Pathways to Children: India

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Our Journey Ends

When we arrived in Calcutta ten days ago, a number of us arrived without our luggage. But we quickly learned that you don't need luggage when you come to India. We learned that when you come to India, if you want to appreciate the experience to the fullest, you need to bring only 6 things – your eyes, your ears, your nose, your taste buds and, most importantly, your heart and your soul.

The people of India are very beautiful people. They are warm and they love to serve, just for the joy they bring in serving. They love India and are very proud of their homes and families. They invite you into their homes as if you were a part of their family from birth, and you feel that way.

Now, since we must close the suitcases, it's time to go. These blog postings describe only a small fraction of what we've experienced. It represents the most memorable moments, but we've had countless adventures, encounters, conversations and good fun.

For ten days in India we provided what well-intentioned service we could as we took advanced courses in culture, religion, sociology, philosophy, geography, history, language, political science, astrology, math, medicine, psychology, demographics, time management and crisis management. There were pop quizzes every day. It was quite an education.

We are tired, we are dirty, we are tattered and torn, we are burned out, but we are happy. We had been warned that a Pathways to Children trip to India would change our lives forever. Our lives have been changed forever.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010: The Children of Sishu Kshema Bhavan

Wednesday morning the group woke early for the drive to Kanjirapally, the location of the original orphanage behind the home of Elizabeth and Rajin. Their home, and the orphanage, are located on land that has been in Rajin's family for generations. We visited with Elizabeth and Rajin in their home and had a chance to meet their ambitious son, Zach. Zach is currently working in the spice trade but is interested pursuing a career in public accounting. We then got a tour of the grounds around their home, where they grow fruits and spices for the orphanage. Furniture for the orphanage was being built in the building next to the home.

We moved on to the orphanage. The orphanage is home to approximately 30 children right now. Many of the children in the orphanage have already been adopted but are awaiting completion of the paperwork to move to their new homes.

This was a special day for Sophie - her first time back to the place she was loved and cared for as a baby. Many of the orphanage staff remembered Sophie as a baby so many years ago.

The day was spent working and playing with the children. It was wonderful to see the loving care the children receive at Shishu Kshema Bhavan.

We enjoyed lunch at Elizabeth and Rajin's home, but the real treat was the outdoor buffet followed by a martial arts performance. Thank you to Elizabeth, Rajin and Zach for such a wonderful day but, more importantly, thank you for all you do for the children of Sishu Kshema Bhavan.