BREATHTAKING By: Brittney Schwab

The sights of India are amazing. Our school sits on the side of a mountain, near the top, and overlooks the whole valley of Kullu. Every day I am reminded of the beauty that surrounds me from the quaint homes with corn on the roof to the towering snowcapped mountains in the distance.

I get the opportunity to observe the teens in their element with the kids. Brooke is able to smile through her lessons as she teaches about families. The love she has for these kids is shown through her eyes.

In everyday living, Aidan has the kids attention as he gets on the floor with them and plays with the trains. Even when he has not felt 100% he pushes through it to get every minute he can to be with the kids.

The moment you talk about the kids in our school Oakland gets a big smile on his face. After the first couple of days he was able to memorize most of the kids names,

Toni is in her element when we get to the school. She gets excited to talk to the kids about health and personal hygiene Every time we sit down a group of kids rush to her to fight for a spot on her lap.

Colors are what Tyler is teaching. He gave the kids ‘bunchems’ to separate into colors. He did a great job at not allowing them to put them in their hair. Every time they see him they want him to hold, hug, carry or throw them up in the air. The pure joy on his face is priceless.

Lilly treated us with teaching the kids about places. Her face would light up as she described her favorite places. The paper bags they created were beautiful.

Our school treated us with a beautiful dance and gift presentation. The students and the village ladies favored us with traditional synchronized Indian dancing. They gave us fruit, treats, a hat from their village, scarf and a picture from a temple. I am in ahh of the love and selflessness that they have shown us. The hospitality and generosity of the people of India is nothing like I have experienced before. The little they do have is offered to those around them. We have known them less than a week and the love and respect they have shown is humbling. It makes me want to help more, give more and love so much more. I need to love with all I have because you never know when you won’t have it.