Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

November 24, 2017 - 2017 Operation Sukhi

I’m here! I’m in India! First of all, I want you all to know that I was completely fine on the 17 1/2 hour. I believe that it was a sign that I truly am where I’m supposed to be. I definitely feel that I am being watched over on this trip. I’m so excited to share the experience I’m having here with all of you when I get home.

When we arrived Sunday we had a team meeting and something Jane said has really stuck with me as I’ve gone about the adventure so far. She pointed out that 90% of the word gratitude is attitude. Life in India is very hard. Very very hard. I really am not capable of painting a picture of what I’ve seen. Just trust me when I say the adversity they face on a daily basis is unimaginable. Despite all the obstacles and endless hardships they endure, their happiness and love could not be more pure. Mom always says live with an attitude of gratitude. The people in India are perfect models of this. They are positive even with every reason to be negative, in the face of abuse and neglect they chose to show love, they have nothing but are willing to give everything.

I’m so grateful for the blessed life I live. I’m grateful to be so blessed that I am able to give service to others. And I am so grateful for all the amazing people I am lucky enough to live with. My YMAD team is awesome, especially the leaders. My family is fantastic. I just read all of your letters and they were wonderful to say the least. Thank you for thinking of me. I was so happy to hear from my family on this day of focusing on the things we’re most grateful for. One of our leaders got a card with a voice memo from their little kids, and I must say I was a little disappointed I didn’t get one of those from Wubs. The little kids here remind me a lot of him with their sweet voices and happy smiles. Can’t wait to give him a squeeze when I get home. Jenessa, I want you to know that I did find you and nick the perfect little girl to adopt. She’s almost 5 and fully potty trained of course. Her name is Pinkira and she is SO beautiful. I’m packing her in my suitcase so hope you’re excited. Dad, I want you to know that I am soaking up every bit of the experience. I feel filled to the brim but I’m going to have to expand because I still have four whole days with the kids and West Bengal. Mom, my heart is so full here every day. Thank you for believing in me and for all your prayers while I’m gone. Gaber, I will need your services in the gym when I get home because all we eat is potatoes and rice, also tell Janey hi from me and that I love her. Jorgen, it was really special to get a letter from you and totally unexpected. Michele told me how you got it to me and that’s pretty amazing of you. Thank you for always supporting me and reminding me that one person can make a difference. I love and miss you very much!

I LOVE YOU ALL and can’t wait to see you!! XOXO izzy 

6 Responses to “Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!”

  1. Thanks for sharing on thanksgiving day. You have made me want to be more loving and kind. Bring me one of those little girls as well.

  2. Great post my lovely daughter. I am possessed by all of them. The pictures, the stories, the adventure, all are soul reviving. I have read the entire blog going back to 2011. What a great program! Enjoy the moment, live to serve. Love Dad

  3. I couldn’t ask for a better report! I’m sure you are just blooming there! The happiness everyone is feeling shines through in the pics! Hearing your thoughts of service and experiences is contagious! Dad & I can’t wait to see the blog every day! India looks amazing, I love the faces of the children, and all the colors! Enjoy every moment, so happy for you & proud of you!

  4. Iz! It’s so good to hear from you! What you are doing in India is amazing, and I can’t think of a better role model than you for the kids. I am so thankful for you in my life. I am excited to hear about all your experiences, and everything that you have learned! Be safe and have fun! I love you

  5. So happy you survived the flight and are soaking in every moment in Indian! This is such a great reminder to me that I have nothing to complain about, so grateful for you and the awesome work you are doing there!
    Wubs missed his Uncle Izzy, yesterday was thanksgiving and I told him all the yummy thing we were going to eat, I said “are you so excited to eat the turkey, potato’s, stuffing and pie” he said “no, I want a mini sandwich”.
    I can’t wait to see more pictures and hear more stories! And I need that little girl!
    We Love You! – Nick, Ness & Bair

  6. Izzy,
    It’s so great to hear how much you’re loving this experience! There’s nothing like getting out of your comfort zone. I bet the colors and smells and sights and all the beautiful people in India will steal a part of your heart! We cannot wait to hear all about what you’ve been doing and all that you are learning! Enjoy every minute! Love you. Em

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