Sitting outside the NASA office on a beautiful Tuesday in August I sit back and watch as this crow repeatedly dives down at an innocent cat wandering through the boys’ campus. While I’ve seen more well fed cats in the states, this was no kitten by any means. I would be amazed to see how this crow planned to finally bring down his prey.
My first two days at Light of Love have been fruitful and entertaining. I spent the majority of yesterday setting up the room where I will stay for the next five months. Equipped with my own kitchen and American style toilet, I have more available to me than I could have expected. My biggest obstacle was trying to convince them that it’s not normal to cohabitate with bats. A losing battle I’m afraid…. According to everyone here, it’s common for them to fly around inside, and only American bats will bite. At least if they turn out to be wrong, I can say “I told you so!” And at night, I have mosquito netting to keep them from bothering me while I sleep.
Fully prepared to combat the wretched ants, I came prepared this year with Tupperware to store all of my cereal and snacks. I won’t be sharing with them or the rats anymore! Sorry for your loss of M&Ms Mom!
Before spending my evening with the 500 plus children here, I was able to walk with Premdas as he fulfilled his daily exercise requirement. We left the campus gates to walk alongside an Indian highway, rest at a local coffee shop/restaurant and continued through the local village, stopping shortly at an all girls’ school. He spent the time joking and sharing insights into the Indian culture.
Yesterday, I spent with Premdas and my laptop. He is such an amazing storyteller. Stories I hope to keep in my heart as a reminder of the struggles of India. The most incredible part is that his tales are all experiences from a life really lived in India. He has seen it all. Even in just two days, I have seen person after person come through the Light of Love campus for a moment of time to plead their case. I never see him turn anyone away. No matter what funds he has available, he calls into his office for them to write another check. I’ve never seen faith like his where he gives, trusting solely that God will provide in time. Even to me, who could be accused of having a charmed life in comparison to anyone I’ve met here in India, he offers his whole-hearted assistance.
I have been gathering information about the MACS program for women’s micro financing and learning more about the fundraising of some of my fellow Westsiders. In my short time here, I am already beginning to get ideas of my own. Premdas shared his heart for education and the great need for assistance in local dalits who do not have the financing available in their families to support themselves. He doesn’t wish to overburden any one person with all of the financial needs of India. Therefore, his hope is that someone new will take on this separate cause. Join me in prayer as I decide if God is calling me to help fulfill this need. Having begun my career as a teacher, I have the same desire as Premdas to see everyone better themselves and further their education into college and graduate school. As it is not likely I will live in India for the rest of my life, I have been searching for my way to make a difference from home.
Kim, Enjoyed hearing about what your doing there and how your faith is propelling you to pursue the needs of India.
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