We love sharing our programs through the eyes of our participants. Below is Part 2 of our India “Through The Eyes of our Tribe” series.

Mark your calendars: Applications for our October 2016 Peru Odyssey program will re-open for 1 week only: April 6 – 13, 2016 to give the most recent additions to our tribe the opportunity to apply. Interviews and selection for Peru will happen in late May 2016/early June 2016 – along with the big announcement for our 2017 programs! 

Photo of Bin by Eliel Morell

Bin: India had so many surprises in store for me. I never anticipated the beauty I would find in the chaos and I couldn’t have predicted how connected I would feel to the staff and my fellow participants. It didn’t take long for me to see how much we have in common – no matter where we are in the world.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to the men I worked with at Mother Teresa’s. They reminded me that a smile speaks more than any language and that no matter where you go in the world, people are the joy. With the beautiful nuances of history, culture, and language – people are the jewel in the crown. I’m so grateful that I boarded my first flight in years to be able to experience all that India had to offer. I will take this experience home with me as I build an organization that helps other men impacted by cancer get access to the support they are seeking.

Photo from Chris

Chris: If I had to summarize India in one word it would be “inspiring”. I was inspired by the beauty of the temples and the people I worked with in the schools. I came here knowing it would be different than back home. But it’s not until you see it that you can comprehend the different cultures, religions, and people – all living together peacefully. I value the respect that people show to each other and I was especially moved by the children. The kids in my volunteer placement are so happy. No one complains. They are more content than the children back home. I wish I could bring my boys here to meet them.

A diagnosis of stage 4 cancer has made it difficult to know how to move forward. My life has not gone “according to plan” and now I need to think about living my life differently. Living “in search of” new meaning and purpose. This trip has really been about asking myself the question of, “How do I cope?” with this diagnosis. And I’m learning that I have to let go of the burden of trying to have the answers all of the time. Sometimes, it’s just about staying present.

Photo from Sheila

Sheila: I was surprised by the immediate connection I felt to India. The people and the culture are amazing. I could feel a spirit of love that was free flowing through everything. People accept you for who you are, not what you have. When we would walk through the slum every morning on our way to the volunteer placement, the people in the community would come out to say hello. They were curious to learn more about us. The kids were so genuine. I could really see that hate is taught. These children don’t know about hate. All they know is love.

A note from Sheila’s Facebook page on her final day: My life is forever changed. I said bye to my angels today. It’s not about the material things I possess…it’s all about the love that I share with others. These kids showed me so much love. ❤❤❤ Another chapter of my life has closed and now I can move on to a new one. God chose me for this and I’m forever grateful and blessed for HIS continuous love and care. ❤❤❤ ‪#‎allsmileshere‬ ‪#‎wellicriedalittle‬ ‪#‎ididntthinkaboutcancer‬

Photo from Kistin

Kristin: When I arrived in India, I was surprised by how incredibly grounding it was. There is a beautiful rhythm to the chaos. It’s like even the chaos has purpose. Like the people of India know the universe has their back due to thousands of years of spirituality. The hardest part to adjust to in Delhi was the dust. It’s pervasive. It coats everything. But, the best part of the experience was the friendships. The people. The connection I felt with everyone – the tribe, the staff, the kids.

The kids in my volunteer placement taught me so much about happiness. They didn’t know what they didn’t have and to them, nothing was missing. When I first saw them, I noticed the little things. The little boy with two right flip flops, the little girl in the Michael Jackson shirt from 1988. At first, I thought I would only see the lack, but the more time I spent with them, the more I realized that nothing was missing. They were so full of love and joy that I was reminded that life is really about the connections. Those connections and that love is everything.

Jennifer: Read Chapter One of Jennifer’s India Experience Here: India: Chapter One – Arriving

Each of our participants has a different story and is embarking on a different version of their fresh chapter, but together they came together to support each other through a life-changing experience in India. If you or someone you know has been impacted by cancer and is seeking a meaningful way to turn the page to possibilities, we would love to hear from you. You can learn more about our North American Elemental Odyssey Program or visit us here between April 6-13, 2016 to apply for our Peru Odyssey program. To be the first to know about programs as they become available, make sure you’re signed up for the A Fresh Chapter Alliance Foundation Tribe here.