The Happiest Place on Earth – Ellie Cummings

Fun fact: I’ve learned how to take a bucket shower. Pretty interesting experience. Being here helps me put my life in perspective. I feel so much more gratitude for the things I have been given — big or small. This place is simply incredible, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Driving to our schools everyday is pretty fun, our team all crams into our car and we drive up the mountain. We have had a couple of close calls with accidents, but our driver has some fast reflexes and handles it like a champ — he doesn’t even bat an eye, its awesome. I am really going to miss our morning drive, walk, and being with my kids everyday. 

 

India is by far the best trip I have ever taken in my life, and I honestly don’t think that any future trip could possibly top this one. My heart is so full and the truth is, I have never been happier. I love these children with every fiber in my being. Each one of them shows the most pure and unconditional love and I have only known them four days. A few of them have given me a sort of nickname, “Ellie dede” or just “dede”; which according to our translator means “sister”. I have never felt such pure love.  The thought of leaving them breaks my heart — they inspire me to be the best Ellie that I can be. They make me smile brighter than I ever have and I laugh with more joy than I have experienced thus far. Words do not do justice of just how much I love this place and moreover the things I am doing. Teaching is a challenge, but these kids make the challenge exciting and fun. One thing that teaching English here has taught me, is this: you can overcome any challenge if you go through it with a smile and an open mind.  

Manisha is one of my girls in our school — she is so genuine and sweet. She gives the best hugs and has the sweetest little laugh and smile. I want to bring her home with me — along with the rest of my kids. I can only hope that I have become or will become as selfless and loving as she is. 

4 Responses to “The Happiest Place on Earth – Ellie Cummings”

1. Audrey Cummings, on March 31st, 2017 at 6:43 pm Said:

   ellie !! I’m so happy you’re having such a wonderful time. I love you.
   -auds

2. Matt Cummings, on March 31st, 2017 at 9:32 pm Said:

   Our sweet Ellie dede –
   You shine as beautifully in India as you do here. Thanks for this wonderful post and perspective. We’ve been a little bugged that our internet is currently out and we’ll be inconvenienced for the next several days – I think we’ll all take bucket showers tomorrow morning to help put in perspective our “first world” problems. 🙂
   Keep enjoying every bit of this brilliant opportunity. It is so fun to see you all enjoying the fruits of the past years preparations and work.
   We love you and are excited to get all your stories of India in person.
   Love, Dad & Mom

3. Jenny, on April 1st, 2017 at 7:48 am Said:

   That picture says it all. Two beautiful girls! Thanks for the inspiring message. Can’t wait to get the full story from you personally.
   Love you tons!
   Jen and Nina

4. Sumners, on April 7th, 2017 at 4:01 am Said:

   Ellie–We loved reading your experiences and know how transformative immersing yourself in other cultures can be. How exciting for you!
   Love, The Sumners