Different Language, Same Connection – Abby Jorgenson

Words won’t ever be able to describe India or the pure love and joy I’ve felt since I’ve been here with YMAD. It’s such a different world out here. You never get tired of looking around. There are people, cows, and dogs everywhere. There are no turn signals or stop lights when it comes to driving. And there are even “yoga” classes where you do jumping jacks and are told if you do not close your mouth “you will die very very soon” (what happens in India stays in India).

But seriously I love it here and honestly don’t want to come home. I love YMAD and the crazy dance parties and endless laughs over nothing. I love the translators and how they feel like my new friends. But mostly I love teaching at the school and I love the kids there more than anything. (Can you tell I love it here yet?)

The first day after teaching we walked out of our school and the kids were yelling bye wondering if we were coming back the next day. It had just rained and you could see all of Kullu. I literally thought to myself “this is what pure happiness feels like.”

I try not to think of the fact that I only have three more days left with these kids because I never want to leave them. I love all the little things about them like the way their accents makes them replace their f’s with p’s turning frog into prog and butterfly into butterply. I love how they roll their r’s and scream in my face when they know the right answer. I love how they love duck, duck, goose and how each kid says it differently. I love how they throw up peace signs whenever you pull out a camera. I love how smart they are and how frustrated they get when they say the wrong thing, and I’ll say thank you whenever possible just to hear them say “welcome” in their little Hindi accents.

I love them so much. Each and every single one of them has a special place in my heart already and even though I don’t understand a single thing when they look me dead in the eye and start speaking in Hindi, they have taught me so much. Sometimes it feels like I’m not teaching them anything but I can only hope I’m having some sort of an impact on them because they sure are having a life changing impact on me.

We may not speak the same language but I have a connection with these kids that’s stronger than any language barrier.

4 Responses to “Different Language, Same Connection – Abby Jorgenson”

1. Emily Jorgenson, on June 15th, 2019 at 2:37 am Said:

   Finally! I’ve searched this blog countless times a day waiting for your post! I love hearing from you. I am so proud of you and so glad that you are having an amazing experience. Teaching changes lives, both for the students and for the teachers.
   But, you have to come home, we miss you! Funny, though, I have already been thinking of how you might start earning money for another trip. 🙂
   I love you. Enjoy your last week and safe travels. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
   Mom

2. Paula Jorgenson, on June 15th, 2019 at 3:11 am Said:

   Abby, You look radiant, your love for those kids is shining through. So proud of you and love you. Grandma Paula

3. Jed Jorgenson, on June 15th, 2019 at 3:43 pm Said:

   Beautiful. Simply Beautiful. Amazing words. Thank you for making my day bright after reading this. Love You!

4. Emily, on June 17th, 2019 at 4:56 am Said:

   It was so good to hear from you today, you sounded so content. But, you have to come back, we miss you! Enjoy the rest of your week, safe travels. I love you. ❤️ Mom