Newsletter 51 - Bruno and Arnau's experience in India

After a long flight from Barcelona, ​​we arrived at the Mumbai airport in India, where Varghese welcomed us with a big smile. From that first moment we began to feel the closeness and hospitality of the people. Although the fatigue of the trip was significant, we were very eager to start discovering everything that awaited us.

Our first days were in Mumbai, a huge city, full of life and people everywhere. We were very struck by the number of people, the constant rhythm of the city and everything that was happening around us. We were able to visit places such as the Afghan Church, the Gate of India and a mosque located in the middle of the sea, which seemed to us to be very beautiful and impressive places. We were also very surprised by the contrasts of the city, but above all we were left with the energy that can be breathed in every corner. Even so, we knew that the most special part of the trip was yet to come.

Shortly after, we took a train to Nandurbar with Clarence and Varghese. This journey was quite an experience, seeing how the landscape changed little by little. Upon arrival, we began to really get to know the area and its people, and from the first moment we felt very welcome. We met very close people, always with a smile, very hospitable and very eager to share their day to day with us.

During these days we also made many journeys by car on roads in poor condition, especially due to the monsoon rains. They were long journeys, with many potholes, curves and moments in which it seemed that the road would never end. But far from being a negative thing, we lived it as a constant adventure. Between laughter, conversations and anecdotes, these journeys became an important part of the trip. In addition, the landscapes we saw along the way were incredible: lots of nature, mountains, green fields and small villages that allowed us to see what life is like there.

In Nandurbar we visited several boarding schools, such as the Jan Seva Mandal, where we could see up close the great work that is being done. We were very impressed by the effort of the teachers, especially Father Godfrey, and the atmosphere that is breathed in these centers. We especially liked seeing how young people from the community themselves help the little ones, teaching them Marathi and also English before they start public school. It is clear that there is a great desire to learn and improve.

The children left a big impression on us. They were always happy, eager to play, learn and be with us. We were surprised by how polite they were and how grateful they were for any small gesture. With very little, they were able to transmit enormous happiness, and this is something we will carry with us forever.

We also spent time with groups of women from the villages, who explained to us how they organize themselves to save together and give each other small loans. Thanks to this, they can set up small businesses and help their families get ahead. We were very impressed by the unity they have among themselves and the strength with which they face their day-to-day lives.

The last part of the trip took us to the village of Ambata, after several hours of driving on complicated roads between mountains. There we understood even better the importance of boarding schools. When the rainy season ends, many parents have to go to work far away, and these centers become the home of the children for months.

Despite this situation, what we experienced there was incredible. The children were always happy, with a very positive attitude and very eager to share time with us. We were lucky enough to coincide with the celebration of Teacher's Day at the school, and it was a very special moment. There were speeches, dances and performances prepared with great enthusiasm. Seeing their happy faces, how they worked hard and how they enjoyed themselves, was something we will not forget.

In general, it has been a trip that has taught us a lot. Not only because of the incredible places we have visited, both in the city and in nature, but above all because of the people we have met. We take with us the memory of very good, very close and very hospitable people, who have opened the doors of their home and their lives to us.

We want to thank the entire Foundation and all the people who have made this experience possible. Thank you for welcoming us, for taking care of us, for teaching us so much and for making us feel at home at all times. We take with us memories, learnings, moments of laughter and also new friendships that we hope to maintain over time.

A very special thanks to Clarence, Varghese and Amit; to sisters Joycee and Jacqueline; to fathers Wendell, Godfrey and Wencesl; and to many more who, although not all of them come to mind now, are also part of this journey.

It has been a unique experience that we will always remember with great affection. Thank you!

Arnau Pardo and Bruno Miralles