We started the day with a rickshaw ride to work. It is still an interesting experience to flag down a riskshaw and get him to take you to where you want. For a reason that completely escapes me so many just say no. We thought maybe it was just us, but apparently that is the norm. Hetal told us that technically it is against the law to refuse a fare, but that won’t change anything. Fortunately for us, rickshaw no. 10 was our lucky number and we got a ride to work. It didn’t take anywhere near as long as we had anticipated so we arrived half an hour early. Under normal circumstances, arriving early at your workplace would be a good thing, but when that means that you are the only two white females standing around in front of the Golibar slum, it could be a little nerve wrecking. I decided to wait at a bus stop where I just felt a little safer instead of right in front of the office. After half an hour of witnessing the morning routines of lower class Mumbai, Hasina-gi arrived and we were let in.We enjoyed about an hour with Hasina-gi before Hetal arrived and I truly enjoyed how the language includes so many English words and yet it really doesn’t help me much in understanding the other 80% of what is said. But, with hands, feet, pen and paper we made due and exchanged some family pictures.
During the afternoon we got to visit a Children’s Center. It still hasn’t failed to amaze me how the simple fact of having your picture taken can amuse the kids so much. So many things about India are still a marvel to me. I think I have come over the initial absolute heart wrenching feeling that literally made me cry at night from seeing the incredible poverty of so many but I will never be able to accept it. You have to really guard yourself or you will be absorbed by the misery like a fungus absorbs its food, and to what avail? The fungus grew. Instead you must find the more difficult balance between remaining strong and at the same time caring. Turn the heart ache into productive ideas, such as the organization I am interning for.
After work, Hetal took us to Bandra and bought some really cute slippers. Bandra is the posher area of Mumbai and we could clearly tell the difference.
The day ended with another rickshaw ride home and our usual ½ minute shower so we can hurry up and email our families.
God is truly good to me.
Bonnie, your blog is just stirring up so many memories of our time in the PI. Like the little kids love getting their pictures taken, knowing they would never see the pictures at that time. And there we had to catch "jeepney" for transportation and they could somehow crowd 20-25 people in these little jeep like things. I am so happy you are working with ladies that you like and feeling like you are doing something. I look forward to your blogs every day. All is well here as far as I can tell. Let me know if you need to me to do anything.
ReplyDeleteBonnie -- I couldn't hardly wait to get home tonite to see if you had posted more -- I am so glad to be able to read your blog for many reasons, but esp because it gives me more specific ways to send prayers your way.
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