staying close to the throne

So, i've officially begun adjusting to Kolkata...and by adjust...i mean being horribly sick. (beth says the first couple weeks are really tough on the body...but it gets better after that). Tuesday night in the middle of the night i started to realize that things were not okay in the intestinal department. i was up a few times in the night...but felt good enough to go to Prem Don in the morning. So off i went...unfortunately by 10 i was on a downward slope, and by noon (when it was time to go anyway) i was really to get outta there and get to my bed. We stopped for lunch, and then i we went home. It was 2:45ish when i got in bed...and from then until 8 in the morning my routine was drink, sleep, bathroom, repeat...over and over...and over! Things were calming down in the next day, though still a little sketchy, but by last night i was really feeling better. so...round 1 is done! (Hallelujah!) i didn't think you could drink so much water you'd get sick of it.

In the mornings the volunteers going to all the different Missionaries of Charity homes meet for breakfast and a prayer at the Mother House. Its a good time to get to know other volunteers, and also a good way to be sure to get to the place you mean to go.

I've served 2 days at Prem Don now...and thoroughly enjoyed both. from 8-10 we do laundry (all by hand). There were about 15 of us working...and it still takes so long. We stomp on it in soapy water, scrub, wring it out, then put it through 3 rinses before ringing it out REALLY well, and carrying it up 3 flights of stairs to the roof to dry. I enjoy the work - and its been good to begin getting to know some of the other volunteers. There are all sorts of people here - for all different reasons...from all different countries...with many different faiths, or lack thereof. As a team we talked about the incredible ministry opportunities there are just among the volunteers. I've met a woman named Trish from Australia. I wouldn't guess that she is a follower of any organized religion...so, you can pray for my time with Trish. She'll be leaving next Wednesday (she's been here two months).

I also met a sweet lady, Miriam (i'd guess she's about my age). She's from Long Island and is studying to be a nurse, and working as a flight attendant. She worships at a Catholic church...and has such a sweet spirit, and is an encouragement! I look forward to talking with her more...and i think working with her too.

As i've spent time at Prem Don, i'm amazed by the power of touch. when you walk in the room, it doesn't take long for someone to invite you to sit near them, and just hold their hand, or rub their back. And while i can't understand much of what they're saying (yet), its incredible to just sit and be with them...and love them! And...i wonder what their lives have held until now. Yesterday i fed lunch to a woman who is so emaciated, i wouldn't have been too surprised if she wasn't there any longer today (she was). And to serve her was one of the most beautiful and humbling moments of my life. I can't put it into words at all...the power of those moments. I think that its something you have to experience to fully understand. I wish i could explain it better...i just can't.

I've also really enjoyed getting to know the team, and the full time WMF staff. I'm really excited for Karli to arrive...(she comes tomorrow morning!)...then we'll be complete! The guys are really incredible - they watch out for me, and are quick to offer help. I'm thankful for them...even though we don't know each other too well, their character is clear!

Beth Sarah and Kristen are amazing. its good to talk with them...and to begin sharing my heart with them...and to hear theirs. I feel like i've met some more women with the same heart as mine...to share the same perspective...to have the same passions...its easy to be with them. I already feel very known, I'm looking forward to the friendships that i'll continue to form with them. It's also been fun as a team to share different resources, and books and knowledge that we've gained...since we're all pretty passionate about this justice/oppression thing...

I've discovered that i really traveling in the mornings and in the evenings (which is good cause i'll be doing it a lot). The streets are less busy, and i think even the change in lighting, but twice now, i've been riding in an auto-rickshaw (a motorcycle with a little carriage attached...i'll try to get a pic...) and there's been music playing in the rickshaw...and as we drive down the street and i watch the people living, and the mixture of new cars, and old carts, and washing, and vendors, and bicycles, i just think to myself, "I love this!" In the midst of all the busy-ness, and crowds, noise and smells - there is something simple and beautiful that i love about Kolkata!