Going to India last year was the experience of a life time.  It was incredible and all of us gain so much from going.

The first full day we were there was the Sangeet party.  It was a celebration before the wedding.  Two men came and each of the women had a chance to have beautiful henna designs drawn on our hands.  It expanded to several of the American men.  Both boys were fascinated by the designs and tradition.  It was offered for each to have designs drawn on their hands and both refused.  After one of the older boys decided to take a turn, Brendan changed his mind but Aidan didn’t.  Finally Aidan came around, but it was too late.  The men had left.

Aidan was disappointed, Bren was glad he said yes.  We had a conversation that night about how experiences and opportunities are sometimes once in a lifetime and how when offered, you need to be willing to try something and step out of your comfort zone.  It was reinforced throughout the trip by all who commented on Bren’s henna and asked Aidan where his was.  For all the experiences in India, when either would be wary (riding a camel, horse and elephant, dancing in the wedding procession, meeting new people), we would simply say “this is like the henna….”.  It would make them think and say yes.

And that has continued often throughout the year.  Simply mentioning “this is like the henna” puts things into perspective.  What a lesson to learn at such a young age.  One they will keep with them for sure.