I can easily say that I have grown a completely different perspective on community and team work. Getting to meet the mahouts and be submersed in the Surin community has made me look at how a little can go a long way. Upon our arrival to Surin, I was expecting to do hard labor and lots of sweat. My expectations were exceeded completely. I can’t imagine how the mahouts do the amount of work we divided amongst 14 people everyday.
I was also very impacted by how close everyone is at Surin. There is a major sense of community when it comes to taking care of the elephants and maintaining the land and simply being together through hard work and fun. Their ability to bond over their endless efforts and occasional celebrations is something I really admire and respect. Especially with how much they work day after day.
Overall, I am grateful for the culture shock and a look into the amount of time and care goes into looking after these magnificent creatures and land. And what it’s like living rurally and getting the opportunity to get my hands dirty.
