My Thought of the Day

Our group leader, Anne, had us start each work day with a thought or quote from one of the team members. I presented my thought of the day on the last day we worked together as a team in Bawana. I spent a few days working on it and I was very nervous on the day I read it in front of the team. I didn't intend on making anyone emotional, but the tears started flowing right after I began reading the first entry and pretty soon there wasn't a dry eye in the house. This is what I read:

"My thought of the day is not so much a thought, but a quick summary of the things I appreciate most about my team members.

Anne- None of us would be here if it weren't for you, but more importantly, none of us would have enjoyed this experience nearly as much as we did if it weren't for you. Not only did you so expertly pick a team that would work together as smoothly and enjoyably as we have, but you deftly took care of every single emergency that arose. All the while dealing with the same difficulties each of us were experiencing, from the physical challenges to the emotional ones. You have a grace and strength of character that I am in awe of and I hope we will remain good friends.

Eric- With a heart as big yours it'd be hard to write anything but good things about you. From the first bear hug, I knew that you and I would be friends. You have this terrific sense of wonder about things and an excellent moral compass. And your sincerity is something that I will always admire. I know you will accomplish a lot of good in the world.

Kristin- I don't know if I could have made it through some days had it not been for you. I was able to draw strength from you on more than one occasion just by slyly walking along behind you and listening to you softly singing to yourself. The warm tones of your voice and your sweet demeanor helped me keep it together and every time we spoke I left liking you more. I sincerely hope you don't keep your incredible talent to yourself for much longer. Everyone deserves to enjoy it.

Frank- Your humor is infectious and I hope your spirit is as well. Your devotion to your homeland, your willingness to laugh at yourself and your continuing service to those in need are qualities I will always strive toward. Without you and Nivita, my Hindi would never have gotten past "Namasté". I honestly don't want to know a day without one of your jokes and returning to a life devoid of that is going to be incredibly difficult. You embody everything good I hope to become as a man.

Nivita- From your first post on the team blog, I knew we were lucky to have you on the team. Sure, we may have gotten by ok without your help, but having you with us added so many layers of enjoyment to the experience. Your knowledge of your homeland's language, history and customs more than anything else made me feel like I really learned something deep about the country I was visiting. Your intelligence, thoughtfulness and strength of will are in indirect proportion to the size of your bladder. Shukria sundur lurkee.

Carlos- A man of a few words, but of much heart. I never saw you complain, no matter how frustrating our work became, you just flashed that ear-to-ear grin of yours and did what was asked of you. The benefit of someone who is a Habitat veteran. Every pitfall we encountered was just a chance for you to tell another funny story. Your homespun wisdom and humor has served you and your children well and it was impossible to be discouraged by anything, water buffalo and wild blue ox included, with you around.

Cobie- Not since college has anyone challenged me to think and act at a higher level than you. I feel more intelligent and in touch with myself after every conversation we have, no matter the subject or seriousness. If you knew my mother and asked her what I've most wanted my whole life she'd quickly tell you "A big sister". Thanks for letting me enjoy that wish for these two weeks. Your father's legacy is incredible and something you should be proud of and it's second only to the legacy you yourself will leave.

Grace- I never minded waiting for you. Because I knew soon after you'd arrive it wouldn't be long before I'd get to hear you laugh. And you have such a beautiful laugh. So honest, sincere and straight from your heart. Much like I believe you live your life. Honestly, I am not a very funny person, I just try harder when you are around so that I can hear you laugh. You are the first woman I've ever met who can match me on any act of bravado. You're at once tough, sweet, caring, brave and intrepid.

Jennifer- If I made a list of all the things that exemplified the coolest woman in the world, you'd hit all the marks. Adventurous? Check. Love the outdoors? Check. Love animals? Check. Independent? Check. I could go on all day. Meeting you was like seeing the Loch Ness monster or encountering Bigfoot. I'd always wanted to believe that the myth was true and now I have proof. The coolest woman in the world does exist, she lives in Winter Park, Colorado.

Mark- My eating and drinking buddy. No situation phases you, you simply drive on with a devil-may-care attitude and a thirst for new experiences. The fact that you chose to do good while on this adventure makes you that much more of an inspiration. Your heart is as hardy and as bottomless as your stomach. I didn't know your father, but I am sure he would be proud of you. Just as I am proud to call you a friend.

Sam- As a doctor and volunteer, you do so much good on a daily basis, you must have Kharma to spare. But, here you are doing even more, working so far from your husband and children. You are the epitome of someone who is defined by the incredible amount of positivity they put back into the world. And you do it all with a concern for others, a warm nature and impressive style. You're as selfless as you are stylish. A diva of goodwill.

Adam- You are a man of many talents, the least of which being your talent for making friends. You came late to the team, but quickly endeared yourself to us. I enjoyed every conversation we had and look forward to many more, because I definitely plan on maintaining our friendship, Guv'nor.

Amit- Your diligence, dedication to your job and intelligence have humbled me. No matter the situation, I know everyone always felt better once Amit arrived, knowing he would take care of whatever problem had arisen with his typical tact and thoroughness. And when you weren't there your influence remained. "What would Amit do?" always worked when we needed guidance. You are a model man, a model Indian and a model Christian. Dhanyawaad.

Ram, Gaur, Martin, Lal Singh, Dillip and Aokokla- Coming to a country as strange and foreign to me as India was difficult. But, meeting all of you each morning and seeing your smiling faces made it as easy as it could possibly be. I worked hard to impress you and made every effort to show you how much you were appreciated, mainly because that's what you did for me. The caring and compassion you showed us has most definitely made a lasting impression on me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patience and understanding. Bahut bahut dhanyawaad.

Thank you, I am a better man having met you all."