Shillong Notes – 3

4 July 2026

A Bright Morning Surprise

Today began with a surprise!

Last night we were informed that the morning session would start at 7:00 a.m., so I set my alarm for 6:25 a.m. When I opened my eyes, the room was already flooded with daylight. My first thought was, “Oh no! I must have slept through the alarm.”

I quickly checked my phone—and to my complete surprise, it showed only 4:40 a.m. For a moment, I even wondered if my phone had developed a fault!

Only later did someone explain the mystery. During this time of the year in Shillong, the sun rises incredibly early, and by around 3:30 a.m. there is already plenty of natural light. So neither my phone nor my alarm had failed—the sun had simply decided to start the day much earlier than I was used to!

A Meaningful End to the Retreat

By this evening, the retreat part of the National Leaders Learning Program came to a close. It was a deeply enriching experience.

After dinner, we gathered for a time of sharing. Almost everyone found it difficult to keep within the allotted time because there was so much they wanted to express. The sessions, personal testimonies, opportunities for confession, and moments of inner healing had touched many hearts. Listening to one another’s experiences made it clear that these days had been truly special for everyone.

Those Warm Clothes. ..

Before leaving for Shillong, we had been repeatedly reminded to pack warm clothes. Naturally, we made sure to bring them along.

The funny thing is that, till this moment, not one of those warm clothes has been needed! They have remained neatly packed in the suitcase, waiting for their chance.

A Memorable Taxi Ride

Thinking back to our journey from Guwahati on 2 July, one small incident still brings a smile.

Our taxi driver was a young man, and to our surprise, he could understand a little Malayalam. We had a pleasant conversation during the drive, and he enthusiastically shared his love for World Cup football, speaking at length about his favourite teams and players. It was an unexpected and enjoyable conversation that made the journey even more memorable.