When I first found out that I was going to
go to India with World Vision, I was incredibly excited; followed quickly by
nerves, anxiety and fear. Not because of where I was going, or who I was going
with, but more because of whom I was leaving behind.
I love to travel, I crave to see the world
and know it’s people, but I love it most with my family. My kids are my heart
and packing my bags and saying goodbye wasn’t easy. Neither was explaining to
them exactly why it was that I was going.
I explained to my children that I was going
with World Vision Australia to see the work that World Vision in India is
doing. That I would be going “in to the field” and meeting people and hearing
their stories so that I can tell others. “Ok” they said with blankish nods.
“So, do they grow food in the field?” asked my daughter.
“Huh? Oh, in a field, like a paddock or
something? No, that’s not what I meant when I said, in to the field.” I
laughed. “It’s just an expression that means I’m going to be going to the
actual locations where money that is raised through child sponsorship and other
donations is spent.
“Ahh” (some dawning realization) “Ok.”
“You know how we sponsor Yolamu in Malawi
and we pay money to World Vision each month? Remember how I’ve told you that
the money isn’t just for him? (nods) In fact, the money is used to support the
whole family and the community too. You see, World Vision, in each country and
each area of the world, have people that live in the area and know and
understand the complex cultures and differences and needs of each area,
community or village, and together they identify and address the issues most
pressing for that area. From there, they develop programs, designed to educate
and empower the community to strive for real change and make an ongoing
impact.”
More nods.
I realised then, it was kind of hard to
explain it to children. In fact, even adults can have a difficult time
understanding what really goes on and how aid works and this is part of why I
was being invited over. To learn, to see and to experience what really goes on
and what impacts are actually being made, so that I might be able to find a way
to explain the importance and to share with others back home and around the
world.
And so, here I am, in India. The world’s second
highest populated country and predicted to become the highest in the near
future.
I’ve just spent my first full day in the
field, where we visited three of the projects that World Vision has helped
implement in the rural area of Pudukottai in the Indian state of Tamil
Nadu. My head is still spinning from the
exuberance, energy, passion, warmth and sincerity of the people that we have
had the pleasure of meeting. Who generously, sometimes bravely and almost all with
pride and passion, told us their stories and how World Vision has helped and
impacted their lives and the spill on effect from that.
Their stories will follow soon, but for
now, it’s time for me to close my eyes from the sensory explosion that is India,
rest my head that’s bursting full of new knowledge, faces and experiences, and
go to sleep. Hopefully with dreams of my babies back at home, who are doing
their little bit, even if they don’t know it, by sharing their mum for a little
while.
Dear Kids, Mummy is in India and she can’t
wait to tell you all about it.
You
can follow along with our adventures (when we have wifi that is), over on
Instagram, under the tag #wvaindia and #wvabloggers. I’m here in India with
fellow bloggers, Kelly from Be a Fun Mum and Alison from Talking Frankly. Check
out their sites for even more of the story.
Debs :)
Look where else we are. Are you following along? :)
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