Wow, camp was fantastic! The kids were respectful and shy initally. Something that is somewhat unusual for camp in the US. In the US you generally have to earn respect whereas here the kids automatically respect you. So we had to work extra hard to get most of them to open up, but once they did they were incredibly fun and out of themselves. Kids would just come up and talk to us, introducing themselves and asking tons of questions. One of the most impactful events was the ring of honor and the ensuing mingle of honor, which is an event where boys and girls encourage each other. In Indian culture male-female relationships are very limited. I am super impressed with how many campers pushed through their insecurity and encouraged one another. The Grateful Devo was another high point. The kids were grateful for everything from Mr. Jeff to nature, but they were especialy grateful for their parents for sending them to camp (including me. My parents are awesome!). As I'm writing this we just stopped and walked around a huge rock sculpture, and we are now on the bus driving through part of Chennai. I think it is finally sinking in that we are in India.
Cade Lefler
No comments:
Post a Comment