Back in India- Sara Barnett

It’s an incredible feeling to be back in India after four and a half years. It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly makes India, but I have the biggest sense of familiarity here. There is something so unique about this place–a plethora of different smells, mannerisms of the people, the most reckless driving scene, and animals constantly roaming the streets with more authority than cars– yet somehow all of these things come together in the most beautiful harmony that is India. 

So far, our time here with Operation Tyaagi has been a whirlwind. We didn’t actually arrive in Kullu until late Sunday afternoon after some long and exhausting travel, but it was worth every minute. Kullu is breathtaking. It’s been overcast and raining since we’ve been here, and the surrounding mountains have been enveloped in clouds and fog. Colorful cement houses are scattered along the hills in the brightest shades of blue, pink, purple and green. Plants, trees and flowers of every kind grow here which contribute to the perfection of this lush hidden gem. We’re in a beautiful bubble up here, far away from Utah but creating a new home for ourselves with every passing experience. 

Everything about India is truly an unknown tale until you’re here experiencing all that it has to offer. You can only prepare so much for what you think might happen, but the unexpected could arise at any moment. So far, our first few days in Kullu have brought about all sorts of unexpected. But despite that, our team has adjusted valiantly. We are teaching the most bright and excited group of kids, interacting with kind and compassionate teachers and growing stronger individually and as a group as well. There is so much in store for the time we have left and I am grateful and hopeful for everything left to experience here. India, it’s good to be back.