Making sense of it all in Kolkata: Adrienne

Well, if you've been reading older posts, you've seen a lot of things that we all experienced while in India.  I am truly thankful for having the opportunity to go on this trip.  I know that it has changed me forever, even more than my other life experiences combined.  But I guess we all continue to grow through those types of experiences.

The team members were truly a blessing.  Everyone had a positive attitude throughout the trip and we all shared lots of laughs.  I feel much closer to my fellow India travelers after all that we experienced together.

So Brad and Shelley have talked about feeling overstimulated in Kolkata and some of the darker areas we visited.  The thing that weighs on my heart is that Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving and helping the people of Kolkata, and yet there is still so much that needs to be done.  So many people who are in need!  It makes me feel overwhelmed with sadness and feel defeated before I have even begun.  But I think of her strong faith and the faith of others in my life.  Even when their circumstances are overwhelming, their faith is strong.  It gives me courage to continue to be hopeful and strength through prayer.  The work of Smiriti with Mudpath Ministries, and Isaiah and Ananth at the Rajah Children's Home gives hope and love to so many people.  I constantly remind myself of the power of one.  One person, one people, one God.  Even if we can make a difference in one person's life; even if we can bring one person to Christ... powerful.

I was moved by the overwhelming love the children showed for us.  Everyone wanted to touch us and shake our hands.  But after a while it sort of felt like they were touching us in hopes of receiving some kind of blessing.  Almost like we were Idols.  It left a weird feeling for me.  

One of the unusual experiences we witnessed was a Communist Party Rally while in Kolkata. There were communist bars and flags all over the city.  The communist flag was frequently seen painted on the sides of buildings.  Cars would drive around town blaring out messages for the party.  The party actually "buys" people for the day to go vote during elections.  Very different from what we are used to in America.

In reflection of my time in Kolkata, I'd say I felt a lot of tension among the people.  Stress of the people's daily life and tension between the Muslim and Hindu people.  I guess I felt more aware of my surroundings and how people looked at me.  

The airport in Kolkata was interesting too!  Not too heavy on security in terms of checking your passport and checking in at the gate, but there were a lot of armed guards on the premises.  Kind of scary to be in line at security and have a guard loading a clip for his assault rifle right next to you!  Kolkata is beautiful from the airplane view.  So green and lush.  You can't see how cluttered and littered the streets are, but you can see the extreme population density.