Chamba Mamma, Gratitiude and other Random thoughts: Tricia Ely

Chamba Mamma, Gratitiude and other Random thoughts

 

This is my last time to blog and I have so many thoughts running through my mind. As our time here comes to a close, I am feeling so much gratitude for so many things. I am grateful for my lovely home and family.  I’m grateful for western toilets, fresh drinking water right out of our tap and our city garbage disposal system. I am grateful for Utah and all of it’s beauty. At the same time I am also grateful for the beautiful and exotic country of India and it’s simple and uncomplicated way of life.

The people here are warm and friendly and it’s the people that I will miss!

 

I am grateful for the opportunity that I’ve had to experience India with my husband Mike and my sweet daughter Rachael.

 

I am full of gratitude for the teenagers in my life.  I LOVE teenagers! I have had so much fun sitting around the bonfire each night and having long, heart to heart talks with them. I have grown to love all of these kids so much! They are smart, kind creative resilient and oh so funny! They are constantly making me laugh!

 

When I decided to come on this expedition I wasn’t really sure if these kids would want to spend their time with a 55 year old mom but they couldn’t have been more darling and fun to hang out with! They call me their Chamba Mamma and they always want a hug.

 

The kids on my village team were so adored by the sweet little school children. It was painful to watch them say their goodbyes today. They shared their love so freely that the school children were so attached after just seven teaching days. The children may not remember everything that they were taught but but they will always remember how these teenagers from America made them feel.

 

I am thankful for the new friendships that were formed this past year. Naomi, Amy, Brooke and Allison are dear to me and we will always share this memory of our shared experience.

 

My Yellow Team has been a blessing to me in so many ways. They are remarkable kids. Sarah, Preston, Staci, Thomas and Kimberly impressed me every single day. I am going to miss spending my days with them.

 

YMAD Operation Ashabadi will always hold a special place in my heart.

4 Responses to “Chamba Mamma, Gratitiude and other Random thoughts: Tricia Ely”

1. Molly Justice, on November 29th, 2016 at 6:30 pm Said:

   Tricia,
   Thank you so so much for all your have done for Thomas and all of these kids . I feel so fortunate to know he was loved and taken such good care of. Without you and the other adult leaders, this experience would not have been possible. Our family is so grateful. We cannot wait to see and hear all about your experiences together.
   Happy travels home,
   Molly Justice

2. Michele Thompson, on November 29th, 2016 at 8:05 pm Said:

   I knew early on in our YMAD experience that you would be so loved by these teens! That feeling was totally reinforced when we pulled up to the curb at the airport and Hank made a beeline for you and got his Trish-hug!
   I’m sure everyone says this but I can’t help but feel this Operation Ashabadi group is special. Much of that is thanks to you and the other leaders. Love you all!!

3. Jennie Pinnock, on November 30th, 2016 at 4:01 pm Said:

   LOVE YOU TRICIA!!! Can’t wait to give you the biggest hug. Thanks for being the Chamba Mama! The kids are so lucky to have you there!!!! See you in 4 days!

4. Jen Webb, on December 2nd, 2016 at 2:21 pm Said:

   What a beautiful experience! I love that you Mike and Rachael have had this experience together! Your group and people in India are lucky to have you! You’re an inspiration to me! I love you Trish!