Nothing surprised my mom more when I first told her about my intention of volunteering in Nepal. She knew that I am most likely to go there sooner or later but what bothered her the most would be how unfit I was. Little that she knew it was the most difficult decision to make in 2014. After my last trip, I have turned into an avid couch potato with several cardio activities here and there for more than a few months in between activities.

I kept toying with several volunteering ideas before deciding to proceed with Diamond Hill Academy in Gaunshahar. Besides, what could be grander than to volunteer in a school to commemorate a decade of my father’s passing? I was positive about the whole experience except for the trekking part. Having a 60-ish old woman literally dragging you to climb the stairs in the dark to reach your home for the week was not one of the worst-case scenarios that I played in my head before leaving for Gaunshahar. Abah, I know you would be cackling when you hear this.