The Village!
We just got back from our four day stay in the Madla village, near Udaipur. It became evident almost as soon as we arrived that our stay in the village would be a life changing experience. We were greeted by many of the villagers, who we would later come to recognize as a second family of sorts. Upon our arrival (and before it), every possible measure was taken to ensure our comfort. A western toilet was built for us, complete with a sink nearby with running water. We were also afforded the luxury of running water in two shower rooms, where we took bucket baths. We slept in a communal room, and a truck delivered sleeping pads, sheets and pillows so that we could be more comfortable. The villagers were constantly interested in making sure we were well-fed and happy.
During the four days we were there, we got the chance to go to one youth resource center (or the equivalent) and one school. We taught the children games and words in english, which they clearly enjoyed, and in exchange, they taught us many games and words of their own. (I can’t figure out how to get this out of italics, and it’s time to go back to the hotel soon…..) It was amazing to witness the day to day lives of people who, at first glance, have so little. However, it became evident that we had much to learn from them, and that in many ways, they have more than any of us. They have an amazing sense of community, for one thing. For another, their happiness was not based on their material posessions, but rather on love, family, and friendship. I am so appreciative to have had the opportunity to meet people like these, and I have learned so many valuable lessons about how to live my life from them. After our four days, we said a very tearful goodbye to our new family. I can only begin to express my feelings about this experience in a blog, but I hope that when I get home, I can incorporate some of the villagers’ values into my life.