Today we visited Kalvari Nagar. It's located near Bethal Negar and was established in 1982. There are about 319 people including about 62 families living there. Many of the elderly still beg for an income. However, 225 of the individuals are employed and support the colony.
I was assigned to clip finger nails. Let's just say, I've considered suggesting safety goggles for the safety of myself, my patients, and the medical team after my experiences. We're using LARGE nail clippers which I'm sure you'll be able to see from the pictures I post. (I'm sorry they aren't always pictures on here right away. A lot of the pictures of myself are on other cameras, and a lot of my friends are on my camera). These nails are thicker than thick. They are gnarly. And they are tough. A couple of fingernails have flown down our shirts... it's been an adventure.
I met some cool kids today, and they love having their picture taken. They love selfies. I don't blame them. If I was as beautiful as them or had their brilliant white teeth, I'd want to look at pictures of myself too. I also met Tamilselvie. She's about fourteen and she'll be coming to play with us at Rising Star when it opens again for the new school year next week. Her English skill is amazing and my goodness she's beautiful. Many of the children and people here are so shy. We tell them they're beautiful and handsome and they blush and cover their faces. It's so cute.
I also had this great experience that basically melted my heart. We were waiting around for the okay to set up camp and mingling with the patients. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, this woman tackled me. Okay, she didn't tackle me. But she did take me by surprise. She grabbed my face and my hands and pulled me into her. She just hugged me and smiled like I was the most precious thing to her. In that moment, I felt so loved. And I love that dear woman. I'm so grateful that God gave me that experience here in India.
We also went to a second colony later on in the afternoon for a socializing trip. Dani, Jaclyn, and I met a young boy named Lotum and we played keep away "futbol". We were to perform a talent show of sorts which ended up being a lot of signing hymns and primary songs mixed in with some boot scoot boogie line dancing and and interesting mix of Taylor Swift's "22" with the macarena. It was awesome.
And to top everything off-- after the most glorious bucket shower of my life-- my new friends surprised me with a birthday cake at devotional. It read, "Happy Birthday Jeshi!"-- even though Ashley specifically wrote it out on paper for them. I didn't mind. I loved it.
This really has been the best birthday ever. I love India. I love having a purpose. I love doing something meaningful with my life. There's no where else I'd rather be than right here.
I won't be able to post for a little while. We're going on an overnight stay for a couple days outside of the wifi world. But when I return to Rising Star, I'll be sure to fill you in!
I was assigned to clip finger nails. Let's just say, I've considered suggesting safety goggles for the safety of myself, my patients, and the medical team after my experiences. We're using LARGE nail clippers which I'm sure you'll be able to see from the pictures I post. (I'm sorry they aren't always pictures on here right away. A lot of the pictures of myself are on other cameras, and a lot of my friends are on my camera). These nails are thicker than thick. They are gnarly. And they are tough. A couple of fingernails have flown down our shirts... it's been an adventure.
I met some cool kids today, and they love having their picture taken. They love selfies. I don't blame them. If I was as beautiful as them or had their brilliant white teeth, I'd want to look at pictures of myself too. I also met Tamilselvie. She's about fourteen and she'll be coming to play with us at Rising Star when it opens again for the new school year next week. Her English skill is amazing and my goodness she's beautiful. Many of the children and people here are so shy. We tell them they're beautiful and handsome and they blush and cover their faces. It's so cute.
I also had this great experience that basically melted my heart. We were waiting around for the okay to set up camp and mingling with the patients. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, this woman tackled me. Okay, she didn't tackle me. But she did take me by surprise. She grabbed my face and my hands and pulled me into her. She just hugged me and smiled like I was the most precious thing to her. In that moment, I felt so loved. And I love that dear woman. I'm so grateful that God gave me that experience here in India.
We also went to a second colony later on in the afternoon for a socializing trip. Dani, Jaclyn, and I met a young boy named Lotum and we played keep away "futbol". We were to perform a talent show of sorts which ended up being a lot of signing hymns and primary songs mixed in with some boot scoot boogie line dancing and and interesting mix of Taylor Swift's "22" with the macarena. It was awesome.
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| Lotum and Me |
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| Andrea and me with our friend Ambrose. He sang a beautiful song for us. |
And to top everything off-- after the most glorious bucket shower of my life-- my new friends surprised me with a birthday cake at devotional. It read, "Happy Birthday Jeshi!"-- even though Ashley specifically wrote it out on paper for them. I didn't mind. I loved it.
This really has been the best birthday ever. I love India. I love having a purpose. I love doing something meaningful with my life. There's no where else I'd rather be than right here.
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| Kendra, Andrea, Me, and Jaclyn |
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