Friday, May 18, 2012

India On My Mind

On Tuesday, I went to the local Plato's Closet (they buy and sell name brand gently used clothing) and came across this Free People dress and knew that I couldn't say no. 



You see, just four summers ago I had the amazing opportunity to go to India through Life Change Ministries International and I left part of my heart there, with these beautiful children:



It still brings tears to my eyes to think of the unimaginable hardships (to learn more about the injustices they face, click here) these kids face on a daily basis, yet they were some of the most joyful people I have ever met in my life.  I fell in love with the people and culture of India (including the brightly colored, beautiful clothing!).   Check out one of the dresses I brought back from India:


(Not too different from the Free People dress I found at Plato's!)


If you're looking to add some different parts of the world to your own wardrobe, you can check out your local thrift stores but I would also strongly recommend checking out Ten Thousand Villages.  Their clothing and jewelry is all Fair Trade and helps create a market for disadvantaged merchants throughout the world.

I might not be able to return to India as soon as I'd like to, but I can bring a part of India into my everyday life, even when I'm out thrifting :)


10 comments:

  1. Love the dresses :) I went Africa, and can definitely relate to leaving a piece of your heart somewhere. Someday I'm definitely going back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's kinda funny, because I always go hoping to impact the people I'm serving, and I think they end up impacting me more! Hopefully we both get back someday!

      Delete
  2. Both of the dresses you picture here are gorgeous! Just the kind of thing I like to wear too :) It's even better that wearing them brings back memories of a time when you met some really great people while also reminding you of the lessons you learned there. I have been trying to talk my son into traveling after high school (he'll graduate in two years) and seeing a little bit of the world before he joins the military. A mission trip may be the perfect way for him to experience something like that.

    Visiting from the @HomeTake2 Weekend Blog Walk #2!
    http://www.silverfaeries-dragonflies.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. aww thanks! I'd definitely recommend a mission trip to your son! There are so many great organizations to travel with, I'm sure he could find one that interests him.

      also, just checked out some of your artwork, it's lovely!

      Delete
  3. Those dresses are so pretty! And I LOVE me some Plato's Closet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks! seriously don't know what I would do without Plato's. thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete
  4. i feel the same way you feel about india about guatemala. we've been blessed to have our hearts changed by such amazing places and people. found you via the wiegands ! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you mean! I never, ever expected for my trip to India to change ME so much...I thought it would be the other way around. Thanks for stopping by :)

      Delete
  5. Love the pic of you with the kids! If I end up having/choosing to adopt children I would like to adopt at least one little baby girl from India!

    Helen
    Blue Eyed Beauty Blog

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh and I found your blog via Blog Hops Everyday!

    Helen
    Blue Eyed Beauty Blog

    ReplyDelete