My Happy Place by Summer Hanks

I cannot express how much I love India. The people here are truly incredible. Today in our village, my team had the opportunity to try some new “treats!” The first house we visited during our village tours, they served us peanuts and puffed rice. The women always bless you with circling a candle around your face and putting either a red or brown colored “paint” for bindi. The second house was a Christian home which meant no bindi but we sang “I Am A Child of God” and they sang a Christian song back to us. But at this house, the women served us these two kinds of sweets. Looking like donut holes I didn’t expect it to be that bad. The funny thing is, my whole team hid our “donut holes” in our bags, they were a bit too sweet. These people here in India are amazing. It is so cool seeing how excited they are and happy they are to serve us. Which feels way different than America, where it almost seems like a burden for us to serve people. They are constantly smiling and waving as we pass them. To say the least, their smiles are contagious.

As we drive in the Tatas everyday and see he surroundings, it is heart breaking to see what conditions they live in. But yet these people are so happy and are willing to give everything. For instance, a girl I teach at Main Day Boarding School gave me her necklace right after I told her it was beautiful. I tried to tell her no, but she told me “I love you, you keep.” These girls barely have anything, but are willing to give you everything because they love. The love I have for these girls cannot compare to any other kind of love. They come running to you as you get out of the Tata and give you the tightest hug you will ever receive. The fact that these girls don’t have moms or dads or food and are nonstop smiling is incredible. These girls are strong. I had the chance to see what the girls have for lunch at the school, it’s the regular Indian meal (rice with some kind of protein and currie). This meal would be a traditional American lunch, but for some of them, it’s their breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One meal a day. I can’t imagine, this makes me very very VERY grateful for the lifestyle I live.

These girls have made a huge difference in my life. It has been one of the hardest weeks, but one of the most AMAZING weeks of my life. The kids in the village and school have influenced me. They have shown me what love is. They have shown me that you don’t need much to be happy. They have shown me that losing yourself in service is one of the greatest joys you will experience. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! So so so thankful for this opportunity I have to be here in India to make a difference and am so so so thankful for the people at home who have made this possible! Love you all

Summer Hanks

One Response to “My Happy Place by Summer Hanks”

1. Stan, on November 25th, 2018 at 5:09 pm Said:

   We miss you, but are so proud of you! What a blessing you are to these children. Can’t wait to hear all about it – Heber is jealous!