I spent six months volunteering in 2004, and I still think about my time in Jaipur almost every day. The girls at the orphanage where I stayed were genuinely affectionate, curious, hard-working, creative, and grateful for what little they had. Coming from a wealthy country, it was an enlightening, and humbling, experience for me.
When I first arrived, I admit that I wondered what I was thinking when I signed on. It didn't take long though to become comfortable and start to think of the orphanage as "home." It does require a change in thinking, a willingness to put aside some cultural teachings and beliefs, and a lot of patience on both sides. Be prepared to make mistakes, learn from them, and move on. You'd be surprised to realize the contentment that comes from performing simple tasks like washing your clothes outside with a bucket of soapy water and a brush, or sitting in a large circle with the children and sorting through donated produce (especially when someone gets out a knife and the salt shaker for snacks as you work!), or just going to a nearby stand for a glass of fresh juice or an ear of roasted corn. The Indian people are very willing to share everything they have, and the children are fascinated and pleased by anything you bring (school supplies, toiletries, treats, etc.). The best memories I have are of the times I spent just sitting around with Didi and girls, talking and laughing. Even with some language barriers, you'll find communication is not much of a problem.
Didi is incredible – a formidable presence even though her mobility is severely limited by arthritis. Somehow, she manages to keep things going no matter how rough it gets. She speaks English quite well, has a great sense of humor, and is happy to help you adjust.
Jaipur is a beautiful city with incredible markets. The public transportation is perhaps a bit rough, but it's easy to get around. The local people were very pleasant and helpful, and they enjoy sharing their culture with foreigners. In addition to exploring Jaipur, I also took side trips to Jaisalmer, New Delhi, and a horseback safari from Udaipur to Pushkar. My travels were mainly within the state of Rajasthan, which is the "old India" of elephants and kings you see in movies. In addition to the markets, there are many palaces and historic sites nearby. The children really enjoy field trips to sites around the city too.
It's not easy to immerse yourself in a foreign culture, but it's definitely worth the stresses and uncertainties you'll probably experience at first. It's strengthening, enlightening, empowering, satisfying, and joyful.
