A Heart Full of Elephants and Gratitude
By Anne-Caroline - 2 weeks intern
I always admired elephants since I was a little girl. I liked to imagine them calm, smart, and peaceful. I consider elephants to be one of my favorite animals (if not my favorite). Seeing the elephants with my own eyes was since then a dream.
When I got older, this dream became a promise to myself. One day I will go see elephants living their lives, being free in an ethical place, and I will help support their journey to peace and well-being.
My dream became reality during these two weeks. I still cannot completely realize the chance that I got to be able to say in the morning "I am going on a hike to see elephants". I am very grateful for that experience. I have got the opportunity to observe the elephants and take data on their behaviors, I also discovered their various personalities and got to feel connected to every one of them on some level.
Kindred Spirit is not only an experience about the elephants though. It is about authenticity, about the village and the people living there, about people getting things moving for the well-being of the animals. It is about simplicity and going back to what really matters.
In a world that is spinning so fast, I have got to taste the slow life in Ban Naklang. I have learned to enjoy small moments, a nice meal in good company, the beauty of nature but also time for myself.
Here everything is about connection: to the nature, to yourself, to the others. I have met many inspiring people that made me feel welcome and part of their own little herd. Cristina is a real force of nature, a passionate, resilient and very kind person. Lucia is refreshing, always in a good mood, and living her dream being part of the project. Emily is a beautiful soul, she is deep, easy-going and always has a nice word for everyone. Aislinn is very knowledgeable about the elephants, she is funny, passionate, and I had a very good time with her.
My days were always starting by some pancakes from Nee. She is an incredible woman that started her own little business in the base, “Nee's corner", while also working in the fields. She is definitely making some amazing pancakes and banana smoothies, that will fill us up with a lot of energy.
Rose was our guide in the jungle. She has a never-fading smile and looks like a cute little doll full of kindness, and seeing her asking "Are you ready?" was definitely part of my favorite moments of the day.
Kanda is this young open-minded woman, with a beautiful personality and wonderful dreams. With Rose, they have this incredible capacity to know exactly where we are - even when we are surrounded by trees and without any definite track - and lead the way.
During these two weeks, I have experienced authenticity and generosity. The kids of the village would always try to communicate with us, and have some candies or little gifts to offer.
I am leaving Kindred Spirit with the heart full of love and gratitude. It was an experience that will stay with me for my whole life, and I hope that I will have the opportunity to come back here in the future.
