Millo at Large

My mom and I flew in a propeller plane! Both of us were nervous, remembering the toys I would play with that looked just like the plane we were boarding. I bent over to enter, my head hitting the plane’s ceiling, feeling very cramped, then barely fitting in my seat. We were the only foreigners on the flight and were getting lots of inquisitive stares from the passengers. Why are these two going to such a rural area? What could they be doing?

We arrived on a Sunday afternoon, and greeted by the nice people from the school. We went for lunch ready to discuss the week’s logistics. They were organized and ready with a schedule for the week, leaving just enough room for us to add our own unique perspectives and touch.

Arriving at the school on Monday morning, we noticed that it is in an underprivileged area, very dusty, without proper roads, and soon realized it lacks almost every amenity we are accustomed to. Start time is at 7:30 sharp, followed by a 30-minute assembly. During the assembly, daily inspiration, news, the national anthem, and plans for the day were given.

The staff is all kind yet stern, smiling, and greeting with “Namaste” as we pass. The kids were not shy; they ran up to me and shook my hand, excited to hear all about my life: my favorite car, my favorite cricket player (luckily I had just read about the American cricketer who’s an Oracle engineer by day and cricketer on the side). I went in with an open mind, eager to learn, eager to teach, and eager to collaborate.