Rivendell by Nick Storey

Right now it’s Sunday and we’re enjoying a well deserved break. I have titled this post “Rivendell” because like Frodo and Sam in Lord of the Rings, we have passed our first trials and are taking it easy for the moment. And just like the fellowship, we still have challenges to come. We have more time to teach the kids, a service project, tourism, and the journey back.
Since my last post, we’ve seen the kids make incredible progress in their english skills. It truly is amazing to see how much of a difference we have made in such a short amount of time. The kids and I have grown together so much more since then. I truly have fallen in love with them and can say with confidence that they love us.

Perhaps most importantly, we have become great friends with the kids. I’ve never seen so much joy in the faces of someone. For the kids at the ashram and school, we have become their bringers of fun and hope. We give these kids a fun time so that they may feel loved and forget the troubles of tomorrow.

Everyone in Operation Roshni is absolutely amazing. All the teenagers have been super supportive of each other while the leaders have help us immensely in our lessons and daily lives here. I could not have asked for a more incredible experience and would recommend YMAD to ANYONE. Never before have I felt more loved by so many.

Even though we still have a week left, it seems like the trip is winding down. We only have two more teaching days left with the kids. I’m super excited for the tourism, but I dread the day that we have to say our goodbyes to the kids. We’ve grown so close to them. To my family, I’ll see you in a week. Also to my family, I got a shave from the local barber. See you star side.