Real Men Cry… A Lot — Hunter McKenzie

If you know me, you know I am a fairly emotional individual. I tend to get hung up on beautiful moments, love quickly, and can get choked up fairly easily (thanks dad). Needless to say, this adventure has had no shortage of beautiful moments. From driving up to our school in the morning and waving at kids in the street, to seeing Parker reunite with his kids from last year, to throwing around my new friend Vivek. I cannot even begin to express the impact these experiences have had on me, all I know is that my heart is so incredibly full. 

I have fulfilled several life long dreams of mine on this trip. I’ve now been in the Himalayas, I had Gulab Jamun (a delicious donut like dessert) from a street vendor in Rampur, and I have discovered a true source of happiness in the laughs and the smiles of dozens of beautiful children. I would love to go into detail about every single child I have had the pleasure of working with but I am afraid it would end up a novel. To keep it brief, the children of Lalsa (my school) are some of the smartest, most genuine, and most driven individuals that I have ever encountered. They have a fire for life that is unmatched by anyone else and I aspire to love the way they do. 

Thank you to all who helped make this experience possible, especially my mom and dad, these memories already mean the absolute world to me. 

Sending my love.

 

9 Responses to “Real Men Cry… A Lot — Hunter McKenzie”

1. Andrea Stolfa, on April 1st, 2018 at 2:13 am Said:

   Oh Hunter! Finally your post! We have been waiting for what seems like forever. So well written! Such a beautiful picture. Thank you for sharing!
   Andrea Stolfa

2. Chuck Stolfa, on April 1st, 2018 at 2:19 am Said:

   Great to hear from you Hunter! Sounds like you’re having a great time. Keep on living this experience to the fullest…and crying when you need to.

3. Michelle Lambert, on April 1st, 2018 at 2:24 am Said:

   Good God boy! Where have you been??? So so good to see your face, and hear what we suspected.. that this would affect you in the most profound of ways., which is wonderful! Soak it in! Give Maddie & Ryan hugs for us please! Happy Easter to you all,
   Michelle

4. Matt, on April 1st, 2018 at 2:25 am Said:

   It’s so wonderful to see your face! You’re right… real men do cry. I am right now. 🙂 So proud of you. Enjoy and savor every moment with your team and those beautiful kids.

   Happy Easter.

   Love, Dad

5. Amy McKenzie, on April 1st, 2018 at 2:25 am Said:

   Ok so your mom is crying now! We are so happy for you and are excited to hear from you and all of your experiences! What a special Easter present for all of us to hear from you and see your smiling face! Ethan and I are with Aven and Marin this weekend and it’s been fun but you have been missed here. Please know that we miss you tons and know that you are having an experience of a lifetime. We are so blessed to have you as our son and can’t wait to see and hear about all of your adventures. Love you tons! Happy Easter! Love mom!

6. Jenni Dickerson, on April 1st, 2018 at 2:39 am Said:

   Random crying mom, here. ::waving hi::

   Love your post!

7. Ethan McKenzie, on April 1st, 2018 at 2:40 am Said:

   This is Ethan love you buddy! Keep having fun and changing these kids’ lives. I guess you did decide to shave?

8. Dave Brunetti, on April 2nd, 2018 at 2:34 am Said:

   Warms my heart to read this Hunter. You have the same “fire for life” of those kids. Keep on keep on keep on….
   Excited for you and proud of you.
   Mr. B

9. Kristy Willhite, on April 3rd, 2018 at 1:07 am Said:

   The kids sound amazing! As does the food. Enjoy ever moment!