Falling in Love.

        Over the years, I’ve discovered many things that I dislike, like moths, and other things that I hate with a burning passion, like goodbyes. As I was trying to come up with an idea for this blog, I kept drawing a blank, and each time I tried, my mind went to the faces of five kids. Laxmi, Nirmala, Bipin, Bikal, and Vibeke. These five have made a dent in my heart, and each day I was with them, I knew our time together was coming to an end. They taught me so much in only thirteen days. I never thought that eating four bowls of curd in one seating was possible; granted, I also didn’t think I’d fall in love with these kids so quickly.
     I guess you could say that I underestimated the number of things they would teach me. I realized that these kids aren’t shown nearly as much love and appreciation as they deserve, which breaks my heart each and every time I think about it. They have taught me to love others fiercely and to appreciate everything I’ve received.
     This trip came to a close way too fast, and now, I have to leave. This is something I never imagined would come. I felt like I was finally able to teach with confidence and had begun to create stronger bonds with the kids. I think it took me a little longer than everyone else to do these things because I am so young, and it’s hard for me to trust people enough to love them so quickly. On my first day of teaching, I was a nervous wreck. I felt like I had no idea how to how to control a class. Fast forward to yesterday, which was the last day. The kids were wonderful, and I wasn’t nervous like I was my first day; I was sad. Of course, there was excitement because I was teaching, but tears pricked at my eyes the entire day because it was almost time for the goodbyes.
     As the dreaded goodbyes began, I had a whirlwind of emotions. My heart shattered when I hugged Laxmi, Nirmala, Bipin, Bikal, and Vibek for the last time. My heart was shattered, but I was also hopeful that I’d see them again. I am forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to come to Nepal and to be able to meet these amazing people.