By Ms. Wilkinson

I have wanted to visit India ever since reading the book, Shantaram, years ago, which piqued my curiosity. I was afforded that opportunity this year when the India Global Ed trip needed another chaperone. Although I exercise most days and am in fairly good shape for my age, I was a bit concerned about the demands of the trip, particularly hiking. I also celebrated my 65th birthday on the trip, thanks to the students and adults who enjoyed ice cream and a brownie with me in Mussoorie (Mauricio also arranged for a Happy Birthday serenade by an Indian singer at a nearby restaurant). It was one of my most memorable birthdays, but it also meant that I was another year older.

I was quite nervous leading up to our 3,000 foot climb to Dodital Lake at 10,000 feet and back in three days. I was more confident of my leg strength, but I was concerned about my lung capacity/breathing. I almost backed out of going, but persevered. Although stopping more frequently than the students and other adults, I was elated to make it the first 7 miles to Manjhi. The rest of the trip was relatively easy.

While I am proud of my accomplishment, I am humbled by what the women in Agora have been doing their entire lives. During our stay, we passed multiple groups of women carrying bamboo on their backs. The women wake at dawn, walk to 12,000 feet (a 5,000 foot climb), cut large sections of bamboo, strap the bamboo on their backs, and walk back to town. In the same day—in sandals and full dress. Other women were cementing roofs on houses or carrying large woven baskets of feed for cattle. Many were in the fields weeding by hand or with sickles made by the local blacksmith.  

I enjoyed meeting Praveen’s mother, Sureshi, who I had heard about from Haley Wilbanks and others. She is a beautiful, gracious woman in her 50’s with children and grandchildren. I met her when we arrived in Agora and then again in Manjhi after she hiked the 7 miles with family, carrying provisions to summer in the higher altitudes. And I am sure that she made the walk much more easily than I did.  

In addition to cooking, maintaining households and doing the physical labor, these amazing women look beautiful every day. The Agoran women wear the traditional dress of loose-fitting pants, tunics of bright colors, striking jewelry and, many times, thick belts around their middle that allows them to carry things within the folds. Sometimes they wear beautiful sweaters as well. To those of us from the US, the outfits, while gorgeous, look too warm and dressy to wear in the summer, even at high altitudes. I looked quite slovenly next to them!  

I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit to India.The highlight has been meeting the special people of Agora who are hardworking, generous, friendly, and beautiful. And while I am proud of my accomplishments during the trip, I will be forever humbled by the strength and work ethic of the Agora women.