Sunburned and Happy — Ellie Ewer

Woah. This week has been a whirlwind and I wouldn’t have it any other way. After a few very long days of travel we finally made it to Rampur. It is so insanely beautiful here, we are right in the Himalayas and it is so crazy to even think about. 

We got to our village for the first time on Tuesday. We have 25 kids in our village and they are all so unique and beautiful in their own way. Teaching is exhausting but so rewarding. I love seeing their cute personalties shine through as they start to warm up to me. There is a little girl named Kusum who is so shy but so sweet. I have loved seeing her warm up to me as the week has gone by. There are also these two twin boys whose names are Love and Kush, which means joy in Hindi. They truly live up to their names, they are so sweet and happy all the time. They love giving high fives and they always call me Didi Ellie which means Big Sister Ellie and it is the cutest thing ever. There is also a little girl name Ashitka who gives the best hugs. Every time we come into the school she just runs and jumps into my arms and then latches on like a little sloth. It makes my heart melt because I just know that she loves me so much even though we can barely communicate. Love truly is the strongest language. 

Today was so cool because we did our cultural exchange and went to all of our different villages and performed the songs that we have been working on for so long. When we performed in my village it was so fun to see my kids get so excited to see me. It was so cute to see their eyes light up when I was smiling at them as I was dancing. When we were singing One Day I lasted about 5 seconds before I just started bawling. As I looked at all of the kids it made me so emotional because they remind me that I want to live my life intentionally so that I can get every opportunity to get back here and see these beautiful kids again. The love I feel for them gives me a little glimpse of what being a parent will be like. A love so perfect and complete that you will never want for anything else in your life.

India is truly a beautiful and life changing place. The people, the mountains, the culture, the children. They have touched my heart in ways that I can’t even begin to describe. Their lives are so humble but they are so happy, a type of happy that is hard to achieve. My goal for my life going on is to learn how to become as perfectly happy as these beautiful children that I have been so blessed to love. To be as happy as Trisha is when she is being mischievous or as happy as Ekta is when she calls me Didi or as happy as Kartik is when I tickle him.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to come to this beautiful place full of beautiful people and make a difference, no matter how so small that difference may be. I love you all. Thank you for your support and love as I have gone through this life changing journey.

xoxo

Ellie

10 Responses to “Sunburned and Happy — Ellie Ewer”

1. Ryan Ewer, on April 1st, 2018 at 5:36 am Said:

   Ellie,

   So happy to finally hear from you. I have been checking the blog multiple times a day and then tonight was your smiling face. It sounds like you are having an amazing time. Can’t wait to hear all about your adventure.

   Love Dad

2. Mary Ewer, on April 1st, 2018 at 5:37 am Said:

   Ellie,
   I’m so happy to finally read something from you! I check about 20 times a day. I’m crying reading about your beautiful experiences and the sweet children you are teaching. I am so proud of all the good you are doing and soaking in every minute of your time in India. Have a wonderful second week. We love and miss you so much but know you are doing so much good and are having an experience that will forever change your life.

   I love you,
   Mom

3. Jenni Dickerson, on April 1st, 2018 at 7:19 am Said:

   Yay! It’s Ellie! Small world…I sing with your Grandma and we figured out you and Brandon are on the same trip. So, I’ve been watching for your post. I love your description of your experience! Awesome!

4. Heath Ewer, on April 1st, 2018 at 2:31 pm Said:

   Proud of you Ellie. Soak it up. An amazing experience. Write it all down….you will look back and remember this time and be glad you did. We love you. Uncle Heath

5. Shellie Ford, on April 1st, 2018 at 2:40 pm Said:

   Ellie –
   I’m so happy to hear about your experiences. Way to make me cry! 💗 ☺️ I hope you always remember what you’re learning and feeling now. What a beautiful opportunity you’re having. Love always – Aunt Shellie and family

6. Martha, on April 1st, 2018 at 3:44 pm Said:

   Sweet Ellie,
   So wonderful to see your beautiful smile and read your post! What amazing life changing experiences your are having! We are so proud of you!! Give it your best and soak in all you can. We’re excited for you and all those you come in contact with for you are a light as you share your love💕

   Sending our love and prayers 💕
   Grandma and Grandpa Ewer

7. Andrea Stolfa, on April 1st, 2018 at 4:39 pm Said:

   Living life with intention! We should all strive to apply that wisdom! I think you are all a few steps ahead of me! So proud of this YMAD team. Happy Easter wishes to everyone!
   Andrea Stolfa

8. Danielle Payne, on April 1st, 2018 at 5:19 pm Said:

   Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience.

9. Christina Ewer, on April 2nd, 2018 at 4:03 pm Said:

   So happy to hear that you are loving the experience! You have such a big heart. I’m not surprised that the children love you. I sure do!

   Aunt Chloe

10. Kristy Willhite, on April 3rd, 2018 at 1:04 am Said:

    Your life goal of being as happy as those beautiful children is a great one! Enjoy the rest of this amazing trip!