Another Goodbye – Rachel Rawlings

Another year of teaching here in India has come and gone for me.  As I sit here on the balcony of the YMAD house staring out into the cloud-covered Himalayas, I can’t help but feel extreme gratitude for the life of plentiful opportunity that I have been blessed with. Not only am I sitting in what is arguably the most beautiful place in the entire world, but also an amazing team surrounds me, and I have spent the last ten days working with hundreds of different kids who have taught me so much.

As our team has diligently worked to teach English workshops that we have been preparing all year, we have been learning more than we could have ever imagined. We have learned about charity, love, service, joy, and genuine happiness. This experience has helped me to establish a new perspective as I move forward in my own life.

Saying goodbye to the Temple girls for the third year in a row, knowing that I am not coming back next year, was very difficult. I have watched those girls grow up over the past few years, and even when I am back in the United States, a day doesn’t pass that they aren’t on my mind. They will forever be in my heart: Champa’s deep, raspy voice; Monika’s piercing, green eyes; Heena’s huge, toothy smile; Saroj’s cute wink; Kritika’s sassy attitude; Soni’s beautiful smile; Deepali’s nearly-perfect English; Rohini’s shy demeanor; I could go on about every single one of them.

The things that they taught me have definitely changed me for the better. I love those girls with all my heart. I don’t know when it will be, but I can’t wait for the day when I get to see them again.

3 Responses to “Another Goodbye – Rachel Rawlings”

1. eden, on August 10th, 2013 at 12:46 am Said:

   You really stepped up the game this year Rachel! This trip would not have been possible with out you!! Thanks for being the Best Program Director that has hit YMAD!! See you soon!!

2. Pam Stone, on August 10th, 2013 at 10:43 pm Said:

   Dear Rachel,Thank you so much for the dear friend you are to Sam.
   I am so grateful for your influence and for introducing her to YMAD and the unforgettable experience she has had.
   Pam Stone

3. kylee, on August 12th, 2013 at 1:46 am Said:

   those descriptions are spot on rachel. made me half teary-eyed/half smiley to read this post.