Looking Out Rather Than In by Lizzy Porter

I can’t explain the amount of love I have for the kids in my village and the main day boarding school girls I have met within this past week. This whole trip has been so amazing, I’m so lucky I have been able to be a part of it. I have grown up hearing about this trip since I can remember; Both of my parents and two siblings have been fortunate enough to go on different YMAD expeditions over the past 8 years. I have heard all their amazing experiences about it and couldn’t wait to have some of my own. This trip has been everything and more that I have imagined it to be. I love it here.

I have grown to be so close with the village kids, MDBS girls, and the women of Nishta. Today we said goodbye to our village kids and the MDBS girls and I was absolutely heartbroken. At the main day boarding school we sang our goodbye song and they held the girls in the room as we walked straight out to our Tatas to leave. We weren’t able to give any last minute goodbye hugs or kisses & it was heart wrenching. One of the girls I grew to be very close with, Siraiya, ran out to my Tata to say one last goodbye. I couldn’t get out because we weren’t supposed to but I was lucky I got to give her one last hug through our car window before we drove off. It was so hard, I honestly don’t think I’ve ever cried so much. I love her so much and I’m so grateful I met her.

These girls have shown us so much love and kindness over the past week. It feels like I’ve known them much longer than just a week. I have built such strong relationships even with the little language barrier. They’ve taught me so much more than I’ve taught them; they’ve taught me to look out rather than in and love no matter what. I’m so lucky and thankful to have relationships and memories with these people. I’m so happy here and already miss the girls like crazy!

Lizzy Porter

One Response to “Looking Out Rather Than In by Lizzy Porter”

1. Y, on November 28th, 2018 at 6:39 am Said:

   Lizzy,
   You warm my heart and I cry right along side of you and Issac. You are no doubt part of the Poter legacy way to continue it on. So proud to know you. I truly find you a remarkable leader.