International Leadership: India

Today was a day full of emotions-- some people laughed and some people cried. The first thing that we did was visit the TCV (Tibetan Children's Village) which is a school of Tibetan children that are refugees and orphans.

As we arrived we saw many kids playing outside having fun on their day off. I was told to give a breif summary about the TCV and explained the start of the TCV and also on how the TCV works.

We later then got a quick tour of the shelters where the children stay. We saw how the children helped around and lived. As we entered the shelter where the toddlers stay the childrens smiled with such an excitement to show us around. A little boy came up to me and held my hand and walked me to his bed. He showed me his elephant teddy bear and smiled at me. While in the children's shelter I was introduced to my little brother from my homestay family. This was when I started to tear up. I was very emotional because it broke my heart to see what the little children go through and have no clue on where their family is.

Being a big fan of children, this made my heart shatter. Bob seeing me in sadness told me to read a sign that said "keep smiling", and told me to smile and be happy that the kids are fine and have a place to live and where they are fed and that they are in a place where things are better for them.

Today we also watched a film called "Cry of the Snow Lion", where we learned so much about the conflict between Tibet and China. There was more than the short story about Tibet and China. And that this has made an impact throughout the world. Watching this film made me understand a lot more.

- Joelvy