(Nicole’s mother Deb submitted this report about Nicole’s semester in India.)
Nicole is doing great. She sounds so happy every time we talk to her. She loves it there. The group gets along really well and it sounds like they have fun together. At night for free time they dance, play games or read. No technology!! She survived her 5 day trek to remote villages. She said she was very tired, but felt like she had really accomplished a lot to complete that long walk and the home-stays with villagers. She even learned to ride a horse. She has been helping the cook prepare meals, taking care of the vegetable garden and has even milked a cow. This next week they are going on a trek to artificial glaciers where they will ice skate. The other night they slept on the roof with their sleeping bags so they could watch the stars. When they woke up, there was a cow on the roof with them (must be a low slanted roof). Of course, all of these calls to us come anywhere from 1:00 am to 4:00 am. I feel lucky to be able to remember anything she tells me at that hour.
All in all, I think this has been the best experience for her. She says she is even getting used to rice, dough balls, lentils and vegetables day after day.