Three years. I remember talking with a friend at our going away party about the possibility of adding a third year and thinking that sounded like such a long time. And now I sit here in shock as we get ready for this huge transition home.
There are too many things to say. Too many wonderful memories and life changing experiences to be able to sum it all up in one blog. Well, in one blog that people would actually want to read anyway. I was always excited about coming to India, especially as Reid was so excited and I knew it was a special place already for him. But I leave being able to fully say that India is my own. This place grabbed my from the inside out, sometimes twisting in uncomfortable or even heart-wrenching ways, overwhelming and frustrating to the point of wanting to get on a plane and forget it all, but mostly it washed over me with love, acceptance, and a new way of looking at life through the eyes of such wonderful people from so many differing cultures- from within India itself to the fabulous staff members and students we had the privilege to work with from all over the globe.
Reflecting over the past three years of course we can't forget the amazing things we've seen and learned from all of our travel. The trips we were able to take in India felt like going to differing countries themselves with the rich and diverse cultures within this ancient society. We were in constant awe not only at the amazing historical sights, but the friendly and generous people we met along the way. I was pushed way past my comfort level many times, usually resulting in a fabulous and memorable experience. And let's not forget the incredible summer trip through the UK and Norway and Sweden. Or that trip to Borneo. Where we climbed up and down a mountain. Or our school related trips to Aberdeen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Dhaka, and Chennai. Did all of these actually happen?
And then of course there is ASB. When I think about how much I've grown as an educator in three years- finishing my thesis, publishing my first academic article, really getting into constructivist teaching and learning, I am energized to bring some of these amazing ideas back to the Twin Cities. I am going to miss these students more than I can express. A truly diverse community, I was challenged to relate to students from all over the globe. But they are true reflective thinkers, love music making, and I believe will be right at the top of the movers and shakers of the world some day. THE STAFF. These educators and support staff will go down in my book as some of the best in the world. We learned so much from their passion, cutting edge ideas, their openness and dedication to their students. Not to mention they are super fun and truly interesting people. When else in our life will we play a round of bean bags with people from New Zealand, England, India, the US, France, and Canada?
Oh, and hey, we became parents. A whole new insight into this world, our identities changed forever, began here and has bonded us, and Daniel, to this place forever. The amount of love and support we have had from friends, colleagues, and sweet little old Indian ladies on the street has been more special, and so welcomed as we miss our family back home than I can express.
They say you just can't explain India, you have to experience it. Well, we've tried our best to share with you all a little of our adventure while here but there is real truth to that statement. No doubt we are ecstatic to come home and rejoin our family and friends in a place we love so dearly as Minneapolis. But there will definitely be a tough transition as we figure out our new lives that will seem familiar, yet changed forever.
But above it all, we leave with an intense feeling of gratitude. For what we have been given in this life, for the opportunities that have presented themselves to us, for the chance to learn, grow, and see this part of the world, and for a such a lovely home and life to go back to.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for the support. Thank you for taking the adventure with us.
-Rachel
There are too many things to say. Too many wonderful memories and life changing experiences to be able to sum it all up in one blog. Well, in one blog that people would actually want to read anyway. I was always excited about coming to India, especially as Reid was so excited and I knew it was a special place already for him. But I leave being able to fully say that India is my own. This place grabbed my from the inside out, sometimes twisting in uncomfortable or even heart-wrenching ways, overwhelming and frustrating to the point of wanting to get on a plane and forget it all, but mostly it washed over me with love, acceptance, and a new way of looking at life through the eyes of such wonderful people from so many differing cultures- from within India itself to the fabulous staff members and students we had the privilege to work with from all over the globe.
Reflecting over the past three years of course we can't forget the amazing things we've seen and learned from all of our travel. The trips we were able to take in India felt like going to differing countries themselves with the rich and diverse cultures within this ancient society. We were in constant awe not only at the amazing historical sights, but the friendly and generous people we met along the way. I was pushed way past my comfort level many times, usually resulting in a fabulous and memorable experience. And let's not forget the incredible summer trip through the UK and Norway and Sweden. Or that trip to Borneo. Where we climbed up and down a mountain. Or our school related trips to Aberdeen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Dhaka, and Chennai. Did all of these actually happen?
And then of course there is ASB. When I think about how much I've grown as an educator in three years- finishing my thesis, publishing my first academic article, really getting into constructivist teaching and learning, I am energized to bring some of these amazing ideas back to the Twin Cities. I am going to miss these students more than I can express. A truly diverse community, I was challenged to relate to students from all over the globe. But they are true reflective thinkers, love music making, and I believe will be right at the top of the movers and shakers of the world some day. THE STAFF. These educators and support staff will go down in my book as some of the best in the world. We learned so much from their passion, cutting edge ideas, their openness and dedication to their students. Not to mention they are super fun and truly interesting people. When else in our life will we play a round of bean bags with people from New Zealand, England, India, the US, France, and Canada?
Oh, and hey, we became parents. A whole new insight into this world, our identities changed forever, began here and has bonded us, and Daniel, to this place forever. The amount of love and support we have had from friends, colleagues, and sweet little old Indian ladies on the street has been more special, and so welcomed as we miss our family back home than I can express.
They say you just can't explain India, you have to experience it. Well, we've tried our best to share with you all a little of our adventure while here but there is real truth to that statement. No doubt we are ecstatic to come home and rejoin our family and friends in a place we love so dearly as Minneapolis. But there will definitely be a tough transition as we figure out our new lives that will seem familiar, yet changed forever.
But above it all, we leave with an intense feeling of gratitude. For what we have been given in this life, for the opportunities that have presented themselves to us, for the chance to learn, grow, and see this part of the world, and for a such a lovely home and life to go back to.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for the support. Thank you for taking the adventure with us.
-Rachel
