Today has been a day of journeying, from the Hanifl Centre up to the MGVS office and back, then from Mussoorie to Dehra Dun and finally back to Delhi. Quite apt, given that Saphara means ‘journey with purpose’.

The day started bright and sunny, and as we walked up to the MGVS office we had another stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas in the distance. We walked in the clear mountain air past brightly coloured shops with quaint slogans.

It was such a privilege to join the MGVS for their devotions. We sang together, prayed together and shared reflections together. Surender told us about his journey and it was clear just how his background as a village boy and his work experiences had equipped him so well to do the work he and the team do now in the rural community. We were so pleased to be able to give Surender a cheque for 2000 pounds to help equip the science room at Kaplani school and provide goats for the another community cooperative.

After lunch provided by the MGVS team, we took the very long and very winding road down to Dehra Dun. At Dehra Dun we called to see Dr Reeta and Hari Rao at SNEHA school. Reeta had been unwell when we left earlier in the week and had invited us to call in. We met with the teachers again and shared chai and food. Reeta and Hari came with us to the railway station and even onto the train to say goodbye.

Then we settled down for our six hour journey to Delhi. It was very relaxing; just reading, chatting, sleeping, eating and watching rural India pass by in the late afternoon light.

And here we are back in the bustling vibrancy of Delhi after the meditative Himalayan calm of Mussoorie.

Karen