Back from Para...Perspectives overflowing.

 10/24/2011 10:45 am  Kolkata, India

I returned late last night from my time in Para and its outlying villages. Returned to a much needed shower; my bucket and pitcher bathing technique really needs some fine tuning!

 A truly mind opening, fulfilling experience to say the least. I am not sure there is any exact word to express my experience the past 4 days.  Some words that come to mind.....ultimately amazing, cultural, unbelievable, colorful, national geographic-esque,  picturesque,  heart wrenching, heartwarming, terrifying, humid, remote, isolated, acceptance, love, peace, family, mother-child connection, smiles, stares, resources, barriers, communication, language, survival, caring. dedication, commitment, unity,respect....such a vast array of observations and feelings continue to whirl in my head and heart. I have written down pages & pages in my journal about my experiences so I can share them with you along with many photos and stories as the days progress.


I will post again later with more specifics and pictures as I am still organizing it all in my head and in my computer. Just wanted to check in and let you know that I am back in Kolkata with many new perspectives about many aspects of life.  Love you all.

Maharaj and Monalisa

Inner and outer beauty.............

Awakenings

An unbelievable first day here.. First of all, I must write about ,Barbara Piner, the woman I am here with, she is someone beyond belief. She oozes selflessness, love & compassion for all. This is evident by the people throughout the grounds of the Ramakrishna Mission Narendepur. She is greeted with smiles of love & respect. An amazing heartwarming feeling to be by her side during my journey here. Please look up her organization, ASTI (American Service to India) asti1.org for a glimpse of her work here in India. Also, for you "facebookers", you can follow her organization there with updates & pictures....so please "friend her" while I am here so I can tell her who you are & how special you are to me.  I believe it is under ASTI AMERICAN SERVICE TO INIDA . (and just so you know, my wall of resistance to facebook is weakening as I see what an amazing tool of communication it can be if used correctly....perhaps when I return, you will see me as "your friend".
Today, I met many people who will be influential in my journey here. The Maharaj, Swami Suparnananda, a spiritual leader, a kind, selfless man, a man of great organization, good sense of humor, the principal of the college here (college is 10-12th grade)...a truly repected and loved man here.  Also, met 3 beautiful women today.  2 of the women Ranjana Sengupta and Bharti Bakshi,are from an organization called Nanritam (www.nanritam.org)," an organization with a mission to provide basic education, health-care, livelihood avenues to all the deprived. Nanritam's vision is to see the under priviledged wake up and live a healthy, purposeful, and active life they can command themselves....free of the shackles of poverty, ill health and illiteracy."
This is the organization that I will be traveling with today, October 20th, to the village of Para for 4 days.
Ranjana and Bharti brought along a special guest, a beautiful 11 year old girl named Monalisa. She is an orphan from the slums in Northern Kolkata approximately 2 1/2  hours away from the mission.  She came to dance for the Maharaj; she is seen as exceptional talent for her age. She danced for us.....a vision of beauty as her love for dance was strikingly communicated through her eyes and fluid body movements....her sweet voice of song truly melts the heart....Instant Love for me!! (photos to follow)
So many stories already for the first day....so much to share with you all.
I will be gone for the next 4 days so it is very unlikely that I will be posting until my return.  I will be journaling in order keep my mind vivid with all these special moments. Thus far, a lot to take in......but as most of you know my mantra. on this journey is....."no expectations, just embarce the moment"

Good Morning India

Good Morning India.....

Arrived safe and on time last night after 3 easy flights.

Greeted at the airport by Barbara with open arms.....

Looking forward to what the day brings....so, far....sun, coffee,

warmth, and an overwhelming feeling of peace. 

Much more later.....

"In Singapore"

Tuesday, Oct 18th  11:20 am
Arrived in Singapore, a relatively short flight from Hong Kong....only a tad bit over 3 hours.
Looks overcast and 82 degrees already this morning.
Taking the Cultural Tour this afternoon....
Right now, roaming the airport in search of lockers for backpack and transit hotel for shower & nap
prior to flight to Kolkata at 9:00pm.

Arrived in Hong Kong

Arrived in Hong Kong !!
It is now Tuesday, Oct 18th .....A whole day fanished while sleeping.
(Cinzia- if you are following this.....I have yet to run into our friend,  Julian. :)

Take off for Singapore in about 1 hour......

Boarding Pass to India

And.....I'm off to India. Well, that is in an hour and a half.

Sitting at SFO watching the day turn from Sunday to Monday.

Flight leaves here at 1:20 am......and 12 hours later I arrive in Hong Kong, however, it will be Tuesday the 18th at 6:35 am in Hong Kong. Amazing how a day just disappears !!

From there....to Singapore with an 11 hour layover.

At 9 pm on 10/18 will depart Singapore for Kolkata arrivingg at 10:45pm where my India journey begins......