Wow. It’s our last day in India and it’s great because it’s no different from the others in the sense that we’re super busy!! However, every moment seems so delicate because we (the kids at FFC and Yorkies) know that they are some of our last. Today we’ve been busy getting dolled up in sari’s (which are legitimately the hottest and tightest things in the world) and dhotis (which look hilariously feminine on our “manly men”). Our saris went along beautifully with our wild henna designs that the older girls gave to us yesterday (sorry we didn’t write yesterday – you can hear the reasons as to why when we get home). We knew you could get addicted to being tattooed but we didn’t know you could get addicted to henna. We all (being the girls) have designs on our forearms, ankles and some of us on our necks. Also on yesterdays agenda we got to hand out all of our donations to the kids! It was one of the most heartwarming experiences ever! The kids were ecstatic and we all wish you could have seen the wonderful reactions to all of your donations. Thank you so much York for your kind generosity! The rest of today is going to be very hard because our goodbyes are creeping up on us and the York house is looking like an empty home, which is weird because York house is our home. Anyways that’s our daily update for today.
- M & L
It’s hard for me to put the last three weeks into words, but I will try my best. At the beginning of this trip I said that it would probably go by faster than a york school French class. I was defiantly right. I can’t believe that three weeks ago I was talking to my friends and saying I cant believe were leaving for India tomorrow; now I am talking to the same friends and saying I cant believe were going back home. A difference I see now is that these friendships have strengthened so much and I know we will all be connected forever through this experience that many could never comprehend. Since we arrived and were placed in a sea of people and cars every experience has been just as new and amazing. Playing and creating strong bonds with the kids at FFC will stay with me forever; I will miss the kids SO much and but I know I will see them again. The kids here have been so welcoming and have so much fun with me that I feel like I have just gotten over 200 new brothers and sisters. Now I have another home at FFC and I know I will always feel comfortable here. I am dreading saying goodbye today and being back in Toronto and at school. I know that this experience will stay with me forever; I am so thankful that I got the chance to come to FFC and to see and experience the culture of India. As much as I don’t want to go home, I know that I have to and I hope to be back very very soon!
- Maddie
India is the most incredible place in the world. I have learned so much during my experience here, I have met some of the most genuine and appreciative people in the world and I have had the opportunity of a lifetime. Everyone here just embraces you with such love and you always feel welcome. I have tried so many new things – every day has been a new adventure. I can’t even begin to express how big of an impact this trip has had on me. It has been a dream of mine to come here since the trip started and I finally got to experience it. 6 years of waiting and it’s gone by in the blink of an eye. But I have never been able to say something so confidently before, I know that I’ll be returning to FFC some day. I can’t just say bye to this place forever because I know that I will always be connected. I know that some of us are planning on sponsoring kids – I am trying to set up sponsoring a girl named Subasidy who is not able to speak but says so much through her beautiful smile. That is also hopefully going to inspire me to come back in a few years time. Coming to India has seriously changed my life and the way that I live. When I get home I am going to be more appreciative of the things that I have because at FFC everyone is so grateful for what they have, which isn’t much. FFC is an orphanage for children with no family, but as the name says it really is a family for these kids, and being a part of that family is the greatest thing in the world. I will never forget these past 3 weeks spent here in India. I have made some great friendships and I have been able to make such a huge impact on the lives of the children here. Thanks again everyone for this unforgettable experience.
- Leah
We both want to personally thank Mr. B and Ms. P for being the best trip leaders in the world! You guys are such role models to all of us and we sincerely want to thank you for everything you have done for us. We knew these past 3 weeks would be incredible but you guys made them the best that they could be. With your open minds and spontaneous personalities we have really gotten the most out of this experience. From all of us, thank you.
- Maddie & Leah
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11 Responses to “Our Final Goodbyes”Leave a Reply |
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Visitors
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:36 am
WOW – it would seem words aren’t adequate to describe your feelings and the incredible experiences you have had….yet you have done an incredible job in this final entry Maddie & Leah! I think I can speak for all parents and friends when I say that all the entries in the blog have been great at capturing a real feel for India – thank you for taking the time out to share your thoughts and feelings with us – and in helping us experience your adventures along the way with you. We will miss checking the blog daily but will gladly substiture a daily hug, smile or shared story. No doubt your memories will last a lifetime.
And a heartfelt thank you to Mr. B and Ms. P on behalf of all the parents – we knew this would be a “life impact” trip – thank you for your leadership, guidance, mentorship and friendship to our kids.
Safe travels – looking forward to seeing some happy and no doubt tired faces at the airport on Friday!
Cheers from Greg & Kalla xoxo!
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 am
Some parents were worried about sending our great treasures to India as a result of the security issue.After readying your experience’s and how each of your hearts and minds have grown,We know it was absolutley the right thing for you all to go.Congratulation!!You have all helped mankind and touched so many people!
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:50 am
looking forward to hearing all the stories and seeing the pictures.
well done!
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
It has been very wonderful to read all of your words and “feel” your excitement. I too want to thank Mr B and Ms B for being the kind of wonderful teachers/people that they are. It is no small feat to be able to engage, excite, impress, positively influence, party with, AND be liked by a group of teenagers!
Dear Tali and everyone else, I look forward to meeting the new “YOU’S”, and I know in my heart that from now on, any future “setbacks” that you may all experience, that we ALL stumble across during our days, will be put into perspective, once you are reminded with how little the kids at FCC have, and in spite of their poverty and lack of material wealth, how many smiles and joyous dances and open arms they evidently have given to you, and to themselves. Spencer, the pix of you and the boys playing will remain with me forever. What a wonderfully loving and warm hearted young man you are!
Safe Journey to ALL….. LOVE and HUGS
Helen
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:10 am
Ditto Steven! Our kids have reaped so many benefits, and I hope/believe that this experience will encourage their growth on becoming open and loving citizens of the world.
I am so touched by the warmth and affection that I have seen in the pix from the boys on this trip, with the babies and the young children. Mark, Spencer, Peter and Zak, my, what a group of tender and loving men you have become (THIS IS A COOL THING!!) It really moved me seeing Mark hold on to the babies and Spencer on the floor playing with the little boys. I can’t wait to see all of you. And I agree that Mr B and Ms B deserve an enormous special thank-you. They are way beyond “good teachers”. To be able to inspire, impress, encourage, excite, motivate, and party/dance with a group of teenagers, that actually LIKE and RESPECT them, is no small feat. BRAVO to them and to TYS for following through providing my daughter with an exemplary education, through experience.
Safe journey home to all, and love and hugs to all (but I promise you guys to only squeeze and hug my Tali, and maybe Zak and Peter too ,and Becca and Leah M, oh well, maybe everyone just a bit..)
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:11 am
Ditto Steven! Our kids have reaped so many benefits, and I hope/believe that this experience will encourage their growth on becoming open and loving citizens of the world.
I am so touched by the warmth and affection that I have seen in the pix from the boys on this trip, with the babies and the young children. Mark, Spencer, Peter and Zak, my, what a group of tender and loving men you have become (THIS IS A COOL THING!!) It really moved me seeing Mark hold on to the babies and Spencer on the floor playing with the little boys. I can’t wait to see all of you. And I agree that Mr B and Ms B deserve an enormous special thank-you. They are way beyond “good teachers”. To be able to inspire, impress, encourage, excite, motivate, and party/dance with a group of teenagers, that actually LIKE and RESPECT them, is no small feat. BRAVO to them and to TYS for following through providing my daughter with an exemplary education, through experience.
Safe journey home to all, and love and hugs to all (but I promise you guys to only squeeze and hug my Tali, and maybe Zak and Peter too ,and Becca and Leah M, oh well, maybe everyone just a bit..)
Helen
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 am
Oops, I meant to say Ms P. Barb Prevedello and Jim Brickell!
April 2nd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
WOW! When words may seem too inadequate to describe your feelings and experiences, you have truly captured the essence of your trip! Thank you Maddie & Leah for this entry – and thanks to all for all the blog entries – you have shared your journey so well that we all feel a little part of it. We will miss our daily checking of the blog – but look forward to hearing many more stories in person over the coming weeks and months!
A special thanks to Mr. B & Ms. P for your guidance, mentorship and lasting friendships with our kids – our kids will have memories that will last a lifetime!
Looking forward to hugs and smiles from teh weary travellers on Friday!
Cheers from Greg & Kalla
p.s. I tried to send a similar message earlier today but it appears to be lost in cyber space!
April 2nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm
I couldn’t agree more. I am sure after this trip you will understand what Ghandi meant when he said “You must be the change you want to see in the world”. I am hopeful this experience leads to a lifetime of charity and involvement. Very proud of all of you. Thank you Jim and Barbara!
Theresa
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Congratulations to all of you. You will always have a part of India and this experience in your heart! I hope that you all continue to be passionate and curious about travel and different cultures and volunter work. Well done, York! A special thank you to Jim and Barb —your committment to both our children and FFC is a true reflection of the gift you gave when you join the profession of teachers. Kudos! Shari
April 2nd, 2009 at 6:00 pm
WOW! Your words are inspirational – you have truly captured the essence of your trip through these descriptions of your feelings and experiences. Thanks to everyone for making blog entries and thereby allowing us to share in this amazing adventure.
A special thanks to Mr. B and Ms. P for your mentorship, guidance and friendship to all of our kids – you have been integral in providing a lifetime of memories for them.
We will miss checking your adventures daily – but look forward to hearing more stories over the coming weeks and months. Looking forward to hugging weary travellers tomorrow!
For the record, this is my third attempt at posting a message today! Have resorted to the home computer – trust third time lucky.
Greg (& Kalla)