International Leadership: India

We have been so busy! I'm uploading photos for everyone and thought I'd write briefly about the things we've done and seen. (I'll let the students go into details once they get settled in their host families and can come with us to the internet cafe to write)

The car ride up to Dharamsala was long and interesting. We could feel the stress of the big city of Delhi fall off of us as we drove further and further north. We saw so many interesting things and are making a list to use for a road trip BINGO when we leave to go back.

Along the way we stopped in a small village. The people were so happy to have us visit. They were welcoming and laughing and even though we didn't know each other's languages, we had such a great time. The kids taught the little ones the HOKEY POKEY hahah! We plan on stopping at this same village to give them the photos we took together while we were there.

We made it to the colorful and comfortable hotel in Dharamsala called Ladies Venture and slept hard after hours of driving.

On the walk to breakfast this morning, we saw for the landscape for the first time. We just stood in awe at the mountains sprinkled with colorful houses and prayer flags. We found a place that served pancakes! They were a little different than the ones we are used to in the U.S. but they were delicious and made the kids feel at home.

Later, they attended their first Tibetan language class! They furiously wrote in their journals the words for Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, How are you?, What is your name?, Thank you, No thank you. They picked up so much so fast!

Then before lunch, they went on a scavenger hunt through the small town to find the best deals on money exchanging, internet cafes, laundry, sweets, and mailing.

After lunch the students met their host families at the hotel for tea and snacks before heading off to their new homes for the coming days!

Click to see photos of all the students with family members of their new homestays

And click here to see the rest of our photos from our adventure so far!

We'll keep you posted and the kids will write about the experience themselves soon!