Lauren Hurley, a recent graduate of the 200hr Kunga Yoga School shares her thoughts, feelings, and her most memorable experience on our most recent Kunga Journey across the globe to be of service to the girls at Homes of Hope Orphanage in India!
While preparing for my journey to India I was not overly concerned with packing the right number of yoga pants or making sure I had every possible strength bug spray that existed. Those things, I knew, would work themselves out. My intention on coming along for this trip was to try my best to not have expectations, to take everything in as it came to me, and to be of service to the beautiful girls in India I have heard so much about over my past few years coming to the studio. Being able to meet some of the girls we help support through the Kunga programs and classes at the studio is an extraordinary experience. It is as beautiful as it is humbling. These girls, who come from situations so many of us cannot even begin to fathom, are so full of life, hope, and love.
We first arrived at the orphanage while the girls were still at school. Straight away we asked Sister Lizzy what projects she would like us to do while we are here for the week. After hearing the list, and conversing with Sister Lizzy–who might be the sweetest and funniest nun I have ever had the pleasure of meeting–it was decided that we should take on the task of re-painting all the desks and benches in the classrooms before the holiday break was over! We spent the rest of the day hunting down supplies and briefly getting to meet the girls! I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect meeting everyone, but I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of joy and excitement the girls shared with us over our coming to visit them. The energy level of so many happy and smiling girls is infectious and you can not help but be inspired by these beautiful and brave young women.
That first afternoon they were all very excited because the next day we would all be going to a huge water park, Wonder La. Going to the park was quite the adventure, and many of the girls had been there before and couldn’t wait to take us on their favorite rides!
Coming on this trip and being aware of the backstories of some of the girls, I thought I had prepared myself for some of the emotional challenges that might come up. But I wasn’t prepared for the quiet girl who sat beside me when we got into Wonder La. It is the experience I will remember the most about this trip. We were all sitting in the pavilion at Wonder La, listening to the director tell the girls the rules of the park. Right before we had been seated a member of the group had purchased two boxes of individual kit-kat bars and distributed them to the girls. Many of the girls immediately opened the treat to snack on as the rules were read, but the girl next to me, Mahalakshmi, placed her bar in her backpack and just continued to listen to the director. After about ten minutes, getting bored of listening to the rules I think, Mahalakshmi, opened her backpack, gingerly opened the kit-kat, broke off a small piece from the top, broke off a second small piece, handed me the first piece, ate her piece, and put the rest back in her bag for later. It might have been the kindest gesture I have ever experienced. I sat there staring at her for a second just in a little bit of shock. I know I looked ridiculous to her as she made a hand gesture indicating to me that I actually could and should eat the thing she had handed me. But I still just looked on. I had met her that afternoon outside Wonder La. This beautiful girl didn’t know me from Eve, but still chose to share something which was clearly precious to her with me. I was truly humbled by her. I am so grateful to be able to be here on this trip and to be of service in any way possible to these girls who have already captured my heart more than they could ever know.
