Kolkata

After a gorgeous Himalayan trek with Kenny in Nepal, I've been in India a bit over a week now, experiencing the incredible combination of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.  I arrived in the thick of Kali puja-a festival for the god of destruction. Loud music and fireworks abounded, heavy spiritual atmosphere, as did beautiful lights lining the paths, women dressed in their finest of saris, the feeling of celebration and richness of community in the air.  Pandals- temples created just for puja time- are around every corner, usually blaring Bollywood music.

I visited some temples the first night of my homestay, with the mother and her daughter. The largest, and only one we actually entered, had an hour-long cue to get in. Once in, I couldn't help but be reminded of a Halloween haunted house with people dress up in skeleton costumes wielding large knives, other live scenes on the way into the main room, which had a massive Kali statue- and as my host mom pointed out-images of a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, Buddhist all worshipping Kali. Quite intense! I find it interesting that Kali puja, Halloween, and Dia de Los Muertos all are celebrated around the end of October/beginning of November. 

In other news, my host family has been great, more than generous as they warmly welcome me into their small living quarters (even sharing the one bed, with mom and daughter), sharing their delicious food (mainly roti, rice, potato curry, and dal/lentils), and patiently engaging with me and my limited Bangla (Bengali). I have been pleased, however, that they speak more English than expected. We've had 'Bang-lish' convos about very thing from arranged marriages to the prime minister, puja traditions to names of foods. There is also more greenery than expected, with coconut trees nearby and banana and mango trees that they've planted in the area around the house.  The house is along a canal, surrounded by many other similar one-room houses.  I am also near a Servants team member, who has kindly helped oriented me to life in the slum and Kolkata in general.
Early in the week, we went to visit Mother Teresa's house/Missionaries of Charity, with its museum, Mama T's (as she's called) bedroom, and tomb.  We spent some time in the beautiful simple sanctuary with other nuns--a sacred space in the midst of Kolkata's chaotic streets.

I've also enjoyed time with servants team members, Kenny, and time with other ex-pats at a new home church.  As expected, besides trying to learn Bangla,, I'm learning to be, to listen, to intercede,  to humbly accept help and advice, to move slower, take the Bengali afternoon nap, and draw close to God in this time.  I welcome your ongoing prayers.