This morning we said goodbye to our wonderful group of students. We have shared some amazing memories with them and will remember each of them fondly.
After our arduous journey across the plains of Northern India, and a breathtaking trek into the mountains of Sikkim, we ended our semester in the Tibetan communities of Dharamsala and Bir. The students remained engaged and enthusiastic up to the very last moment, taking a passionate interest in Himalayan farming practices, studying the Buddhist dharma and learning about he ongoing occupation of Tibet. For the last week of semester we handed over the reigns to the students who planned some amazing activities including a beautiful foggy hike into the mountains, a cooking class, meditation, and guest speakers.
To close out semester we gathered in a candle lit room to reflect on all that we have come through together and as individuals. One highlight from the closing ceremony was singing a song which was written by compiling some beautifully crafted images from the students memories of the semester. The lyrics are below.
We feel so blessed to have had each of these unique and wonderful individuals with us for the past 12 weeks and look forward to seeing all the amazing and meaningful adventures that lie ahead for them.
We have rode upon her rails and weve been pushed and shoved
Shes revived us every time we think weve had enough
Weve sat still beside her rivers heard the rapids from above
Told fake stories ‘bout her “monument to love”
We’ve bathed in her holy waters she has cleansed our souls
We have spun her rings of fire seen her spark and smoke
We have woken under Himalayan stars and felt her cold
Seen her stupas gilded all in gold
CHORUS
We’ve been here long enough to know that she’ll always change our plans
We’ve learned enough to know that we will never understand
We’ve seen enough to know that there will always be more secrets that shes hiding
Behind her smoggy skies theres a pink sunrise
Behind her hawkers lies we see their smiling eyes
We have watched her sunrise shine upon her mountain’s ridge
Tip-toed across puddles on a makeshift bridge
We have stood upon her rooftops laundry waving in the wind
We have held her hand so frail and thin
We have pondered all lifes questions in the shade of her palms
Raised our voices become one with all her sacred songs
We have marveled at the butterflies that we have all become
Full of wonder awe and wisdom
CHORUS
We’ve been here long enough to know that she’ll always change our plans
We’ve learned enough to know that we will never understand
We’ve seen enough to know that there will always be more secrets that shes hiding
Behind her smoggy skies theres a pink sunrise
Behind her hawkers lies we see their smiling eyes