WOW!! (21 November, 2019 Jens Jenkins)

November 21, 2019 - 2019: Operation Parivar

It is hard to explain how amazing the last few days have been and how many WOW moments we have had.

For instance, imagine being fortunate enough to witness numerous caravans of sheep, sheep herders, and random dogs and farmers carrying enormous bundles (scythes in hand) walking through the school yard, all while watching your amazing teens teaching the happiest children in the world. These children are so focused on your teens that they do not even notice the traffic, even when that traffic includes a pair of cows climbing the 30+ stairs of the school that your teens climb numerous times a day to get to the different levels of the school yard and classrooms.

Also, how fun and exciting it is to find out that you missed the pickup time of your bus, which was waiting for you. But, instead of waiting just a few minutes longer (since we are the designated pickup for the specially commissioned bus), allowing the bus that came up behind him to pass, our bus had to drive about half a mile down the road to find a spot that was wide enough that they could pass each other. It was fun to take the walk down to the bus, passing the occasional local wondering who we were and what we were doing walking the roads way up so high in the Himalayan mountains.

We were also given the crazy awesome experience of joining in and participating in a local Indian wedding (yes it was an arranged marriage in case you were wondering). Our senses were overwhelmed by the vibrantly colored tents (crammed full of people), the loud and rambunctious music made up of all types of drums and horned instruments, and sights of dancing men, beautifully dressed women and many types of treats and drinks (We refrained from eating anything but a small glass of Coke) that the host insisted on sharing with us.

We were also honored to receive special gifts (honorary hats) given by our teachers and children, because they love your teens so much. They brought out each hat on a silver platter, one by one, placing them on our heads and giving a speech of gratitude to us. It was very emotional, and I may have shed a tear. It was a definite Wow moment for the trip and life.

But, despite the events mentioned above, the greatest WOW moments have been from your teens! I love them so much. Thank you for sharing them with me for these couple of weeks and letting me witness their amazing attributes that have enriched my life and motivated me to improve in so many ways to try and emulate their special skills.

Wyatt, for example, is the one that insisted on carrying the heavy team bag when we had to walk to the bus so far, even though he was feeling sick (runny nose and headache). This is not the only time he is trying to be helpful and mindful of others. I witnessed him take two hot lunches, instead of one, because he was worried the cooks would feel bad if their food was not all taken. He is always asking to help others and I hope to be that mindful someday.

Felicity really emulates everything about her name. I love how caring and happy she is. She enlightens and cheers up everyone 24/7. I have watched her play a fun game with many of the other teens, asking them what their favorite attribute is about their different family members, teaching the other teens to always focus on the positive. I know she probably learned this from her mother, as she told me that is the attribute that he mother excels at. She is also a very hard worker, the attribute she said that she admires most in her father. I hope to be that consistently positive someday.

Hayden is a complete superstar, seeming to have complete confidence and awareness of all that is going on. He is a steady influence on the team, never getting rattled and smiling at any obstacle. Hayden is so adored by the young children that they are frequently fighting to hold his hand. He is well loved by all the children. He also has amazing artistry, helping take the lead on the mural design. (Painting the mural was another Wow moment and we are so happy to have the children witness it tomorrow, having transformed a very dilapidated concrete barrier into a positively happy monument of the influence your children are leaving on the school). I hope to be as confident and loved as Hayden someday.

Clara is the greatest conversationalist ever! She is constantly filling any voids in the conversations with a fun and exciting string of new things to talk and think about. I love sitting near her on the bus or campfires at night to listen to the fun things that she talks about, and which sound even more fun because of the amazing animated way that she talks, and occasionally dances to explain. (If you ever meet her, you will know what I mean). A complete bundle of joy in every sentence. I hope to be as entertaining and happy as Clara someday.

Liberty is amazing! She is so thoughtful and focused. I often see her deep in thought, focused on what needs to be done in the immediate future, or far into the future. She is very thoughtful that way.  She also has amazing positivity. Almost nothing seems to get her down. Even when she stumbles in the field by the fire. Instead of feeling and acting embarrassed, she starts to laugh with a very contagious laugh and turns it into a fun experience for everyone. Then, without skipping a beat, starts a fun word game with those around her, like guess the movie (21 questions style). I love Liberty, and how positive and thoughtful she is. I hope to be that way someday.

Samantha is one of my favorite people on the trip. One reason for this is because of how she is always initiating high fives with me and for filling the air with incredibly beautiful singing. I am amazed at how many songs she knows and that she can easily/joyfully sing with anyone around her that is willing to sing with her. She has a contagious giggle that fills everyone with happiness. I love listening to her sing and, even now, right before the campfire starts, I am hoping she is going to sing a bunch tonight. I wish I could sing like her and hope to add happiness to others like she does someday.

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