Gratitude/By Lizzie Fredrick

  Last blog!

Last night we had a gratitude meeting and so we all went around saying what we are grateful for and in summary most all of us said how grateful we are for what we have. We have so many more opportunities in the United States than these kids in India do and this trip has been very eye opening to me in that sense. It makes me and all of us here recognize that we may take advantage of school, our homes and much more. For me personally I dread waking up and going to school every morning (sorry mom) but for most of these kids’ school is their refuge or happy place and they look forward to going to school every day. They are so happy to be at school and it makes me realize how grateful I need to be to be able go to school and the opportunity to receive the education I do. I loved listening to everyone speak about what they are grateful for and how eye opening this experience is and has been to all of us. I also feel like it made us closer and may have made people uncomfortable but forced us to be vulnerable which is good. After the gratitude meeting, we got surprised with letters from our families and/or friends. I was already emotional and on the verge of tears by the end of the meeting so once I saw them take out cards, I knew exactly what they were, and I just broke down. Happy tears, I think. I felt like the timing was perfect and it was just what I needed. It has given me more motivation to give the next few days my all. The notes from my parents gave me comfort and I am so grateful for them. Everyone on this trip is amazing and I wouldn’t want to be here with anyone else. I am grateful for this opportunity and the leaders who volunteered and put it all together. Allison and Ashley are truly amazing and have worked so hard to make this trip as incredible as it has been. I am excited to see what the next few days bring and excited to make more unforgettable memories. Xoxo, Lizzie Fredrick