Elephants, SPF 45, and the coolest Achievers

Today we finished leadership team training in Chennai with the Camp Rainbow team and boy, what a week! Early in the week during a session on 'finding our strengths' we learned that many of the team members exhibit strong 'Achiever' characteristics and following this there were such thoughtful discussions and so many signs of growth in this team--these achievers are more than ready to take on camp independently. I am overflowing with love, pride and admiration after this week and looking forward to returning for another week with this team at the end of April! The week also marked personal growth as Tim and I tag teamed to facilitate the trainings, including many new variations which we developed. Tim and I just celebrated the close of our week with dinner at Papa Johns ha! Now next up is Camp Rainbow Bangalore for 4 weeks--a first year program which will mean lots of enthusiasm, learning and laughter.

Let me backtrack a bit to last Thursday and Friday. Tim and I were in the north of India, in Jaipur to be exact. We visited Fatehpur Sikri temples and palace, Amber Fort and Palace (by elephant ride), and we did a full elephant experience on Friday. This included feeding, riding, painting, and bathing our elegant, Masakalee. She was such a gentle giant and pretty playful with us. We also enjoyed a wonderful homemade lunch at the home of the elephant village owner's mother.

Saturday evening we touched down in Chennai and coming back to the guesthouse felt like the comforts of home--where we could finally unpack our bags and not worry about packing and moving the next day. Even with the heat, getting up to 90% humidity one day, I managed to go for a few runs along the beach. It only takes about 20 minutes to work up a good sweat! Tim and I enjoyed some of our fave dining spots, cooked dinner a couple nights and for the first time rode in autos with the locals! We wouldn't have had any problem doing this in the past, but we didn't know we could! The ride is equally comfortable and folks are usually curious about us, and it's cheaper. Why not have some friendly chat and save money at the same time?!

Of course my favorite part about Chennai (second to the Camp Rainbow leadership team) are the sunrises and sunsets. The sky manages to blaze a pinkish orange color that I have never seen before and at sunset there is an added lilac touch. So much beauty here, starting with the smiles of the people I work with.

Attached are some of my favorite photos that I took on my phone :)
xo