Youth making a difference

So since I’m one of the last people doing their blog i want to say so much about everything, but that would be too long so… 

Before saying goodbye, on monday i helped the kids with getting new shoes and a new uniform that they will have for the next year or so. I never want to forget the look on the kids faces when we handed them their new shoes that actually fit them and they can call their own. We also provided needs for the school like new backpacks and music instruments and maps of the world but i think what really got the kids excited what the balls and the net we brought them. They loved that so much and the faces of pure happiness is with out words. 

Saying goodbye is never easy, its hard and no one wants to do it, but we had to it. It didn’t hit me all day until we said a little something to the kids to say thank you, i finished, looked around and i see about 5 kids who started to cry and that is what got me emotional realizing that what i did made an impact on them, even for a short amount of time. A cute girl named Nana was the last person i said goodbye to, she held me as tight as she could and balled on my shoulder and i cried right along with her. 

we’ve had a week to recover and i miss those cute kiddos at bahu school so much, the past week of touring has been so fun, we’ve stayed in nice hotels that actually have warm water, which i feel a little guilty in staying in. but what i didn’t know is that Raj and some other friends of his has an amusement park, and i had two thing marked off my bucket list Wednesday, ride a yak even though it looks photoshopped in the picture it isn’t and go Zorbing. yesterday we went river rafting and it was so fun, how many people can say they went river rafting in the himalayan mountains hahahahah.   

But most importantly despite all the fun and games, i spent time with those who helped me get to this point of going to india, i couldn’t ask for better friends and leaders than those on this expedition. we’ve had our ups and downs but we all just like to have fun and laugh together. I’ve learned so much over the past 2 weeks and 9 months that make me want to be a better person. especially understanding the values that YMAD has spent months teaching us and what the kids at the school taught us, like being grateful for the little things and the importance of learning, friendships, and loving in the moment and not worrying about hat has not happened and that is what i need help on. at our last meeting Lisa had us write a letter of recommendation and write about our dream selves so i did what i was told and i wrote about the person i hope to be one day… a hard worker, optimistic and willing to go the extra mile. when we passed them in to her, she said “now go and be the person you just wrote about” and i think that india has helped me to that, and i hope to continue being that person. I’m excited to come home but not ready for the way home.

Meghan Clinger

4 Responses to “Youth making a difference”

1. Sarah Clinger, on April 22nd, 2017 at 1:08 am Said:

   I love that smile. I’m so glad you had an amazing time. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Love you.

2. Katie, on April 22nd, 2017 at 5:14 am Said:

   I am so proud of you for serving and loving those kiddos. I know this will be an experience you will never forget and one that helps shape who you are. You are such a wonderful, caring soul and I am so lucky to be your aunt 🙂

3. Jenni Dickerson, on April 22nd, 2017 at 6:24 am Said:

   Oh, I love these pics! Travel safe!

4. Amy Oglesby, on April 22nd, 2017 at 5:03 pm Said:

   Your pictures are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing wise words as well. xo