lisa Paulsen, on April 5th, 2017 at 12:14 pm Said:

   Love you girl💛

8. Marce Sorensen, on April 6th, 2017 at 6:46 am Said:

   Truer words have never been spoken! We need India! This makes me so excited to get there in May. I can’t wait to hear all the details!
   Safe travels home! Tell Raj hi from the Sorensens!
   Love you guys!
   Chris & Marce