Sunday, February 21, 2010
Finding Calcutta
While travelling through India recently, I read an interesting book entitled, Finding Calcutta, by Mary Poplin. In the spring of 1996 Mary, an educator, spent time in Calcutta (Kolkata) volunteering alongside the Missionaries of Charity and Mother Teresa's work among the poorest of the poor.
The book provides a simple and yet profound look into the work of "Mother Teresa's life of work and service to the poor, participating in the community's commitments to simplicity and mercy."
The following are few of the insights I picked up while reading this very interesting book.
"Mother told me (Poplin) how people in the West are poor. In fact, she considered us the poorest of the poor spiritually because our physical comfort makes us believe we do not need God and our busyness makes us ignore him." page 59
"Our will is the only thing that God will not take from us." page 64
"Small things with great love." page 69
"There is nothing small to God, once you give it to God, it is infinite." page 71
"We ought not to be weary doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed." Brother Lawrence. page 72
The book provides a simple and yet profound look into the work of "Mother Teresa's life of work and service to the poor, participating in the community's commitments to simplicity and mercy."
The following are few of the insights I picked up while reading this very interesting book.
"Mother told me (Poplin) how people in the West are poor. In fact, she considered us the poorest of the poor spiritually because our physical comfort makes us believe we do not need God and our busyness makes us ignore him." page 59
"Our will is the only thing that God will not take from us." page 64
"Small things with great love." page 69
"There is nothing small to God, once you give it to God, it is infinite." page 71
"We ought not to be weary doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed." Brother Lawrence. page 72
Our last morning in Kolkata
We had a few hours before our flight home on Monday, so we drove through town to see where Mother Teresa's Mother House. On the drive there we saw people washing in the streets, beggars, and nuns in the traditional Missionaries of Charity blue and white dress. We stood on the street for a few minutes and watch a game of marbles between a young boy and man.
Walking down the small alley way to the entry of the Mother House was an amazing feeling - knowing that Mother Teresa had walked that same alley way so many times.
We were able to see Mother Teresa's tomb, a small museum of Mother's life and her very small bedroom. Very thing was very understated - just like her life.
From Mother Teresa's we drove to the River Ganges. The Hindus consider this a holy river - most Westerners would call it a river full of pollution. The city's sewer system runs into the river, garbage, dead cows and even the ashes of dead bodies. Hindus come to the river to dip and wash in it - the river of life. The river is 3,000 times over the acceptable rate bacteria.
So sad to watch the people make their way into this river of death.
As mad rush back to the hotel, good-byes to some of the team who were headed in other directions and for Jerry, Tom and I a 4-hour wait at the Kolkata airport - which isn't all that large. Our flight went from Kolkata, to Delhi (5 hour wait) to Amsterdam (4 hour wait) to Seattle (1 hour) and finally home to Bellingham.
Many people have asked: "Would you go again?" My answer is: "Yes." This was a fast and yet worthwhile trip in many ways. 13 flights in 9 days was pretty tough. The pollution, the noise and traffic was overwhelming. But the smiles and bright eyes of all those children was more than worth it!
Walking down the small alley way to the entry of the Mother House was an amazing feeling - knowing that Mother Teresa had walked that same alley way so many times.
We were able to see Mother Teresa's tomb, a small museum of Mother's life and her very small bedroom. Very thing was very understated - just like her life.
From Mother Teresa's we drove to the River Ganges. The Hindus consider this a holy river - most Westerners would call it a river full of pollution. The city's sewer system runs into the river, garbage, dead cows and even the ashes of dead bodies. Hindus come to the river to dip and wash in it - the river of life. The river is 3,000 times over the acceptable rate bacteria.
So sad to watch the people make their way into this river of death.
As mad rush back to the hotel, good-byes to some of the team who were headed in other directions and for Jerry, Tom and I a 4-hour wait at the Kolkata airport - which isn't all that large. Our flight went from Kolkata, to Delhi (5 hour wait) to Amsterdam (4 hour wait) to Seattle (1 hour) and finally home to Bellingham.
Many people have asked: "Would you go again?" My answer is: "Yes." This was a fast and yet worthwhile trip in many ways. 13 flights in 9 days was pretty tough. The pollution, the noise and traffic was overwhelming. But the smiles and bright eyes of all those children was more than worth it!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Kolkata (Calcutta)
A 2-hour drive back to Vijayawada and a flight to Hyderabad and on to Kolkata filled most of Saturday. Kolkata is another pollution filled city: to the lungs, ears and eyes. So many people, so many taxi's, and motorcycles. Movement everywhere all day long.
The Stadel was home for the next two nights. This small hotel is built into the bottom of an old 100,000 seat colloseum. The hotel itself is very unimpressive. Black water flowed from the tub for several minutes before cleaner water finally came through.
Brother Ashed came to Kolkata with us, as he lives in Kolkata and travels to and from Guntur. Sunday morning we left with Ashed early for a long day of driving. We briefly visited a new children's home: Ambassadors Kids Home. The same leader that runs the Keshiary Home runs this one. Only 10 younger children (ages 3-5) live in this one room home. The children are from local tribal villiages with unique language dialects. The goal is that these children will follow Christ and be able to take the Gospel back to their villages as they grow older. Our team were the first white people these children have ever seen!
Once giving a piece of candy to each of these young children we headed off to the Keshiary Children's Home. This is the home of that our sponsored child, Solomon, lives at. This visit is the main reason Tom and I wanted to come on this trip. Driving into the courtyard of the Keshiary Home and seeing Solomon in the crowd of children was a dream come true.
As I crawled out of the car and went to him, I said, "Solomon, we are your sponsors!" He, of course, had little idea as to what I just said. But over the next few hours he understood more clearly and before we left he even became a bit emotional as we prayed over him.
The Keshiary Home is home to 59 children; well adjusted, confident and happy children. The home was started in 2000 by Dr. and Mrs. Subimal Dutta. The Dutta' both former Hindus, came to the Keshiary area in order to share the Gospel tribes who have never heard the Truth. After some time they realized that there was real need to help orphans.
All of the children are sponsored by people from Christ the King Church. The church has also provided funding for some one-time needs such as: a water filter, a generator, water pump and tank, a cooking area and retaining wall.
We spent the afternoon playing games with the children, handling out a few gifts and letters from sponsors, enjoying wonderful food over lunch and praying with the children. A final hug with Solomon and we were once again on the road headed back to Kolkata.
The Stadel was home for the next two nights. This small hotel is built into the bottom of an old 100,000 seat colloseum. The hotel itself is very unimpressive. Black water flowed from the tub for several minutes before cleaner water finally came through.
Brother Ashed came to Kolkata with us, as he lives in Kolkata and travels to and from Guntur. Sunday morning we left with Ashed early for a long day of driving. We briefly visited a new children's home: Ambassadors Kids Home. The same leader that runs the Keshiary Home runs this one. Only 10 younger children (ages 3-5) live in this one room home. The children are from local tribal villiages with unique language dialects. The goal is that these children will follow Christ and be able to take the Gospel back to their villages as they grow older. Our team were the first white people these children have ever seen!
Once giving a piece of candy to each of these young children we headed off to the Keshiary Children's Home. This is the home of that our sponsored child, Solomon, lives at. This visit is the main reason Tom and I wanted to come on this trip. Driving into the courtyard of the Keshiary Home and seeing Solomon in the crowd of children was a dream come true.
As I crawled out of the car and went to him, I said, "Solomon, we are your sponsors!" He, of course, had little idea as to what I just said. But over the next few hours he understood more clearly and before we left he even became a bit emotional as we prayed over him.
The Keshiary Home is home to 59 children; well adjusted, confident and happy children. The home was started in 2000 by Dr. and Mrs. Subimal Dutta. The Dutta' both former Hindus, came to the Keshiary area in order to share the Gospel tribes who have never heard the Truth. After some time they realized that there was real need to help orphans.
All of the children are sponsored by people from Christ the King Church. The church has also provided funding for some one-time needs such as: a water filter, a generator, water pump and tank, a cooking area and retaining wall.
We spent the afternoon playing games with the children, handling out a few gifts and letters from sponsors, enjoying wonderful food over lunch and praying with the children. A final hug with Solomon and we were once again on the road headed back to Kolkata.
Guntur
Friday morning we were headed to the airport again. Our first flight took us to Bangalore and then on to Vijayawada where we met Brother Ashed. A two hour drive out of Vijayawada to Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, brought us to another hotel - Hotel Bajram. The countryside was full of rice fields, palm trees, small towns, and rural workers. Guntur is a smaller city, with crowded streets, beggars, homeless, small shops, and cows walking through the street. We sat on the hotel steps and watched the people move by on foot, small taxi's and rickshaws. As everywhere else in India - horns blowing constantly.
Later that afternoon, Ashed took us to the Sarah Children's Home. This small home on a side street in the middle of town was started by Rev. Benjamin Krupanithi, now in his 80's, in memory of his wife Sarah. It was her desire to help some of India's orphan children. This is a happy home with 37 children filling the rooms to capacity. Rev. John and Joyce Stephenson are the house parents - the kids call them "mommy and daddy." Pastor Benjamin is grandfather. There is laughter, fun and humor running through the fabric of this home.
The children were eager to entertain us with a program of dance, singing and reciting. We were presented with gifts, drawings, and warm smiles. I brought a craft for the kids to make - pinwheels using paper cutouts, a pencil and a push pin. They loved their bright yellow pinwheels. Then we played a balloon relay game in the small court yard. Laughter filled the warm evening air.
This was the happiest children's home I have ever visited.
The home has become too small for the number of children. A new building is under construction just outside of town. We visited this site on Saturday morning, along with all the children and Pastor Benjamin. There was plenty of open space for the kids to play games with us. It was all to soon before we had to say our good-byes.
Later that afternoon, Ashed took us to the Sarah Children's Home. This small home on a side street in the middle of town was started by Rev. Benjamin Krupanithi, now in his 80's, in memory of his wife Sarah. It was her desire to help some of India's orphan children. This is a happy home with 37 children filling the rooms to capacity. Rev. John and Joyce Stephenson are the house parents - the kids call them "mommy and daddy." Pastor Benjamin is grandfather. There is laughter, fun and humor running through the fabric of this home.
The children were eager to entertain us with a program of dance, singing and reciting. We were presented with gifts, drawings, and warm smiles. I brought a craft for the kids to make - pinwheels using paper cutouts, a pencil and a push pin. They loved their bright yellow pinwheels. Then we played a balloon relay game in the small court yard. Laughter filled the warm evening air.
This was the happiest children's home I have ever visited.
The home has become too small for the number of children. A new building is under construction just outside of town. We visited this site on Saturday morning, along with all the children and Pastor Benjamin. There was plenty of open space for the kids to play games with us. It was all to soon before we had to say our good-byes.
Chennai
Our host in Chennai was a delightful man by the name of Velu (Velayutham). By Thursday our team was more than ready to do something besides flying and eating. Velu met us right after breakfast, and we headed out to the Joy Children Home located just outside the city of Chennai.
The Joy Children Home was started in 2005 in memory of Dr. Joyce Scott. The home is governed, owned, and operated by Indian Christians. Christ the King Church sponsors the 29 children. Some are pure orphans and the rest are semi-orphaned. These children not only learn the Gospel, but are also challenged to share the Good News with family members when they go visit.
The children were lined up from smallest to tallest, dressed in their best clothes, waiting to greet us with bright smiles. Everyone wanted to shake our hands. After a brief tour of their sleeping and eating quarters we gathered in their little chapel. As their honored guests we were seated up front, given huge neckles of flowers and other gifts. The children sang songs, danced and recited verses for us (Psalm 1, 23 and 91).
Afterwards we all went outside (85 degrees) and played games with the children. They were all a happy group of children. Lots of laughter and competitiveness. Lots of huges and waves good-byes.
Later that afternoon, Velu took us to see a Hindu temple, the tomb of St. Thomas, and the beach. The temple was huge and brought a sense of darkness around it. Velu would not go near the temple - as he grew up Hindu and knows the spiritual darkness represented in the temple. We walked around it a bit - but in the end all agreed that there was no pleasure in viewing these useless gods.
The Tomb of St. Thomas was more uplifting than the Hindu temple. The disciple, Thomas, went to southern Indian and spread the Gospel of Christ, living in Chennai at the end of his life. His tomb is located in a Catholic church - simple and yet profound to see the resting place of one who walked with Jesus.
The beach at Chennai is the second longest in the world (Miami is the first). We walked on the beach where over 7,000 people were washed away and killed in the recent Tsunami. Velu showed us how far up the waters came that Sunday morning. It was a sobering experience to stand there.
Dinner was on the 20th floor of a business building in Chennai. Opened to evening air, surround by a flowing water pond, over looking the city. The air was warm and the food was very good.
It was also good to be in the same hotel for a second night in a row!
The Joy Children Home was started in 2005 in memory of Dr. Joyce Scott. The home is governed, owned, and operated by Indian Christians. Christ the King Church sponsors the 29 children. Some are pure orphans and the rest are semi-orphaned. These children not only learn the Gospel, but are also challenged to share the Good News with family members when they go visit.
The children were lined up from smallest to tallest, dressed in their best clothes, waiting to greet us with bright smiles. Everyone wanted to shake our hands. After a brief tour of their sleeping and eating quarters we gathered in their little chapel. As their honored guests we were seated up front, given huge neckles of flowers and other gifts. The children sang songs, danced and recited verses for us (Psalm 1, 23 and 91).
Afterwards we all went outside (85 degrees) and played games with the children. They were all a happy group of children. Lots of laughter and competitiveness. Lots of huges and waves good-byes.
Later that afternoon, Velu took us to see a Hindu temple, the tomb of St. Thomas, and the beach. The temple was huge and brought a sense of darkness around it. Velu would not go near the temple - as he grew up Hindu and knows the spiritual darkness represented in the temple. We walked around it a bit - but in the end all agreed that there was no pleasure in viewing these useless gods.
The Tomb of St. Thomas was more uplifting than the Hindu temple. The disciple, Thomas, went to southern Indian and spread the Gospel of Christ, living in Chennai at the end of his life. His tomb is located in a Catholic church - simple and yet profound to see the resting place of one who walked with Jesus.
The beach at Chennai is the second longest in the world (Miami is the first). We walked on the beach where over 7,000 people were washed away and killed in the recent Tsunami. Velu showed us how far up the waters came that Sunday morning. It was a sobering experience to stand there.
Dinner was on the 20th floor of a business building in Chennai. Opened to evening air, surround by a flowing water pond, over looking the city. The air was warm and the food was very good.
It was also good to be in the same hotel for a second night in a row!
Pictures from Delhi
Hotel Ramada Doorman
The roads were full of these
golf cart size taxis.
I kept smiling at this women tucked behind several men working. My reward for waiting and acknowledging her was this beautiful smile.
INDIA: February 8 - 16, 2010
God was gracious and allowed Tom and I to enjoy a trip with Kidstown International to India this month. Our 5 person team left from the Bellingham airport on Monday, February 8th. (Team: Matt Smith, Director of Kidstown International, Jerry Hop, Chuck Valley, Tom and I.)
Our first day was simply flying - and a lot of it. Bellingham to Seattle, Seattle to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Delhi. It was Tuesday night, almost Wednesday morning before we layed our heads down. Even late at night the traffic in Delhi was more than overwhelming. Three lanes often allowed for 5-6 lanes of traffic. The most noticeable and annoying aspect of traffic is the constant honking of horns. There seems to be no traffic rules - just go as fast as you can and honk your horn to get where you wish.
It was a little bit of a drive to get to our hotel, The Ramada. Our room was surprisingly pleasant. It was about 1:30 AM on Wednesday as we feel asleep. Up and ready for breakfast together at 9:30 AM. We enjoyed a little time to walk around outside. Just crossing the street in front of the hotel was a feat worth celebrating. We tried to fall in line with a few locals as they crossed. The area was mostly a business area, with lots of outdoor "offices" for notaries, lawyers, tax prepares, and court. Not a lot to look at. Can't even say it was nice to just be out in the fresh air - the pollution was thick, placing a thick haze over the city.
By noon we were back at the Delhi airport waiting for our next flight, which would take us to Chennai. By Wednesday evening we were settled into Hotel Breeze - a very nice hotel.
Very odd to drive into the hotel parking area and first have the vehicle checked for bombs, and then need to walk through a metal detector before entering the hotel. Guards with guns opening the doors for you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)