Chapter-1A Journey of Excitement and Endurance: From India to Afghanistan
In May 2004, while working with RedR India in the Pune Office, I received a thrilling job offer from a U.S.-based NGO to join their School and Clinic Construction Program in Afghanistan. Overjoyed, I accepted the role and was asked to begin the job on June 7th. My first challenge? Time constraints, I have only got 15 working days on my hands. I had to reach my hometown, Rajkot, swiftly to gather essential documents before heading to Delhi for my visa.
The Race to Rajkot
The journey from Pune to Rajkot was no small feat. I boarded a bus to Mumbai, then faced the herculean task of securing a train ticket to Rajkot during peak school vacation season. At Mumbai Central station, I joined a serpentine queue, praying for luck—and emerged with a general-class ticket.
Traveling in general class on an Indian train is an adventure demanding patience, adaptability, and resilience. Though I doubted my readiness, I squeezed into a corner on a wooden bench, grateful for even that sliver of space. The compartment sweltered at 40°C, packed with five passengers crammed into a three-seat row. Yet, the window beside me offered fleeting breezes and a front-row seat to the vibrant chaos of station life—a spectacle I’ve always cherished.
Miraculously, as the train chugged forward, the crowd thinned. Some passengers even found standing room—a rare luxury in general class. Halfway through the 12-hour ordeal, a fellow traveler vacated his berth, gifting me a flat space to stretch out. I slept soundly until dawn, awakened by the cheerful call of a chaiwala (tea vendor). By then, we were just five hours from Rajkot.
Homecoming and Hurdles
Arriving in Rajkot—a bustling city of 1.5 million—I shifted focus to securing my Afghan visa. My contacts, Mr. Ali Rajpoot (Finance Director), Mr. Mal Ralston (Program Director), and Mr. Kevin (Deputy Program Director), guided the process. On May 29th, Ali confirmed that Afghanistan’s External Ministry had approved my paperwork, instructing me to visit their Delhi embassy with my passport. Kevin assured me that contract formalities would be finalized upon arrival in Kabul.
Delhi Bound
With luggage packed, I set off for Delhi, planning to secure the visa and fly directly to Kabul. I informed the team of my expected June 7th arrival, accounting for potential delays. They confirmed my itinerary, with Kevin promising a placard-bearing representative at Kabul’s airport.
Reflections
This whirlwind journey—marked by sweltering trains, bureaucratic coordination, and leaps of faith—taught me the art of embracing uncertainty. From the camaraderie of general-class travelers to the meticulous dance of international logistics, every step was a lesson in patience and perseverance.
As I boarded my flight to Kabul, I carried not just documents, but the quiet confidence that adventure thrives where preparation meets spontaneity.
Sometimes, the path to purpose is paved with chaos—and that’s where the magic begins. ✨
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