RV’ing & caste-ing about

In my last column, I told you that my wife and I were about to set off on an extended RV adventure with a remarkable missionary couple from India. I’m going to call them “Suresh and Lakshmi” (not their real names) for the remainder of this column for reasons you’ll soon understand.

This week, I’m happy to report that we’re safely home, and it was one of the most eye-opening and heart-warming experiences of our RV-ing years.

We spent our first night at beautiful Tombigbee State Park near Tupelo, Mississippi. It was the perfect halfway stopping point on our way to Little Rock, Arkansas. The park offered peaceful woods, a lovely lake, and spacious sites that easily accommodated our motorhome. After a good night’s rest, we enjoyed a leisurely Saturday morning picnic breakfast that my wife and our friend, Lakshmi , had prepared together. Fresh fruit, warm breads, eggs, and plenty of hot coffee made for a relaxed start to the day.

After breakfast, our guests both asked to use the RV shower. They stepped out afterward with the biggest smiles we had seen. To understand why something as simple as a shower meant so much to them, you need to know a little about the Indian caste system.

India’s traditional caste system divides society into four main varnas:

• Brahmins (Priests & Scholars) – the highest, focused on religious rituals, teaching, and learning. 
• Kshatriyas (Warriors & Rulers) – responsible for governance and protection. 
• Vaishyas (Merchants & Agriculturists) – involved in trade, farming, and business. 
• Shudras (Laborers & Service Providers) – performing manual and service work.

Outside this system entirely are the Dalits, historically called “Untouchables.” Considered ritually impure, they traditionally handled jobs like sanitation and scavenging and faced severe discrimination for centuries.

Suresh and Lakshmi are Dalits. They were born into the lowest social position in Indian society. Suresh told me during this trip that he was 25 years old before he ever saw or encountered a modern western-style flushing toilet (and he was totally perplexed at how it worked!) — something we take for granted multiple times every day.

Despite these humble and difficult beginnings, Suresh and Lakshmi have accomplished something extraordinary. With God’s grace and the support of two faithful churches and two families in America, they now operate a school for a couple hundred children — all Dalits like themselves. When these children first arrived at the school, many were dressed in rags. Today they wear clean, beautiful uniforms and receive a quality education that includes English and Christian songs. Learning English is one key to breaking free from the oppressive caste system they were born into.

Running this school takes far more than dedication — it requires incredible courage. The Indian government has grown increasingly hostile toward Christian ministries, promoting the idea of “One nation, one language, one religion”. Suresh and Lakshmi risk arrest and long prison sentences simply for teaching and sharing their faith. Every day they serve these children, they put their own safety on the line.

Getting to know Suresh and Lakshmi has been a privilege. To know them is to respect them deeply for their selfless service and to love them for their gentle spirits and strong faith. During our drive, He sat in the co-pilot seat with his camera in hand almost constantly. He photographed everything — the open highways, green forests, passing towns, and even our simple meals. He took  the pictures so he could share them with the teachers and children in India thousands of miles away.

As seniors, my wife and I were reminded daily on this trip how blessed we are by simple things: reliable hot water, comfortable beds, freedom to travel, and the ability to worship without fear. Watching Suresh and Lakshmi delight in everyday conveniences we barely notice has given us a new sense of gratitude.

Traveling in our later years with dear friends from such a different background has enriched us more than we expected. We shared stories, laughter, prayers, and quiet moments of reflection. This journey taught us that age is no barrier to new friendships, fresh perspectives, or meaningful adventure.

To all my fellow seniors: the next time you turn on the shower or use your toilet, pause for a moment and don’t take it for granted. And if the thought crosses your mind, offer a prayer of protection for the dedicated missionaries who risk everything to serve the children most of the world has overlooked.

Sometimes the greatest adventures — and the most important lessons — come when we open our hearts and our RVs to others.

Safe travels, everyone. And remember: it’s never too late to learn, to serve, or to be amazed.

Thanks for reading All About Seniors, see you next week!

Bill Milby is a Director of Visiting Angels® of Central Georgia, a non-medical, living assistance service for seniors. If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach him at william.mercylink@gmail.com or search for us at  https://www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsofCentralGA