First day in Kolkata, India... oh what a day

20+ hours on the plane, and finally it landed around midnight last night/early this morning. As soon as the plane touched the ground, I could see the condensation building on the windows, due to the humidity. Stepping out of the plane felt as if I was stepping in front of a hot wind jet. Within seconds I flet sweat building between my toes and sandals, although it was fairly cool outside. and still the weather isn't as bad (just a little humid : but it's been raining here and there). I got a prepaid taxi to take me to Hotel Circular last nightand was extremely disapointed on how ripped off I got. The driver told me some crap about an additional 400 Rps ontop of my prepaid 210 Rps. I aruged throughout the ride with him about this. When I arrived at my destination the cab driver continued to yell at me as if I haven't paid and I continued arguing but needless to say, as a foreinger traveling alone I surrendered and was scammed horribly and knowingly (many others confirmed that i did also). Hotel Circular was locked (it was 12:30am) but i knocked and they let me in. My room was real nice but extremely expensive for my budgeting for a summer's trip in India. I only slept for less than 2 hours. I woke up early at 1: 50 and couldn't get back to bed so finally rolled out at 3; repacked, showered, and left at 5am to find my way to the Mother House which was somewhere close down the street.
When I arrived at the alley or the large white building there was no doubt in my mind I was at the right place; Mother House. I could hear the sisters singing for morning prayers and I came up to join them and stayed for mass at 6 am. Celebrating mass was so comforting. In the midst of my kolkata chaos and feeling alone, was the familiarity of a Catholic Mass celebration which made me feel at home. I felt as if God was speaking to me directly throught the readings today, “for the sake fo Christ, when I am weak, then I am strong.” These words played through my head. Calling me to humble myself so Christ can be strong through me. I wanted so much to be in control and worried about the unnessesary things but God was tellnig me again that He’s with me and will guide my trip. “Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself.” So I let go and let God worked through me today. After mass I had bananan and bread for breakfast with the volunteers and was assigned to help at Daya Dan an orphanage.
When I arrived, I choose to work on the top floor with beautiful orphans that were challenged mentally. And I’m not gonna lie, I felt absolutely lost in what I was suppose to do for a good 20 minutes. The local that volunteered were pointing here and there but nothing made sense but something came over me and within a minute change, I felt that I knew what I needed to be doing. The other volunters were cleaning the cribs and the local volunters were bathing the children. So I helped carry each child and prepared them to be brushed, bathed, and clothed. Afterwards I carried them to a room for physical therapy. The orphans I was with were from ages six to lower teen years. They all were fairly thin, very few could walk, and some had popbellies. I got to help exercise their legs and build leg muscles. Along with just rubbing their bellies and singing to these beautiful children to sooth their cry. There was a gorgious young girl, that seemed not only to have been mentally challenged but also a burnt victim, she was standing on my toes and we were dancing across the floor. God always seem to lighten my heart through children, always always. I helped the MC sisters with other duties such as carry woodwoven mats from one end of the building to the other and prepare the meal for the children, mushing the food with our hands. I never felt so selfless but at the same time feeling so fulfilled. God has been so good to me and has shown me immense love through these beloved children. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to grow in love. Thank you everyone who made this possible for me. Today I moved my stay from Hotel Circular to Sudder Street at Hotel Paragon. Rather than paying 1200 Rps per night I now pay 80 Rps ($2 US dollars). I’m dorming with 4 others for a week and may change over when Caitlin and Briana arrives in Kolkata. I had my first meal (lunch) today at Fresh and Juicy. It was spectacular! I’m still in total disbelief that I’m in Kolkata, India. The poverty here is immense. People lying almost completely naked all over the streets. People bathe and go to the bathroom on the sidewalk, stray dogs and cattles of goats roam the streets, and people dumping their trash out after the market. I’m honestly being challegned in all my senses and I got to say… I LOVE IT! I only wish that I could share this experience with someone. Pray for me, as I for you.

Prayer: Creator and most loving father, I long to be something beautiful for you but I am weak in my selfishness and fear of uncertainty. May you help transform this fear of uncertainty into a will-full surrender of love, so I may satiate your thrist for souls that are selflessly lovign, giving and joyful. Blessed Mother Mary, in the midst of all the chaos, may you help keep my eyes fixed on the greater glory of your dearly beloved Son, who suffered for the attonment of our sins.