Jaclyn Carrillo's India Trip

Hello World Bridges! I just got back from India and let me tell you, I used everything I learned from WB to help me on my trip! I was there for an action packed two weeks of volunteer work and the training of World Bridges was very applicable in a country like India. It is definitely a challenging place to travel, for the culture is so different than ours. But with the help of World Bridges, I was able to love and appreciate every part of it. I felt so confident because World Bridges built me up into a global citizen. I was always open to the cultural differences, assimilated quickly, had street smarts, never got lost and didn't over pack my backpack! Also, my experience with World Bridges taught me how to fundraise, budget for a trip and even how to apply for a visa. Before World Bridges, I didn't even know you needed a visa to visit other countries! Look at me now! ha-ha.  The other day, someone said to me, 'I love how the only two places you have traveled to are Kenya and India.' I just smiled and thought, 'Yeah, I am very blessed'. Thank you so much World Bridges for everything, my life is definitely changed because of you"

Let me tell you about my trip…

While in India I got to lend a hand at a dairy farm benefiting a church that is involved with humanitarian efforts.  These holy cows provide nutritious milk to the local nearby villages that normally wouldn't have access to such basic needs. It is perfect for the little children who live nearby because they need their milk! I got to milk a cow, plant trees and listen in on the business side of this start up farm.
Also, I got to spend some time at a couple orphanages, both in rural parts of town. It was the most touching experience just to be there with the kids, giving them love, affection and attention. One of the orphanages houses many children with special needs. It was called Happy Home orphanage and there was only had 4 house wardens for 250 children. The children definitely needed individual attention, so it was a very special experience for me. If I were to say where I left my heart in India, it would definitely be at the Happy Homes Orphanage.
As for the touristy stuff- I got to see the marvelous Taj Mahal! Let me tell you, it is B-eauuu-ti-ful. It was amazing just to be there and realize, 'I am in India!'. And oh yeah, I got to ride an elephant.  It was quite the experience.  Overall, from the culture to the people to the sights to see, India was a beautifully great, eye opening experience."

Jaclyn Carrillo, LEX participant 2007.