Pamela Girard

Letters from India: the Writings and Correspondence of Beryl Girard, Missionary Pamela Girard

Letters from India is the story of Beryl Girard, a remarkable woman, written in her own hand in her letters home. Her simple story is played out before a vast background of political intrigue, the ending of the World War II in Europe and in the Pacific, the beginning of the Atomic Age, the reconstruction of Europe, the evolution of India from a member of the British Empire to independence, political assassinations, riots and wars between Hindus and Moslems, the establishment of Pakistan, and continued violence around the world. It is also the story of two families, one in America and one in India. Her family in India was an indigenous tribe, the Korkus. Her American family lived in North Dakota and Minnesota, mostly teachers and farmers. She lived a divided life between her two loves. After 38 years in India, she retired to Minneapolis, Minnesota and was embraced by her family, her church and her community. She was content and busy there. But to the end of her life, she heard India's siren song, "Come Home!"