Rachel Durkee, a Wylie High School Senior, has dreamed of sharing her faith among people in a third world country. That dream became a reality the summer of 2008 when an essay she wrote as an English assignment led to an unimaginable adventure in Varanasi, India, a remote Hindu holy city in northern India.

Rachel described her life-changing experience on August 17 during the Christian Living Sunday School Class at St. Barnabas Presbyterian Church in Richardson.

Her English teacher, Mrs. Phillipose, was touched by Rachel’s essay expressing passion for wanting to make a difference in the world today, but feeling too young to be able to do anything. Through a family contact, Mrs. Phillipose arranged for Rachel to travel to Varanasi and experience the Indian culture and help work at the Kachhawa Christian Hospital supported and staffed by Emanuel Hospital Association.

Rachel discovered that the Indian Orthodox Church in a Hindu culture is quite different from her Judeo-Christian background. After the first few days of culture shock, this determined teenager adjusted to her new surroundings, embracing the differences and making new friends. Rachel stayed in comfortable quarters within the hospital compound, surrounded by love and concern. She worked with the hospital staff, took a tour of Varanasi and also a trip to view the Taj Mahal. Through it all she learned many wonderful things about Idia, its people, culture, cities and countryside.

Now Rachel knows the importance of completing her education. After high school graduation next year she plans to complete her education with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology and a Master’s in non-profit business management. Her ultimate goal is to return to India fully prepared, in her words, " To do my work and let God do his."