Radhika- Josh Christensen

First off- Happy Mother’s Day mom! I hope you had a wonderful day and I’m so grateful for you!

The last couple of days haven’t been the greatest for me. I’m pretty sure I picked up some sort of stomach bug that wants me real close to a toilet at all times! Luckily it’s the weekend so I haven’t missed any days of teaching and it has also given me a lot of time to reflect on my experiences not just here in India, but also on life in general! 

In all my downtime I have been able to watch the movie “Lion” twice. I had heard of the movie before we left, but had never watched it. Well in essence, it’s about a young Indian boy who gets separated from his family, ends up getting adopted by an Australian couple, and 20 years later decides to search for his birth family once again. It’s been really interesting to watch it while in India since we are experiencing many of the same sights and sounds. It’s just been a reminder to me, that even though we are doing good with YMAD and with teaching English, there is always more we can do. There is always going to be someone in need. I’m extremely grateful I have the opportunity to serve through YMAD.

On Friday, my heart was stolen by a little girl named Radhika. We had more free time to play because we were giving the kids new shoes and socks so we had to adjust our teaching schedule a little bit. I don’t remember exactly how it happened, but at one point I ended up holding Radhika and that was it. From the point on, every chance she had she was in my arms, on my lap, or by my side. I would ask her what my name was and she would say J-O-S-H Josh! Then she would put her face in my neck and start rubbing and patting my back. Basically the cutest thing ever. 

I’m not looking forward to having to say goodbye tomorrow, but I’m very grateful for the amazing experiences I have had so far! I love India!