I see movement – By Tracie Scott

First off-sorry there haven’t been any blogs! We traveled to Shimla yesterday and everyone was beat! Tonight there are tired teens and so we won’t have a post from them until tomorrow. But they are doing great!!

Wow! I can’t believe we have almost completed our journey here in India! It has been a wild ride!

Early in our trip Randy did an exercise where two people stood facing each other about 12 feet apart, staring into the other’s eyes. Third person came around from one person on the perimeter with a large playing card. When the person saw the card come into view they would say “I see movement”. When they saw the color they would then say the color of the card. Then when they saw the number they would say the number. This was all while looking straight ahead at the person across from them. The other person was to keep them honest by staring at them. The lesson was about perspective. Are we so focused on one thing and that only that one thing that we can’t see what is happening around us? Can we see the struggles of others around us? Can we see the joy? Can we see the needs? Can we see the pain? Can we see the details of life being lived? Here in India there are all these things happening around us. Every day, every hour, every minute. And, they happen around us at home. We have learned that while it is great to have a goal to focus on, it is important to be aware of what is happening around us. To look beyond the goal and watch out for each other, for the children we are interacting with, for the beauty of life all around, for the similarities and the differences. And most importantly to appreciate them and to act when needed.

To get back to the “ride” part-Bret and I have had the chance to “ride” with Raj to do the necessary shopping. Riding in buses in India is crazy, but riding with Raj is a whole different crazy!! In his vehicle he has a bar on the dashboard that was well used by me! Raj learned the term “white knuckle”. Don’t get me wrong, he is a great driver, but driving in the mountains of India is crazy, crazy, CRAZY! Often Raj would giggle and say to me-“I see movement”-meaning I was tightly gripping his bar.

Life is a ride! It is a ride with its many twists and turns, it’s ups and downs. There are unexpected and unplanned events, circumstances we cannot control, under constructions zones, traffic jams, detours and delays. We have experienced many of these this trip. Our 10-12 hours bus ride was 18 hours. We lost a day teaching due to an unexpected holiday. We had a very scary storm come in and try to take our camp away. My dog died suddenly at home. Many, almost all, have become ill. Strep throat has been brutal. BUT, we have carried on. We came to accomplish something greater than ourselves. We have had our moments, but we have NOT given up or given in! We have bonded as a family. We have buoyed each other up. We have met the challenges and had the courage to push on. We have held on tightly and embraced the ride. And guess what? We have LOVED EVERY.SINGLE.MINUTE!!

The good and the bad. And we have had way more good! The teens have grown so much. I have seen movement!!! The have been moved to do good, to look for the good and to be the good! They have learned valuable life lessons. They have learned to enjoy the ride, the entire ride.

Parents-I LOVE your teens! What an amazing experience we have had being their “parents” these past two weeks. I truly love them as my own! Thank you for trusting us with them!!

-Tracie

7 Responses to “I see movement – By Tracie Scott”

1. Joanne Cinalli, on June 6th, 2019 at 6:01 pm Said:

   Thank you for the update…. Been nervous the last couple of days. Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday night. Stay well!

   Love you Ella, can’t wait to see you and give you a big hug and kiss. Love from all of us!

2. Brian Findlay, on June 6th, 2019 at 6:06 pm Said:

   This is great! Thank you so much for taking them on this trek. It’s so important to learn that life can be hard and fulfilling at the same time. Nothing worthwhile is meant to be easy. Wishing you all a safe journey home soon. 🙂

3. Jennifer Findlay, on June 6th, 2019 at 7:29 pm Said:

   I’m so happy to see this post! We can’t wait to see you all on Sunday night! Kennedy we love you and can’t wait to hug you! Stay strong! 💪🏻😘🥰💞
   We love and appreciate the sacrifice of all the leaders (and Raj) for keeping them safe and happy! I can’t wait to hear the stories in person! Thank you for being amazing leaders and taking them on this journey! Safe travels home! 😄💕

4. Andrea Murri, on June 6th, 2019 at 10:54 pm Said:

   We finally have service so I can post to say how awesome your trip sounds! Can’t wait to swap trip stories! We love you, Brooklyn & have enjoyed hearing from all of you-now that we have been able to catch up. Hope your last few days are enjoyable.

5. Cory Armstrong, on June 7th, 2019 at 5:07 am Said:

   What an incredible experience! Sounds like everyone is wiped out. Lots of things to adapt to, but lots of blessings. We pray for your safe return!

6. Judy Staszewski, on June 7th, 2019 at 9:33 am Said:

   Loved all the posts from the team and excited to here about the experience. I am so proud of you for the mission you took on at such a young age: sitting in my comfy sit at home you’ve inspired me to give back. Thank you for sharing your journey. Travel safe and enjoy your last couple days together.

   Love you Ella and miss you. Aunt Judy 😘

7. Lucinda Armstrong, on June 7th, 2019 at 11:59 am Said:

   I can’t wait to hear EVERYTHING! What an amazing experience and memories! We miss you all. Love to Haidee.