Kelcie Cheney- They Call me “Didi”.

November 27, 2012 - All Posts, 2012 Operation Ekta

Dear family and friends,
I hope you are all doing well!! India has been an amazing experience for us all. Today was a little rough for everyone. It was our last day in the schools and ashrams because there is a holiday tomorrow. It’s hard to describe an experience close to my heart in only one paragraph, but this week has made me VERY grateful for all that we have in America. We are so very blessed. My group attended the temple ashram full of girls of all ages. The girls literally have nothing and yet they are the happiest little girls I have ever met. They call me “didi” which I figured out means “sister.” It is amazing to me how attached you can become to these kids after spending only a couple of days with them. We were about to leave the Ashram when a little girl named Javee came up to me with tears in her eyes and said, “please please take me to America with you.” I started to cry and replied, “I will never forget you. You are beautiful. Never forget how much we love you.” I want more than anything, to bring every single one of them home with me. Although we are here in India to help these kids, I feel like they have helped us more than we could ever help them. Leaving them behind was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I am so grateful they came into my life. Love you and miss you all.

 

Love, Kelcie Cheney

 

P.S. The kids loved the bracelets! Their faces lit up when I tied them around their wrists. I want to thank my family, especially my little sister Ali, for the many hours spent braiding them. I wish you were all here to witness their expressions. It was like Christmas for them. I love my family!! See you soon

5 Responses to “Kelcie Cheney- They Call me “Didi”.”

  1. Kelcie, thanks for your post. I was a bit worried about you since we didn’t get to talk on the phone! I am so happy you have had this life changing experience. We can’t wait to hear all your stories and every detail. What a hard day to leave the kids….I am crying for you. We love and miss you so much! Love you, Mom

  2. Kelcie, one of my 5 shining stars:I’m so very grateful to “hear” from you! I’m out of town on business, sitting in a hotel lobby, having an early breakfast, while reading your post. I’m tearing as I’m reading, and who knows what the guy next to me is thinking? Your post was also like a warm blanket for your Mother. I called her, to make sure she had seen it, and she had and was overjoyed.
    Thank you so much for posting we love you so much.
    I have to go to a meeting right now but I will write more later and want you to know that I have been checking every day several times throughout the day and so excited to see all that you’re doing I love you Dad

  3. Kelcie!!! SO happy to read your post!!! I’m so glad that you get to experience that with the India children, how awesome that must be! Live it up girl, miss you like CRAZY!! Seeya Soon:)

  4. Kelcie, What an amazing experience you have gotten to be a part of. Reading your blog about leaving the children in India made me want to ball. I am so proud of you and what you have done! Way to go! Travel home safely!Love, Andrea and the other Winegars

  5. Kelc!!! I absolutely loved you post. You are making such a difference in those kids lives and I’m sure they have done the same for you! I wish you could brin them all hear to draper with you, because they are the cutest kids (from what I’ve seen in pictures). I miss your smiling face, can’t wait to hear all about your experience! Have so much fun and be safe. Love Jess:)

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