Day 10

For the final time we are saying good evening from Delhi!

None of us can really believe that this is the last night we are going to spend in India! It was another extremely emotional day as we visited Tigri for the final time. The girls got the chance to model their Sarees thanks to the vigorous dressing assistance of the ladies at the centre. The walls are all painted and the official opening has taken place! We all just feel so blessed to have had such an incredible experience in Tigri. Although our visit was short, we were yet again blown away by the happiness and kindness of the children; many of whom gave us personal farewell gifts that we will treasure forever. It was so special as we drove away from the centre to see all the children waving and smiling at us after a difficult goodbye.

From Tigri we went to the huge Cottage Emporium to get some last minute presents and spend our left over rupees. Then it was a quick stop into the hotel before making our way to the unique "East Meets West Extravaganza" which truly lived up to its name. There were multiple performances from a range of cultures including a group of Asha volunteers from Twickenham, Armagh and also ourselves. After Dr. Kiran performed a number of famous 1960s Bollywood hits it was our turn to take to the stage! Leading the way was Johnny with his rendition of "The Dawning of the Day" on the infamous tin whistle. Following this our team performance of "Lean on Me" blew the audience away before the girls topped it off with a dance routine of Shakira's "Waka Waka." Needless to say it was a night to remember!

As an "Honoured Guest" Mr. Donnelly got up to say a few words to everyone about our joint experience in Delhi and summarised well to everyone our time spent with those incredible people in Tigri.

As we prepare to say goodbye to Delhi we all have written some final reflections on our experiences in India:

Julie- India was not anything that I had expected, it was so much more.  I have learnt so much in my short time here, including the gift of selflessness as all these children who have so little still insist on giving you their own bracelet or necklace; I found it so humbling and I am extremely glad to have met these amazing kids through the great work of ASHA!

Emma- My time in India has been the best 10 days of my life! I will treasure every moment with the team, all the laughs and all the tears and know I have made lifelong friends through this experience. I will never forget the amazing children at Tigri- they have changed my outlook on life and I can't wait to tell everyone about it at home! 

Ella- spending time in Tigri and getting to know the children has been such an amazing experience, although nothing like I could ever have imagined and I can honestly say I have never been happier in my life. I have made so many friends for life and will never be able to forget how fantastic it has been! I'm so excited to be able to come home and share my stories, memories and photos with everyone! 

Lyndsey- I can't even begin to describe how much my experience in India has impacted me. Spending time in the Tigri slum has brought me so much joy, laughter and tears and the children have inspired me beyond measure with their selflessness and contentment. The team have also become like family to me and I have definitely made lifelong friendships and memories that I will never forget. I feel so lucky to have been part of such an amazing trip! 

Tori- finding the words to describe how life changing this trip has been is almost as hard as it was saying our final goodbyes to the children of Tigri today. I couldn't have had a better 10 days nor spent it with any better people if I tried. The children have taught me so many life lessons and within the team I have developed life long friendships which I will cherish forever. 

Sasha- Words cannot describe the smells, crazy taxi journeys and general atmosphere of India- it has been an unforgettable and surreal experience! It's mad to think we only met the children of the Tigri slum 7 days ago; the close bonds and friendships I have made in such a short period of time are incredible! The children are so inspiring and I am thrilled to come home with a different outlook on life! 

Rebecca - I can't believe how fast the past 10 days have gone in! I have loved every second spent with the children in Tigri - their happiness and joy is inspiring and I hope to follow in their example to embrace everything with open arms and with a massive smile on my face. It's incredible to think I had no idea who these kids were a week ago, yet now I know I will never ever forget them. See you all soon! 

Molly - My time in India has been truly life changing and I'm so thankful that I was given this opportunity. The generosity and selflessness of the children in Tigri is unparalleled, and they have shown us the meaning of genuine contentment- happiness not based on material possessions, but by appreciating everything we have. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the wonderful people we have met over the past 10 days and the joy they have brought to our lives which I know will have a lasting impact.

Johnny - India has been absolutely amazing, it has changed my outlook on life. The children of Tigri, who live in unimaginable poverty never complained once to us, their happiness and contentment was inspiring. Words cannot do justice to this trip, you simply have to experience it for yourself. I loved every minute of it and cannot wait to share my experiences with friends and family.

  

Cameron - This India Trip has really been absolutely incredible. It is an experience that I will never forget and I am so thankful for having been given this opportunity. The children at Tigri are like none I have ever met and it has been such a privilege to spend this time with them. Their selflessness and kindness has been so humbling and not a single one of them deserves the circumstances they are in. I've loved every second spent with them and it has simply been an unforgettable experience.

David - India has surpassed all my expectations! The selflessness of the children, the happiness of the slum dwellers and the community and love shown to us has both humbled and inspired me. Today as we left the newly painted centre, we were absolutely heartbroken to leave these terrific bunch of kids from whom we can learn so much. It's amazing how you can fall in love with people you have only known for a matter of days. We have memories and experiences that we will cherish for a lifetime!

Michael - Words cannot describe my Indian experience, I have had the time of my life. The children have taught me so much and have truly humbled me with their unconditional love and joy. A personal highlight for me was today as we left Tigri, tearing up, when Aman tapped me on the shoulder saying "Don't be sad you are leaving, be glad you were here" 

Lucy - No words can truly explain how unbelievable this experience has been for me. I am so privileged to have met such amazing and inspiring people, who have taught me so much about happiness and contentment in our lives, regardless of our social status or wealth. As clichéd as it sounds, this trip really has been life-changing, and I'm so glad to have made these lasting memories with the most incredible and 'banterful' team ever!

Lizzie- Thank you so much to the wonderful children, families and Asha workers in Tigri - this experience has been truly humbling, inspiring and completely unforgettable! Sharing this trip with such an amazing team has been an absolute pleasure. It is so sad saying goodbye to Delhi, but I look forward to sharing many stories and photos when we return home!

Catherine - As you read each person's sentiments you cannot help but be struck by the common vein running through each comment - what could be called the 'Asha magic'. Having helped to organise this trip before, we have complete confidence that this visit always has the potential to influence people in ways that very few other experiences can ever hope to do. As we prepare to return, a closer team that has been challenged in many ways, we look forward to watching the direction of each team member's life unfold over the coming months. Thank you to you all.

John - It's hard to believe that another trip to Tigri is nearing an end, and once again we've been touched by the boundless enthusiasm and unconditional love which has been shown to each one of us by the children. It has been a real joy to lead this team and see the gifts and compassion which have grown in equal measure in each team member - I fully believe that our lives will be richer from the experience and I could not have wished to share it with 15 better people.

Once again we would just like to thank everyone for their invaluable support for us during our time in Delhi. Your comments and encouragement have meant so much to each of us and we can't wait to tell you all about our experience first hand! 

See you all soon!

Love from,

The India Team 2015