Tomorrow evening, we will land in South Africa. As I reflect on this last month in India, I realise Work Your Way 2015 is ready to go home. Ready for the next journey that awaits us.
Its been a great year. A journey full of lessons learned, adventures, fun and difficult times? Our expectations have been met in more ways than one could imagine.
The first week in India we spent in New Delhi, while we waited for another Global team (Nortbound) to arrive. Together we went to an Orphanage in Kota, South of New Delhi.
It is clear that not all of us is made for Indian street food. Me and another team mate got a classic case of "Delhi Belly".
Besides the stomach bug, going into the streets of Delhi's Main Bazaar is not for the faint of heart. People, cars, bicycles, motorcycles and animals all fight for their right of the small street strip.
So when not brave enough for the Deli streets - we found ourselves imprisoned by the four walls of our hostel room. At least we had the entertainment of a few good movies and a lot of Hindi television ads.
One day we were lucky enough to escape the city and visit the famous Taj Mahal. One of the 7 man made wonders of the world.
When it was finally time to leave for the orphanage, I got a bad chest infection upon my stomach bug. It seemed true that India was really not for the faint of heart.
Luckily our time with Northbound at the orphanage was refreshing enough to heal me from my ailments.
I must say the thought of running a evening programme for more than 500 children was daunting at first. But as we got into the swing of things and by the expertise of Nortbound, the evenings with the children went quite smoothly.
It was good to spend time with the children. Their hunger for love and affection really made me appreciate life.
For me it was scary to see how Christianity as a religion can be indoctrinated into children so small. They know exactly what to say and all the right answers. But the question I kept asking myself, do they really know Jesus? Hell, do I really know Jesus?
After 10 days we returned to Delhi excited to leave for Manali. A town high up in the Indian Himalyas. Where we spent a week debriefing and reflecting on our year.
From Manali to South Africa is 6 days of hard travel. Luckily the thought of touching home soil eases the 22h train ride and 2 day stopover.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this year. Your prayers, financial support and messages really ment a lot throughout the year. On the 13th of November we will have a 2 week debrief with the bigger Global Challenge team.
I am not sure what the future has in store for me. But I am ready for the next journey.
Thanks again for all your support.
Regards
Henri Knobel
Work Your Way 2015
Global Challenge Expeditions