I am so fortunate to be participating in an incredible two-week servant leadership experience in India with an amazing group of students.
The trip has taken us to New Delhi to do various service projects at Sulabh Public School, a school for urban poor, homeless and orphans, and Naidisha Vocational Training Centre, a non-profit that focuses on community development through education.
I could go on and on but I'd rather share some testimonials from the group!
"India has been a fun and interesting trip. Our first day here, we visited Sulabh School where we learned of India's sanitation situation and how it has evolved over time. We will be volunteering there next week and will get to interact with the kids of the Sulabh School. So far, this trip has been really fun and I can't wait for the rest of it!" - Daniel Morris, Grade 10
"India has been an experience unlike any I have ever had. From tea offered to us as we entered a shop to the rose water dipped malas we were presented at the arrival to Sulabh School, the hospitality that has been exhibited is immense. I can only hope that our work as a group in Sublah will match their acts of kindness toward us." - Chandler Johnson, Grade 12
"Although I have been to India several times in the past, this trip has been an unique and amazing experience. Sulabh School has shown us such amazing hospitality and being able to interact with the students and founder is such a privilege. I'm so happy this trip worked out and everyone is enjoying themselves so far! I can't wait to continue to experience what India has to offer and serve the school with all my heart." - Shivani Singh, Grade 12
"Since it is my first time out of the United States, the trip to India has been a great adventure. Seeing all of the different lifestyles has humbled me and made me respect our advanced technology greatly. I am so excited for the days to come!" - Juliann Baker, Grade 11
"Elephant riding has definitely been one of the major highlights of the trip so far. Riding elephants up a hill overlooking a beautiful palace and garden was truly incredible and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sightseeing in Jaipur and Alwar has allowed me to see parts of the world that I have only seen before in textbooks. I can't wait to see what else the trip holds!" - Natalie Collins, Grade 11
"Parents of these amazing kids: thank you is not enough. This group has made us so proud to be here in every way -- from trying strange and exotic foods, to being patient with unusual bathrooms, to changes in schedules at the last minute, to not cringing at sights of less than pleasant vistas, even to being pleasant to street vendors when they become irritating, to living without their usual snacks and drinks, to serving others with all of their hearts. There has been no serious illness or complaints from anyone, and a special thanks to Dr. Johnson for being here as our in-house physician and the most curious participant of all! And to the Singh family for all they have done to make this trip happen. We are reminded at every moment of how lucky we are to be at Darlington School on the staff and to be able to facilitate opportunities like this for our servant leaders. Love from Incredible! India." - Wendell Barnes, Chaperone and Darlington Staff
