Rhodni Boyd-Postell (Noni)
As the trip falls into its last activity we face our last, yet most challenging obstacle. Homestay. Most of us bottling up feelings of excitement, fear, hopes, and expectations went full force in, while others stepped in cautious awaiting the new family we’d belong to for ten days.
As a group member I can agreeably write in confidence we were all met with surprises. Good, confusing, but none bad. Single siblings now have annoying but loving sisters and brothers. Tiresome teens now help in family shops and trek up steep streets to experiment programs. Adolescents who could never microwave cup of soup can now help in the kitchen. None of this was easy though. The bonding process has only just begun and is still forming as each member of the homestay family try so hard to break the communication barrier and understand one another’s traditions, lifestyle, and bad jokes.
Not only is Homestay one of the most interesting parts of our month long journey together, but the most unexpected. Each feat we faced as a group was together and mainly Indian focused. Now we’ve been split apart and the culture is a totally new experience because of our Homestay families being Tibetan. Gladly with all our preparation from friends and leaders everyone’s thriving in their new schedules. Even after one day we’d noticed how each of us had changed. Being more adventurous with food, more open to explore, more knowledgeable of Tibetan culture, and just the world around us. We’ve all grown so much through the trip and we continue to grow with only seven days of Homestay left and eleven days of India we all know it’s coming to an end but we’re all so caught up in the happiness and joy we’re living that the future is far away and the present is peaceful bliss.
Experimenters Cynthia and Cassidy enjoying the morning with their host mom
Experimenters Noni and Avalon with their host brother, Tenzin Wangchuk
Our group enjoying a tour of the Norbulingka Monastery
