The moment the Indian air touched my face and I breathed it into my lungs, my eyes swelled up with tears. It hit me, my mum was gone and I was in India to fulfill a promise that I had made to her 8 months back.Its 19 days later, and I'm home with 1,700 photos and a feeling of closure.
India was great. It was more then great, it was incredible. It was emotional, and I was an emotional basket case half of the time. There were so many moments when I literally felt my mum at my side smiling with joy. I got to meet so many amazing people, with amazing hearts that were full on for God. I got to see the poorest of poor, and how they still smiled and were so thankful we came to see them. I got to experience India.
There are so many stories. So many memories I will have. I will always know that my mum would have loved it there, and I will always know that I left a little bit of my mum in India. I will always be grateful for such a great mother, and for an adventurous mother who taught me so much.
I blew her ash's off the roof at sunrise our last morning in the village into rice patties and a peanut field. It was one of the best moments I had. I got to see the well that was drilled in her memory. I got to see the clean water that was poured into the buckets, that gave nourishment to more then 100 families. I couldn't think of a better tribute for Jan LaMattino. She would want nothing else but to help families. I got to meet over 50 widows, women who's husbands had left them or died. Their families abandon them, and they didn't have money to eat or a place to live. I got to give them money, a hug, a smile, and take photos of their beautiful faces.
My trip was better then I could imagine. I got closer to God, got closure, and got heaps of photos. I am going to post more as time goes on, and tell you more stories in depth. I'll tell you more about the organization that I went and worked with, and how they treated me like royalty. How you can help, and how my mums legacy will live on thanks to everyone who loved her so much.
Thank You.
6 comments:
Sweet Ashley, the last photo made me cry, just beautiful, and the look on your face... I love you friend!
this is beautiful.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27
Amen!
MamaBaio
Awesome. I can't wait to see more pics!
Beautiful. The shot of the water running and what that symbolizes is amazing.
Ashley, thank you so much for allowing us to partner with you and your mum in creating such a wonderful legacy. I can't wait to see and hear more. Bless you!
ginny
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