Grateful By Toni Van Otten

Grateful

 

This past week has made me really look at life in a different way. I wanted my last blog to be called grateful because of how much I have learned, the opportunity I have to be here, and the consistent love and support that has been all around this trip.

Last night we got the letters that you all sent. I love and appreciate you guys so much. Without you I would not be in India right now having one of the most life changing, beautiful, eye opening, and heartwarming experiences. I am so grateful for you. I am truly so lucky to be loved and cared about by so many amazing people.

I am so grateful for my team. I love each and every one of them. They inspire me to be better. I have learned a little about myself from each of them.

I am so grateful for my leaders. They are all so cool. Jens makes me laugh on the daily. Amy is always there to talk to. Jake is just an all-around great person. Brittney is always understanding. Kira always talks about her travels across the world which I love to listen to. Ashley and Allison are so kind, and I love to be around them.

I am so grateful for the kids. Sometimes they don’t listen. Which can occasionally be a pain, but they are amazing. Today we gave them all sweaters and shoes they lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. It was beautiful and then again, I was reminded about why I wanted to be here and to come on this trip. I really can’t believe that it is almost over. This was truly a once in a life time opportunity.

We went on a hike Sunday up to a temple. It is always so amazing no matter what religion you are.  The peace that surrounds that space is incredible to feel. The temple we went to was Bijali Mahdev.  I asked one of the translators we have about the significance of that temple. She said that a piece of there scripture got struck by lightning, they put it back together with white powder. Ever since then, every year the temple gets struck by lightning.

Outside of the temple was the most beautiful view of the Himalayas, I could have literally sat there for hours. I also pet a really cute cow. The hike was totally worth it.