On our way home via London Heathrow.  The following are brief reflections from the team:

“Saphara – an emotional, spiritual and enriching journey through India which challenges and pulls at one’s heart strings, resulting in many soul searching reflections.” Louise

“Being invited to participate in a programme with Saphara was such a privilege.  Saphara is an organisation which makes a real difference to lives which are touched and enriched in a manner which exceeds expectations.” James

“A unique experience during which my eyes were opened and emotions exposed to a very special people and place.  Despite some harrowing experiences, I return home with optimism and confidence that Saphara does, and will continue, to make a real difference.” Bernie

“The Saphara ‘journey’ to India has opened our eyes to how the poor in India exist, some in very poor housing and sanitary conditions.  Nonetheless they are a very happy and welcoming people who are most appreciative of the support Saphara gives to the partner organisations on the ground.  It has been an experience I will never forget – the sights, sounds and lifestyle of all the people we met.  I realise how much difference support to Saphara makes on the ground in India.” Seamus

“To walk through the slums of Dehradun was strongly life-affirming.  These people – “the least of my brethren” – will, with their smiles and hopes, lead us closer to God.” Shelagh

“Inspirational, uncomfortable, hopeful, tragic, beautiful, ugly, incredible need but incredible people – I feel privileged to have been to India with Saphara and thankful for the work that Saphara supports.” Bob

“I described this trip as coming to a country that was chaotic, heart breaking and glorious, all at the same time.  I know that what I have heard and seen in the last few days will stay with me for a long time, and requires a response.  I am so glad to know that the work of SNEHA and MGVS is part of that, changing the lives of these children and their families little by little, day by day, to give them a better future.  Thank you Christine and Dominic for letting me be part of that.” Hazel

“I have been deeply moved by the dedication and faith in God’s goodness of those working in partnership with Saphara.  It is my prayer that this work continues to flourish in Mussoorie and Dehradun and beyond and that the people of these communities will have a better future.” Judith

“It is hard to put into words the impact that the last nine days have had on us.  It has been an honour and privilege to get to meet with people who are making a real difference to people’s lives through education.  It will take time for us to process all that we have experienced: the contrasts, the diversity, the ‘tessellation of identities’ that make India such a challenging but wonderful place. Our great thanks to Christine and Dominic for sharing their vision and the work of Saphara and giving us this great opportunity.” Raymond and Roz

“What a journey! What a revelation for us about the joys and wonders and reality of India. Let us all ‘be the change we wish to see in the world’.” Diana and Colin

“This trip was a landmark for Saphara and its Schools Programme.  It was a privilege to travel with the Principals and Vice Principals and to introduce them to our Indian partners.  The work they had done prior to travelling to India enabled the team members to facilitate a very successful workshop with the teachers in SNEHA School and to take classes with pupils across the age range. Their presence in Dehradun and Mussoorie was a great encouragement to both Dr Reeta Rao and Surender Singh and their teams who do such valuable educational work.  I would like to thank the wonderful individuals on the team for their friendship and support.”  Dominic

“It was a truly amazing trip with 14 wonderful people whose vision of education goes far beyond the classroom and their own schools. It is a privilege to have such visionary leaders involved in Saphara and supporting northern Irish pupils on their ‘journey with purpose’. We have all been changed by the experience and are now determined to work that through when we get home.” Christine

An Exciting Tourist Day
Very early start.  Left our hotel just after 6am to go by taxi to the railway station.  The traffic was a lot less hectic at this hour than normal till we reached the station which was very busy.  The coolies, in their red uniforms, were a having a serious disagreement.

The journey to Agra took four hours.  We travelled through rural India.  On the way we saw crops, cows and cowpats left to dry before being stacked high in well ordered piles.  Every now and then the skyline was broken by tall chimneys in the numerous brick works.  Where there were settlements invariably there were slums and litter.

At Agra we were taken by taxi to the Trident Hilton Hotel for a most welcome tea and coffee before making our way to the Taj Mahal.  Here men and women were separated into two queues.  The women’s queue was considerably shorter and everyone went through a security check.  It was a lovely sunny day and the Taj Mahal looked resplendent against a hazy blue sky.  The white marble structure was flanked on both sides.  To the left was the royal mosque and to the right the royal visitors’ residence. The deep red marble of these buildings formed a striking contrast to the white marble all around

Group and individual photos provided lasting mementos of our visit and then we went back to the Trident for our delicious buffet lunch, before setting off for Agra Fort.  We enjoyed a wonderful guided tour in the late afternoon sunshine.   We returned home to Delhi on the Taj Shatabdi, tired but having thoroughly enjoyed our day.

Bob and Judith Cummings

Dominican College Portstewart

Today we were privileged to travel to the oasis of peace, calm and reflection which is the Lotus Temple in Delhi. People of all faiths and backgrounds come here to pray, worship and to take time out to reflect. It seemed appropriate to pause and reflect at the end of our amazing journey.

We visited an Indian market where we interacted with locals and traders with many of our team visiting Rubia Silk Palace – there was a bewildering array of colours of silk to chose from but the ladies in our team coped well! From here we went to the Cottage Emporium where many last minute gifts were purchased.

Our day ended in a wonderful cocktail reception hosted by the Irish Ambassador and his wife at their official Residence. We arrived to the familiar sounds of Van Morrison – and quickly realised we were back home.  Delicious food and drink was topped only by the rolling back of the carpet and some first-class Irish dancing! Names have been omitted to protect the innocent.

Back at the Legend Inn, everyone retired to bed as we are off to Agra tomorrow at 6.00am.

Louise and James Hunt

St Patrick’s Primary School, Burrenreagh

We set off this morning to visit Saklana Patti village to see MGVS’s women’s organic farming project.  SNOW forced us to turn back (!) but not before we had stopped along the way to trek part of the way down to Donk primary school where the student teams will be this summer. My advice is that they start an Olympic level hill walking fitness programme immediately – the terrain is in itself challenging and the altitude squeezes the breath out of you! We are so high in the Himalayas that if you stand on tiptoe you could touch the sky!
Travelling by jeep on hairpin roads hewn out of the mountain was a challenge to my nerves that nothing in my life had prepared me for! While I prayed for deliverance, others exclaimed on the majesty of the scenery dominated by the snow fringed Himalayas in the distance.

We did manage, however, to meet key people such as Surender Singh, who are managing local development projects supported by Saphara eg women’s cooperative and health projects. Their achievements and plans were so inspiring and humbling.

On our return to base camp, the snow storm accompanied by thunder and lightning made us long for the ‘ordinary Irish snowstorms of December!’

Now for an early night and the promise of a visit to Kaplani High school in the morning.

Shelagh O’Brien
St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt.