There are places you visit, and then there are places that become part of who you are. Mayoor's farm will forever be one of those places for us.
When we first arrived, our plan was simple: stay for one month, learn a few things, contribute where we could, and continue our travels. Life, however, had a different plan. One month became three months, and even after all that time, leaving was one of the hardest things we had to do. If our visa had not come to an end, we would have happily stayed longer in this little piece of paradise that captured our hearts from the very beginning.
Looking back on our travels across India, we can say without hesitation that this was the most meaningful, rewarding, and life-changing experience we had in this beautiful country.
Mayoor is an exceptional host and an exceptional human being. Kind, respectful, generous, knowledgeable, and endlessly patient, he created an environment where everyone felt welcome and valued. Some of our favorite moments were the long conversations we shared with him about farming, education, politics, culture, and life itself. We learned so much from his experiences and his perspective on the world.
What made our stay even more special was Mayoor's willingness to share not only his farm but also the incredible farming community around him. He regularly took us to visit neighboring farms, and every trip became an opportunity to learn something new. We visited fascinating places, met inspiring farmers, and discovered different approaches to agriculture and sustainable living. One of our favorite visits was to the pineapple farm. We always looked forward to those trips, not only because they were educational but also because they ended with the freshest and most delicious pineapple juice imaginable. These experiences gave us a deeper appreciation for the land and the people who care for it.
Over three months, we learned more than we ever imagined possible. We followed the entire bean-to-bar chocolate-making process, from harvesting cacao pods and fermenting beans to drying, roasting, and transforming them into beautiful chocolate bars. Watching this process unfold from beginning to end was fascinating and gave us a whole new appreciation for the work behind every piece of chocolate.
One of the projects we are most proud of was building a pathway completely from scratch. We poured our energy, creativity, and hard work into it, and seeing the final result was incredibly rewarding. Knowing that a small part of us will remain on the farm long after we have left fills us with happiness. We left our mark on the farm, but the farm left an even bigger mark on us.
Yet what made this place truly unforgettable was not the work, the projects, or even the beautiful surroundings. It was the people. And above all, it was Mukunth.There are not enough words to describe how much Mukunth means to us. During our stay, he became so much more than the volunteer coordinator. He became family. From the very beginning, he treated us with kindness, patience, and genuine care. Day after day, we worked together, laughed together, shared meals, stories, and countless moments that slowly built a bond we never expected. Somewhere along the way, he stopped feeling like a friend and started feeling like a son. We will forever think of him as our second son. Mukunth taught us many practical skills, but more importantly, he taught us with patience, trust, and encouragement. One of the greatest gifts he gave me was teaching me how to milk a cow. What started as something completely new soon became one of my favorite daily routines. He trusted me with responsibilities that made me feel useful and valued. Every day I cared for Babu and her calf, milked the cow, delivered fresh milk to the neighbors, fed and bathed the animals, and helped care for the six wonderful dogs who brought so much joy to our lives. The trust he placed in me meant more than he will ever know.
One memory will stay in my heart forever. During my first week on the farm, I casually mentioned my birthday. I thought nothing of it afterwards. Two months later, Mukunth appeared with a birthday cake and warm wishes. He had remembered the date all that time and had gone out of his way to get a cake for me. I was deeply touched. In a world where people often forget small details, he remembered. It was such a simple act, but it spoke volumes about the kind of person he is. I will carry that memory with me for the rest of my life.
We also want to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible tribal women who work on the farm. They welcomed us with open hearts and quickly became some of our closest friends. Despite our different languages and backgrounds, we shared endless laughter, jokes, stories, and unforgettable moments together. Their warmth, strength, and joy made every day brighter. Their children brought so much happiness and energy to the farm, and we loved every moment spent with them.
The volunteer community was another beautiful part of this experience. We met wonderful people from all over the world, but some became especially dear to us. Naguesh and Catherine will always hold a special place in our hearts. Their kindness, friendship, and beautiful spirits made our journey even richer.
As our departure date approached, a feeling of sadness slowly settled in. We realized we were not simply leaving a volunteer placement. We were leaving family. We were leaving friends.
We were leaving a place that had become home.
On our last day, it felt as though a piece of our hearts remained behind among the cacao trees, the animals, the pathways we built, the laughter we shared, and the people we came to love.
Thank you, Mayoor, for opening your farm and your heart to us.
Thank you, Mukunth, for your friendship, your patience, your generosity, and for becoming family.
Thank you to the amazing women, children, volunteers, and every single person who made this experience so extraordinary.
This farm gave us memories that will last a lifetime, friendships that will never fade, and lessons that we will carry wherever we go. We arrived as strangers. We left as family.
And although we had to leave because our visa came to an end, one thing is absolutely certain that we will return home to this beautiful farm.
