Thank you Uplift!

I have no words to describe how thankful and fortunate I am to have been given the opportunity to travel to India with Uplift Humanity. I am indebted to this program. Not only has it changed my perspective on life, but I have truly observed a change in myself. I went on this trip a quiet, timid girl whose life revolved around school and sports so that I could get into a good college. I left it with so much more: with some of the best friends in this entire universe, gratitude, and determination to find whatever my passion is so that I can help others with it. The children I met made me realize how we often miss the fact that the lives of poverty and posh can be silent neighbors, and that we need to stop being so self-involved. These kids were absolutely amazing and it broke my heart that I could not do more to help them. They have nothing, literally nothing, and they could not be happier. I am not sure if we succeeded in educating the children as efficiently as we could have, but we were able to put a smile on their face, and that was more than enough for me. Taking a break from the bustling lifestyle and stress back home (in the US) and immersing myself in this culture that I forgot how much I loved really helped me reconnect with myself. The food, the staff, the living, the places of the Nadiad that we got to experience made this trip even more enjoyable. The other volunteers and I bonded into one family, who I hope to be in touch with for the rest of my life. Learning the stories of the orphans and juvenile inmates, their hopes, their worries makes you reconsider you priorities - it makes to hone in on what is really important. And, the only thing bigger than their smiles are their hearts. I am so glad I made the decision to attend this program, because I am some of the most hard work, driven, and kind people! I went their to make a difference in their lives, but I left with them having made a bigger one in mine.