By Scottie Hampton

Before coming to India, I never knew that the whole experience would change my perspective on life. On Thursday, I volunteered to be a leader and teach my group about relationships with the culture, and communication with my group. At first, I was very hesitant on being a leader. I didn’t think I had the ability to be a leader and take on a role like that. After a couple minutes of hesitation, I decided to force myself with the help of Mr. Alter encouraging me too.

At first, I wasn’t looking forward to it. We all voted on three categories – religion. education, and communication. After the vote was done, I was happy with the small group I had coming with me to learn more about communication and relationships. I wanted to focus on how life here is so different from the life I have back home. As my small group started working, we walked to Suman’s old house. His uncle was there and welcomed us with open arms. Suman’s uncle offered us chai as he invited us on the patio. We all sat down while he was preparing delicious chai and sat and looked around at the mountains, children, mules, dogs, and more..

Looking out at the village from the porch really had me thinking about how life is so different here. I thought about how fortunate I am to live such an easy and peaceful life back home. But I also thought about how here in India, every one is very fortunate for what they have rather then hyper fixating on what they don’t have. I think they are all very grateful and humble people and it shows me to be more focused on what I am blessed with rather than what I don’t have. In America, we all live iin a fantasy life instead of reality which we also talked about. What does that fantasy give us and what does it take away?

That question really got many people thinking about their everyday lives such as making food from scratch every night here when at home you could just eat a frozen pizza. It really is the small things. Many people agreed with me and that really got me thinking about how life is so easy for me and that I do take it for granted. I also gained so much respect for my parents and had a conversation about how life can seem so difficult, but from another angle we have it so easy. All humans have our own battles everyday little or small but I truly do think we do not take time to look around and appreciate what we have. We hyperfixate on the things we don’t have instead of the things we do have.

Sitting on porches and drinking chai, we had many conversations that had people thinking. Such as talking about our personal lives and how calming and relaxing india really is. Looking out at the beautiful mountains and all the kids playing, dogs and deer barking, my mind felt at ease. I think at home, many people aren’t as welcoming and kind which is what really helped me feel safe and comfortable when the hospitality here is so warm and kind. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming even after knowing us for 2 minutes. They treat you like you are part of their family which really makes me feel how fortunate I am that I got to see this beautiful place with my friends and the relationships I have built overtime with people on this trip.

Truly, I do believe the people make the trip even more enjoyable especially the people on this trip. There was never a day I didn’t laugh or smile and that’s what truly makes me rich in life. There is never a dull moment with my friends here. I originally didn’t wanna go to india since none of my friends were going and now I am so incredibly happy I came because I have made such good relationships with everyone on this trip and it is really rare to bond with people you never talked to on the daily at school, and now I will always cherish these friendships for a lifetime. Bonding with a group that never knew each other out of Christ Church is a rare experience not many people can experience.

India has changed my perspective on life and the fortune I have waking up with everything I could possibly need or want. I think everyone should experience this life changing moment and feel more fortunate for the small things we have on an everyday basis while gaining a perspective on which small things really matter. Overall I think India has taught me many lessons in life that I will bring home with me and remember forever. The community is what makes this place rich. Rich in love, friendships, and having the ability to walk everyday and live life to the fullest.